The Fieldwork Report
Coastal Enquiry Data Presentation
- Data presentation can take many forms
Primary Data
- Much of the primary data collected in a coastal enquiry will be presented in the form of graphs
- Each type of graph is suitable for particular data sets
- The graphs also may have strengths and limitations
- Suitable graphs include:
- Line graphs which show continuous changes in data over time for instance:
- Traffic flows
- Population Change
- Height of sediment (groyne profile)
- Bar graphs to show data through rectangles that are drawn to a certain length (height
- Number of people in certain locations
- Sediment size along a transect
- Scattergraphs to show either a positive or negative relationship between two variables plotted onto a graph
- Sediment size and beach gradient
- Wave count and time
- Line graphs which show continuous changes in data over time for instance:
Worked example
Using the data in Figure 5a, complete Figure 5b below for measurements 1 and 4 (2)
| Site | Mean shingle size (mm) |
| 1 | 21.1 |
| 2 | 16.0 |
| 3 | 14.1 |
| 4 | 10.0 |
| 5 | 30.1 |
- Answer:
- Award 1 mark for each correct bar
- To be awarded the mark for the first bar, the line must be drawn between 21-22
- The second bar needs to be right on the line
- Shading is not required
Mark an x in the box on Figure 5b which represents the site with the anomalous result (1)
- One mark for an ‘x’ in box 5 (1)
Suggest one possible explanation for this anomaly (2)
- Award 1 mark for an initial reason, and a further mark for extension of this point
- E.g. Human error with the equipment used to measure sediment /calculation of the mean/selection of the sample to be measured (1) which meant that the sediment appeared bigger than it was (1)
- The sample could have been taken from an area that is protected from the action of the waves / near groynes (1) which means that less would have taken place at this site (1)
- Site 5 may have experienced a recent rockfall (1) which meant that the sample was larger / less eroded than the other sites (1)
- Accept any other appropriate response
Exam Tip
In the exam, you will not be asked to draw an entire graph. However, it is common to be asked to complete an unfinished graph using the data provided. You may also be asked to identify anomalous results or to draw the best fit line on a scattergraph.
- Take your time to ensure that you have marked the data on the graph accurately
- Use the same style as the data which has already been put on the graph
- Bars on a bar graph should be the same width
- If the dots on a graph are connected by a line you should do the same
Secondary Data
- Any fieldwork should include secondary data as well as primary data
- In a river enquiry suitable secondary data may include:
- Weather data from the Meteorological Office (Met Office)
- Old photographs of the coastal sample site
- Newspaper articles/websites about the coastal area
- Ordnance Survey maps to identify the sample sites
- Geology maps
- Aerial photographs
Worked example
Describe two sources of secondary data that might be useful when planning a coastal environment enquiry (4)
- Answer:
- Environment Agency or National Resources Wales provide flood maps (1) which give information about \
- locations at risk from coastal flooding (1)
- Met Office rainfall data (1) gives information regarding any weather events impacting on data collected (1)
- Google Earth or Ordnance Survey (OS) map (1) enables the identification of sample site locations (1)
- Geology map (1) rock type information for the coastal cliffs (1)
- Aerial photographs (1) changes in the beach profile (1)
- Shoreline Management Plans (SMP) from local authorities or Environment Agency or Government (1)
