Fieldwork

Fieldwork

1. Aims

   • How do channel variables change downstream?
   • Why do these change?
   • To investigate downstream changes along Glenderaterra Beck when compared to the Bradshaw model.
   • Hypotheses
     • Increase in velocity
     • Increase in hydraulic radius
     • Decrease in bed load size

2. Location

   • Blencathra
   • Steep relief
   • Geology of Skiddaw slate, which has a high run off.
   • All three sites are located at, or just after a confluence.
     • Stream orders 1 ,2 and 3
   • Catchment area of 11km
   • Why was the location suitable for the study?
     • Lake District
       • Many rivers to choose from.
       • High amount of rainfall
       • Experiences orographic rainfall
       • Average yearly rainfall is 1499mm
     • Why sites 1,2,3?
       • Wanted stream orders of 1,2,3 as at each confluence, more water is being added and therefore a bigger discharge which more obviously shows changes downstream.
       • Easy access to site as it was safe enough without having to stray too far from a path.
       • All sites were on public land, therefore no trespassing.
       • All sites were located within a short distance from each other therefore could be done on the same day in the same conditions.
       • All sites were located within a close proximity to the place in which we stayed, the Blencathra centre.

3. Hazards/risks

   • Hazard: Deepwater
     • Risk: Drowning
       • How to reduce the risk? Don't go in if deeper than the height of your wellies as you could be swept off your feet.
         • How does this affect your method of data collection? May not be able to access middle/lower course. So were not gathering data over the whole course.
   • Hazard: Steep sided valley
     • Risk: Falling and slipping down
       • How to reduce the risk? Stick to the path, don't go towards the edge, wear sensible shoes.
   • Hazard: Cold water
     • Risk: Hypothermia
       • How to reduce the risk? Wear waterproof and warm clothes.
         • How does this affect your method of data collection? The investigation would have to be abandoned and would have to be restarted due to changes in conditions.
   • Hazard: Cold temperature
     • Risk: Hypothermia
       • How to reduce the risk? Wear lots of layers of warm clothing.
         • How does this affect your method of data collection? The investigation would have to be abandoned and would have to be restarted due to changes in conditions.
   • Hazard: Weil's disease
     • Risk: Become ill
       • How to reduce the risk? Wash/clean your hands.
   • Hazard: Uneven/loose bedload
     • Risk: Falling/slipping /drowning
       • How to reduce the risk? Wear suitable footwear such as walking boots or wellies and place 1 foot before going all in.
   • Hazard: Velocity of beck
     • Risk: Swept over/falling/ drowning
       • How to reduce the risk? Place something into the water, just below the surface to feel how powerful the water is before entering.
         • How does this affect your method of data collection? May not be able to access middle/lower course. So were not gathering data over the whole course.

4. Measurements

   • Wet width
     • Method: Using a tape measure, place ends on each side of the river banks. Hold it tight, and avoid overhanging rock. Take measurements using fibre glass tape measurements in metres.
   • Wet depth
   • Velocity
   • Wetted perimeter
   • Bedload size and shape

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