During this trip, and whilst we were recording data, there were problems which were encountered amongst methods, results and therefore the conclusions. The first one we came across was the longshore drift survey part.

A poor method was when we only received one cork and we were asked to record longshore drift data at two locations. This meant that only one of the two locations would be used, meaning that the results were not accurate overall making the conclusion questionable again for the longshore drift survey section.

With the groyne measurements, the most accurate data available was not obtained due to safety reasons, because it would not be safe to climb onto a slippery groyne and take measurements, therefore the most accurate estimates of the groyne measurements were recorded. This was the fault in the method leading to inaccurate results as they were largely based on accurate as possible estimates. Despite this, a conclusion was made, which matched predictions we had made, meaning the data could be pretty accurate.

There were limitations during the day which led to the best results possible in all categories not being obtained. There was not enough time I felt as there were some tasks which could not be completed on the day, such as the measurements of the beach and the study area, or time to repeat a couple of methods to gain the best possible results. Another limitation was not being able to go onto the top of the groyne to record data, but this is a good limitation as it is keeping our safety in mind.

If this entire study was to be repeated, I would want to spend more time on all of it to get the most accurate results, to get a more accurate conclusion. As well as this, the methods used to find out data for some of the sections would have to be altered to make it better. If the methods were altered for the better, for e.g. we are given two corks and made to repeat some of the results, then more accurate data would be acquired to result in a more accurate conclusion. As well as this, not only would I want to spend more time on the practical side of the study, but also spend more time on this write-up to put the data recorded into good words and to make it as good as possible. The final matter that I would want to do if I were to do it again is to go to another coastline area and take exactly the same data as from Folkestone to compare them thoroughly as well as taking pictures to see visually how Folkestone compares to other coastlines, as well as similarities between the two.

Overall, I feel this all has been pretty successful despite the inaccuracies.

                    Niral Patel  

                          10D