Lyme Regis Fieldwork Vocabulary

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering the methods, justifications, risks, and conclusions of the Lyme Regis coastal management fieldwork.

Beach profiling

A method used to measure the angle of the beach to determine its effectiveness as a barrier against erosion; a steeper gradient typically slows down water more effectively.

Bi-polar survey / environmental quality survey

An opinion-based method where sea defences are given a numerical rating based on longevity, natural appearance, and vulnerability to the ocean.

Questionnaire

A method used to gather a wide range of views from locals or tourists regarding their perceptions of sea defence effectiveness.

Fieldwork sketch

A qualitative method used to note down and draw points of interest while on location for later reference.

Lyme Regis

The fieldwork location chosen because it was at extreme risk of coastal erosion and had at least $£20$ million spent on sea defences.

Quantitative data

Numerical information, such as that gathered from beach profiling or bipolar surveys, which allows for direct comparison and analysis.

Radar graph

A data presentation method suitable for the environmental quality survey because it allows for the clear comparison of different measured areas.

Bar chart

An appropriate data presentation method for questionnaire results to clearly show quantitative data.

Line graph

A data presentation method used for beach profiling because it illustrates change in a linear way.

The Cobb

A specific location in Lyme Regis where students were restricted from going during fieldwork to prevent the risk of falling.

Groynes

Sea defences that, according to beach profile data, appear to be trapping sediment to create a barrier against sea erosion and flooding.

Sea wall

The specific sea defence that received the highest overall score in the environmental quality survey as an effective barrier against cliff erosion.

Beach nourishment

A process that may affect the reliability of beach profiling data; if performed recently, it results in a steeper gradient regardless of sea defence effectiveness.

Sample size

A criticism of the questionnaire method in this study, as only $3$ random people were asked, making the data less reliable.

Secondary data

A suggested improvement for fieldwork, such as gathering data on erosion rates at undefended cliff sections to compare with defended areas.