Investigating Rivers: Topic Detectives

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River depth is how deep a river is. Depth changes across a river channel due to material on the river bed. Therefore, it is useful to calculate the mean depth. According to the Bradshaw Model, the wetted perimeter of a river should increase along its course. Measuring the cross profile of ariver

Measuring the width of the river channel enables you to calculate the cross-sectional area. Also, according to the Bradshaw Model, channel width increases downstream. Measuring the wetter perimeter of a river Students are challenged to match eight features of river systems to photos, satellite images and maps. This activity can easily be differentiated by giving groups different numbers of cards.In situations where access is more limited you may have to take a more opportunistic approach to sampling – however in this case it is sensible to get as close as possible to a systematic sample as possible. According to the Bradshaw model as you move downstream river discharge should increase. This is because tributaries will feed the river leading to an increase in discharge. Measuring the velocity of a river

In the worksheet activity students identify the same features on a simplified drawing of a river system. It is differentiated two ways: There is a range of things you can use for a float including an orange. We recommend dog biscuits because they break down in water if swept away!

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River cross profiles show you a cross-section of a river’s channel and valley at certain points in the river’s course. mathsf{Discharge \;(m Tip: If the bed is rough and bumpy, you will need more measurements at closer intervals to get an accurate result. If you have a flow meter it is very easy to measure the velocity of a river in the field. If you don’t have a flow meter you can take measurements in the field using a float, stopwatch and tape measure. Once you have recorded the appropriate data you can use the formula below to calculate the velocity.

It introduces many key river concepts and a wide range of related vocabulary. First the presentation recaps the main processes of the water cycle. It then introduces some of the well known features of river systems (e.g. waterfalls and lakes). There are two activities:

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It is not possible to measure river discharge directly in the field. Instead take measurements which will allow us to calculate discharge. The cross profile of a river changes as it moves from the upper to lower course as a result of changes in the river’s energy and the processes that the river carries out. Measuring sediment size and type Extend a tape measure from the point where the dry bank meets the water on one side of the river to the same point on the other side (hold it taut about 20cm above water level). Record the length, viewing the reading from directly above the tape measure.

Which river channel characteristics you chose to measure will depend on the question you investigate.The velocity of a river is the speed the water flows. The velocity will change along the course of a river. Coastal Environments CPD – Erosional Landforms, Coastal Management and Fieldwork on the Holderness Coast In justifying your choice of the variables you have measured it can be helpful to consider the linkages between the different river variables. Measuring river discharge It is not possible to measure river discharge directly in the field. Instead, you need to take measurements that allow you to calculate discharge.