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IGCSE Geography Fieldwork
Coastal Environments
Introduction
Fieldwork enquiry
Theme A
Beach measurements & Beach profiling
Theme B
Management of a pressured coastline

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Introduction
Shoreham has a long history of development and is currently in the middle of a 2007 initiated regeneration
project aimed at re-stimulating the area and its commercial operations. Clearly with such an investment
project there is a need to ensure that the physical environment is protected. This protection has to meet the
twin and often opposing issues of conserving the environment and protecting the physical integrity of the
coastline. The more that is invested in the onshore infrastructure, the more important of course the physical
protection of the coast becomes.
Locational context
Recent Regeneration ideas (from shorehamharbour.com – umbrella website for the redevelopment)
Historically, previous attempts to create development in the Shoreham Port area have been unsuccessful
because they haven’t addressed local community needs and there has been a funding gap which has not
allowed the investment in infrastructure needed for an increase in housing and jobs.
To this end, Adur District Council, Brighton and Hove City Council and West Sussex County Council, working
with Shoreham Port Authority, SEEDA*, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and other agencies are
working in partnership to achieve much needed economic, social and infrastructure improvements along this
stretch of coast.
A large-scale regeneration including the provision of new jobs and housing, as well as the new facilities and
infrastructure needed to serve the area, is being proposed.
The geography for the project addresses a much larger area than previous ones - roughly from Hove Lagoon to
Shoreham, including the whole Port, but also including a lot of areas north of the A259 along the way.
In July 2009, the Shoreham Harbour Regeneration Project was affected by Government cut backs and the
project was slowed down. However, in October 2009, the three Councils involved took control of the project,
agreeing to create the first Joint Committee of its kind locally to take forward regeneration plans. The

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partnership is working closely with Shoreham Port, the Environment Agency and other agencies to bring about
an approved Joint Area Action Plan in 2012.
The partnership aims to have a range of options for Shoreham Harbour ready for public consultation in the
summer of 2010
*SEEDA = South East England Development Agency

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Fieldwork in Shoreham Harbour
Protecting Shoreham coastline
Given the plans for the future as stated above it is important that the coastal protection fulfils the needs of the
area. We will therefore investigate the issue of coastal protection in this area of pressured coastline.
There are two parts to our study:
Theme A
How do the coastal protection techniques used at Shoreham affect the beaches in the area?
Theme B
What are people’s views in the area of the coastal protection?
Background on coastal protection methods
There are many ways that we can manage the interface between the coast and the land
and the methods chosen will fit the cost benefit analysis conducted locally. Broadly there
are 2 sub-divisions:
Soft Engineering - is the use of ecological principles and practices to reduce erosion and
achieve the stabilization and safety of shorelines
Hard Engineering - defined as controlled disruption of natural processes by using man-
made structures
Soft Engineering (internetgeography.net)
Technique Description Advantage Disadvantage Approximate
Cost
Beach nourishment Beaches are made
higher and wider by
importing sand and
shingle to an area
affected by
longshore drift.
Cheap, retains the natural
appearance of the beach
and preserves the natural
appearance of the beach.
Off shore
dredging of sand
and shingle
increases
erosion in other
areas and affects
the ecosystem.
Large storms will
require beach
replenishment,
increasing costs.
£20 /cu.m
Managed retreat
This is when areas
of coast are allowed
to erode. This is
usually in areas
where the land is of
low value.
Managed retreat retains the
natural balance of the
coastal system. Eroded
material encourages the
development of beaches
and salt marshes.
People lose their
livelihood e.g.
farmers. These
people will need
to be
compensated.
Depends on
amount of
compensation
that needs to
be paid to
people
affected by
erosion.
Hard Engineering (internetgeography.net)

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Description Advantage Disadvantage Approximate
Cost
Groynes Groynes are wooden
barriers constructed
at right angles to
the beach to retain
material. Material is
trapped between
these groynes and
cannot be
transported away by
longshore drift.
Groynes
encourage a wide
beach which helps
absorb energy from
waves, reducing
the rate of cliff
erosion.
Cheap, retain wide
sandy beaches and
do not affect access
to the beach.
Beaches to the
south of the
defences are
starved of beach
material due to
their affect on
long shore drift.
£7000 each
Sea Walls Sea walls are usually
built along the front
of cliffs, often
to protect
settlements. They
are often recurved
which means waves
are reflected back on
themselves. This
can cause the
erosion of material at
the base of the sea
wall.
Provide excellent
defence where wave
energy is high,
reassures the public
and long life span.
Expensive, can
affect beach
access, recurved
sea walls can
increase the
erosion of beach
material.
£3000-
4000/m
Reventments Traditionally these
have been wooden
slatted barriers
constructed towards
the rear of beaches
to protect the base of
cliffs. Energy from
waves is dissipated
by them breaking
against the
revetments. In recent
times concrete
revetments such as
accropodes have
been used in places
such as
Scarborough.
Less beach material
is eroded compared
to a sea wall.
Cheaper and less
intrusive than a sea
wall.
Short life span
and unsuitable
where wave
energy is high.
£2000/m
Rock armour / boulder barriers These are often large
boulders placed
along the base of a
cliff to absorb energy
from waves.
Cheap and efficient Unattractive,
dangerous
access to beach,
costs increase
when rock is
£3000/m

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imported.
Gabions This is where rocks
and boulders are
encased in wired
mesh. They absorb
the energy from
waves.
Cheap and efficient. Shorter life span
than a sea wall.
Visually
unattractive.
£100/m
Off-shore breakwater These are large
concrete blocks and
boulders
located off shore to
change the direction
of waves and reduce
longshore drift. They
also help absorb
wave energy.
Beaches retain
natural appearance.
Difficult to
maintain,
unattractive, does
not protect the
cliffs directly and
does not stop
beach material
from being
eroded.

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Fieldwork enquiry – overview of the sequence
All field work enquiries should allow you to follow this sequence
(i) Formulating aims and hypotheses
The hypotheses may investigate a geographical concept e.g. ‘A CBD has the highest concentration
of comparison shops’. Collecting relevant data, analysis and drawing conclusions using the data
as evidence can test these.
(ii) Enquiry skills to collect data
You will need to be aware of a range of methods to gather primary data.
Questionnaires – Questionnaires can be oral or written to gain information from an individual or
a group of individuals. Consideration should be given to factors influencing the successful design
of questionnaires e.g. layout, format of questions, the appropriate wording of questions and the
number of questions. The practical considerations of conducting a questionnaire e.g. the
sampling methods, pilot survey, and location of survey should also be discussed.
Observation – Examples of using observations as an enquiry skill to collect data include the
recording of land use in an urban area or observations of river or coastal features.
Counts – Pedestrian and traffic counts are two significant examples of this enquiry skill.
Measurement – When recording measurements, due consideration should be given to planning
the layout of the recording sheet, the location of instruments and the sampling methods adopted
to provide reliable data. Knowledge of the equipment used in measurement is required such as
the quadrat, the clinometer and the pebbleometer or callipers. For example; beach studies of
beach profile, the size and shape of pebbles and the movement of beach material and weather
study instruments closely linked to
(iii) Data presentation techniques
This should include various types of graphs, maps and diagrams for example line graphs, bar
graphs, divided bar graphs, histograms, flow diagrams, wind rose graphs, isoline maps and
scattergraphs.
(iv) Analysis
You should be able to describe the patterns in data presented in graphs and tables of results.
Reference to relevant geographical knowledge and understanding is often required in the
interpretation of the data.
(v) Formation of Conclusions
You should be able to make judgements on the validity of the original hypothesis or aims of the
assignment. Reference is also required of the reliability of the collected data and a critical
evaluation of the chosen data collection methods.

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Theme A
What impact do the coastal protection methods at Shoreham have
on the beaches in the area?
Formulating the aim or hypothesis:
“Groynes have no impact on beach profile or beach material”
Enquiry skills to collect data
Action #1
Field Sketch
Even in this day and age with cameras on our phones you need to be able to do
field sketches – a field sketch is used to highlight the significant things in the
field of view that you would want to annotate.
On the blank page (Appendix 1) produce a field sketch to show the profile of
the beach – you should try in 3 dimensions. If you have the capacity then take
some photos or video too.
To be able to draw any conclusion about whether or not the groynes influence the beach morphology we
need to know what the shape of the beach is….
(i) Beach profile by clinometers
Equipment
Tape measure
Ranging poles
Clinometer
Compass
Recording sheet
Methodology
1. Select sampling points for beach profiles across the width of the beach.
2. At each sample point in turn, place a ranging pole at the start and finish (at A and H on the
diagram). Point A should ideally be the low tide mark, or as close to this as is safe.

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3. Note the main changes in slope angle up the beach, and use them to inform the ‘sections' for
the profile. (A through to H on the diagram)
4. For each change in slope, use the clinometer to take a bearing to record the slope angle (ii).
For example, from point A to point B in the diagram below. It is important to ensure that the
bearing is taken from a point on the ranging pole that coincides with the eye level of the
person using the clinometer. Many ranging poles have stripes which can be used for this
purpose. Alternatively, bearings can be taken from the eye level of a person of a similar
height holding the ranging pole.
5. Measure the distance along the ground of the section (i), and record this information
alongside the slope angle.
6. Repeat processes (4) and (5) for each break in slope that you have identified
Figure 1
Ranging pole – systematic or variable intervals?
Pantometers can be used by one person, and the slope can be surveyed systematically at regular, short
intervals
Figure 2
Using a clinometer to measure the angle of a beach profile.

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Considerations and possible limitations
Varying tidal conditions can affect access and safety. Make sure you check tide times before you
embark on your fieldwork.
Low tide is the best time to measure beach profiles, but places a time constraint on the activity.
This can be overcome if groups of students complete profiles at different locations
simultaneously and share their results.
It is important to ensure that the ranging poles are held straight and prevented from sinking into
sand, both of which may affect angle readings.
Sampling technique is an important consideration. A balance needs to be struck between time
available and the need for a number of profiles across the width of the beach to ensure the
validity of results.
There may be some user error when taking readings with a clinometer, and the sophistication of
models of clinometer can vary enormously.
If using a pantometer, this piece of equipment must be kept vertical when taking readings.
Action #2
Beach Survey
After your equipment briefing, organize your group and use the graph paper
(Appendix 1) to record your data.
One study area will work in an area of groynes; the other will work in a less
protected area.
(ii) Beach material analysis (fabric analysis)
To be able to draw any conclusion about whether or not the groynes influence the beach fabric we need to
know how the beach material varies….
Equipment
Clear ruler, pebble meter or stone-board
Roundness or angularity charts / indexes
Recording sheet
Quadrats (optional)
Random number table (optional)
Methodology

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At each sampling point
1. Reach down with the index finger extended and select the first pebble it touches.
2. Measure the length of the longest axis on this pebble.
3. Repeat this process, perhaps 10 times per location or as you decide after your piloting
4. Analyse your findings using a roundness index or chart.
There are various charts and indexes for analysing the roundness or angularity of pebbles, including the
different sediment shape and roundness indexes developed by Powers, Cailleux and Zingg. Information about
these various methods can be found on the Science Education Resource Center website. We will be
measuring the pebbles and assessing their Power’s & Cailleux.
Considerations and possible limitations
Using the data within an investigation
If using Cailleux, the roundness index for each location can be calculated by using the formula:
R = 2r x 1000 / L
where R = Cailleux roundness
r = average radius of curvature (obtained from chart)
L = average length of pebbles (in sample)
Thought should be given to the sampling technique used to ensure that a representative sample is obtained.
Quadrats can be used to select sediment for sampling. Alternatively, ten surface pebbles touching your foot
can be selected at each location. There are many different methods of sampling sediment. The different
methods should be analysed by the researcher and an informed decision made as to which is the most
appropriate for the aims of the investigation.
Considerations and possible limitations
Consideration needs to be given to the size of the sample and the method used to select pebbles in
order to avoid bias.
The use of visual charts such as Power's can be subjective - one person's opinions on the roundness
or angularity of a pebble may differ from another's.
Deciding on the sampling strategy is very important in reducing subjectivity and increasing the
validity of results. A sampling method should always be adopted to avoid the temptation to
‘select' the pebbles! Random requires a “3
rd
party” selector – a coin or dice for example,

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Systematic requires a regular interval “Every third pebble”, Stratified requires a deliberate
selection – say for example from one side or another
Sample size should be large enough to provide a representative sample of the ‘parent
population', yet not too large to be unmanageable.
The sharpest point of a stone must be measured when using the Cailleux scale and judgement of
this may vary from person to person creating subjectivity.
In reality, using Power's scale will reveal mostly class 5 / 6.
Anything which may affect the results should be noted, e.g. recent storms or management
structures which may alter the composition of beach material.
Action #3
Measuring beach material
Along your beach profile survey the sediment fabric;
(a) record Cailleux (x, y, z axis) and
(b) Power’s scale
Appendix 4 can be used to record this data

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Theme B
Surveying peoples’ views on the management of the coast at
Shoreham (& Lancing).
Surveying peoples’ views is a staple of human geographical investigation and a technique that is used
frequently in many professions to gauge responses; from politicians to users of anti-dandruff shampoo.
In this instance we are interested in finding our how the people of the local are view the coastal protection.
Clearly in an area where the coast is retreating we may illicit more powerful responses than in this location.
The issue here is the commercial, residential and industrial value of the land and the need to protect it.
Action #4
Questionnaires
The questionnaire can be found in Appendix 4.
In pairs you will need to conduct the questionnaire with as many people as possible in the
period of time designated to you. Please make sure that you keep safe and contactable at
all times. DO NOT JOIN UP INTO A LARGER GROUP – THIS IS INTIMIDATING TO OTHERS
AND THEREFORE VERY UNFAIR ON THE LOCAL PEOPLE – who after all you are wanting to
get information from.
You should aim to complete 30 questionnaires per pair
You will have already experienced creating questionnaires so this time you must consider
the following issues surrounding their implementation:
Sampling – stick to one sample method (random, systematic or stratified)
The problems and limitations of the questionnaire and carrying out the surveys.
Methods for recording responses
Risk Assessment
By now you should be able to construct your own RA:
ACTUAL HAZARD X POTENTIAL FREQUENCY = RISK

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Appendix 1
Field Sketch

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Appendix 2
Beach profile data

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Appendix 3
Power’s scale

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Appendix 4
Pebble data

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Appendix 5
Questionnaire – all students to complete the same questionnaire to allow all
responses to be collated
Record Gender (M/F)
1. Age
Age grouping
School age
18 – 25
26 - 30
31 - 45
46 - 55
55- retirement
Retired (age)
2. Work
If you are working, how would you classify your job?
3. Income bracket?
Benefits
<16, 000
Between 16,000 & 20,000
20k – 25k
25k – 30k
30k – 35k
35k – 40k
40k – 45k
4. Residence
Are you local (Shoreham to Lancing), if not please state
5. Opener on Sea defences
Are you aware of the sea defences along the coast here from Lancing
to Shoreham. ( if no then record that and STOP questionnaire)
6. View on the Sea defences
Question Strongly
agree
Stongly
disagree

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10 0 -10
The sea defences are
neceassary
The money used should
have been used for
something else (if they
offer an alternative
record it)
The sea defences are
unisghtly
The beaches have been
imprved by the sea
defences
They should have used a
different method

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Appendix 6
Questionnaire responses – devise your own method for recording the data
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