Describe the Underlying Theory Concept or Issue Which Formed the Basis of Your Enquiry

Describe the underlying theory concept or issue which formed the basis of your enquiry (6)

Our aim was to investigate how channel characteristics change downstream along the river Tillingbourne. Our hypothesis was that as distance from source increases, discharge, velocity and depth would increase and gradient would decrease. We based our hypothesis on the Bradshaw theory, which shows how river characteristics can change downstream from source to mouth. Discharge increases due to more surface run off and tributaries joining the river, this increases the capacity of the river, giving it more energy. This results in more lateral erosion taking place causing the gradient to decrease.  

Describe the purpose of your enquiry (5)

Our aim was to investigate how channel characteristics change downstream along the river Tillingbourne. We based our hypothesis on the Bradshaw model, which states that as the distance increases from source to mouth discharge, velocity, width and depth increase and gradient decreases. One purpose of our enquiry was to test our hypothesis against the Bradshaw theory. Another purpose was that it gave us a greater understanding of our topic on rivers, for example at the source of the river vertical erosion is the dominate process due to gradient and towards middle course of the river lateral erosion is more dominate. We carried out our enquiry to collect primary data, analyse it and use it to write our unit two exam.

Using specific examples from your fieldwork, describe the risk assessment you undertook in relation to your enquiry (5)

One risk was slips and trips for example at Abinger bottom which is located at the source of the river was really muddy with uneven ground. This could result in member of my group falling over and sustaining injuries. One way we prevented this from occurring was by wearing wellies with extra grip and making sure not to run, taking care with each step. Another risk was exposure to waterborne diseases such as weils disease. We prevented this by making sure not to drink from the river, covering up any cuts or wounds and washing our hands before we ate

State the aim of your investigation and describe one method of data collection with the aim (6)

Our aim was to investigate how channel characteristics change downstream along the river Tillingbourne. One method of data we collected was float velocity. First we measured out 10m along the river bank with a measuring tape. One member of my group stood at one end of the tape in the river and another at the other end. Making sure that we face the current the first member furthest up the river dropped the cork further up the river, allowing the cork to gain velocity. As the cork passed the first member I started the stop watch and stopped it when it reached the end of the tape where the second member caught it. I then recorded our result on the checkboard and we repeated this three times.