AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A RIVER

An Investigation Into The Characteristics Of A River

Overall Aim:

My overall aim is to discover how a river changes in characteristics as it moves downstream.

Hypotheses:

My first hypothesis is “The width of the river will increase as you move further away from the source”.
My second hypothesis is “The depth of the river will increase as you move further away from the source”.

Null Hypotheses:

My first null hypothesis is “There is no relationship between width and distance from the source”.
My second null hypothesis is “There is no relationship between depth and distance from the source”.

Data that i need:

I will need to collect data on the width of the river at several intervals downstream.
I will need to collect data on the depth of the river at several intervals downstream.

How i intend to get the data:

Width: I will collect the data on width of the river by passing a tape measure across the river to another member of my group who will read the tape measure and inform me of the reading. I will then record the reading on a specially created data collection form and repeat this at different intervals down the river.
Depth: I will collect the data on the depth of the river by wading half way across the river with a meter stick and placing it on the bed and recording ...

How i intend to get the data:

Width: I will collect the data on width of the river by passing a tape measure across the river to another member of my group who will read the tape measure and inform me of the reading. I will then record the reading on a specially created data collection form and repeat this at different intervals down the river.
Depth: I will collect the data on the depth of the river by wading half way across the river with a meter stick and placing it on the bed and recording what height the water reaches on the stick. I will then record this reading on my form and repeat the procedure at both quartiles in the river to work out the average depth at that point of the river. I will then repeat this at different intervals down the river.

Why choose to sample:

The river channel constantly changes and no two sections are the same, but data collection at each river site is slow and demanding. A number of sites should be chosen as this balances time and effort collecting data with accuracy. This also gives a sufficient sample to allow variations to be shown and to use the statistical test known as Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient.

What method of sampling i will use:

Systematic sampling: This involves the selection of data using a pre-determined interval. As with all sampling methods, this process can involve points, areas, lines or belts, e.g. it may involve interviewing every second household along a street or studying soil at every 10m interval along a hill slope transect.

Why:

This method is relatively simple, easy to employ and allows for well organised data collection in the field.
It is particularly appropriate for studies which require an even coverage over time or distance, as it affords the researcher a degree of control over the data selection process.

What equipment i will use and how i intend to use it:

Measuring Tape – I will use this to measure the width of the river.
Meter Stick – I will use this to measure the depth of the river.
Specially Created Data Collection Form – I will use this as a place to take down my findings.
Camera – I will use this to visually record each site.
Pen/Pencil – I will use one of these to write down my findings.
Rain Mac – I will use this in the event of a rain storm.
Wellington Boots – I will use these to wade into the river to record the depth.
Mobile Phone – I will use this in the event of an accident.

Safety measures needed and why:

Make sure to wear appropriate footwear – as you might lose your footing on unstable ground.
Bring a mobile phone – as if anything happens you will be able to use it to phone for help.
Make sure you are accompanied by a responsible adult at all times – as he/she will be able to tell you if what you are doing/planning to do is appropriate.
Wear appropriate (warm) clothing – so as not to get cold when doing your sampling.
Bring a rain mac – so as to not get wet if or when it starts to rain.
Warn farmers if you intend to be on their land – so as not to get in trouble if they find you there without permission.