Geographers head to Cranedale…

profile further downstream, taking into account sediment size, water discharge, velocity, depth and width.

We then split into groups to measure the above, with each of us taking turns in utilising the apparatus, including a current metre for velocity. Once we had pencilled in our results, we headed towards our second site, Broxa. Further downstream, the meander site was evidently different, its substantial width and rush of water contrasting the tranquillity of Helwath Beck. Here, we carried out the same method and discovered that the lower part of the river had a large cross-section and a greater velocity and discharge, due to lateral erosion. After taking numerous samples, both systematic and random, we drew field sketches of the meander. Following our insightful day, we reflected on our findings in the classrooms at the centre for an hour in the evening by formulating a fieldwork report. In our groups, we discussed the methodology, justifying why we chose the techniques we did and how they were linked to the enquiry question, analysed our data to identify any clear trends or anomalies and evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of our data collection.

The day concluded with some downtime at the centre and a quick game of tennis by some of the students.

Day two entailed observing the fastest-eroding coastline in Europe, the Holderness coast, calling at Skipsea, Hornsea and Mappleton. At Skipsea, we photographed the cliffs and evaluated coastal defence strategies, the value of the town and what it must be like living there, with many residents unwilling to move away, despite the everpresent dangers of erosion.