geography fieldwork answers

3Section 1: Suitable question for geographical enquiry

1. Explain an advantage of the location(s) used for your physical fieldwork enquiry. [2 marks]

Southwold beach was an appropriate beach to measure the effectiveness of management (1) because

it has a range of different coastal defences, such as groynes and a sea wall, which allowed us to

compare protected and unprotected areas (1).

2. Explain an advantage of the location(s) used for your human fieldwork enquiry. [2 marks]

Southwold is a relatively small sized settlement (1) which meant we could easily walk between all our

data collection sites in the time available and collect enough results to make our findings more

reliable (1).

3. Explain the theory underpinning your physical geographical enquiry (2 marks)

Hard engineering techniques, such as Groynes are used to protect the coast by trapping sand on

one side and reducing the movement of material by longshore drift (1) and I measured the

height of sand on the north and south sides of each groyne to see if sediment was building

up where expected (1).

4. Explain the theory underpinning your human geographical enquiry (2 marks)

Southwold is famous for second-home tourism where people stay in second homes or rented holiday

homes (1) therefore, it allows us to measure how tourism and second-home ownership are

influencing social and economic change, such as rising house prices and changes to local

services (1).

5. Assess the suitability of the location chosen for your physical geography enquiry. [6 marks]

4Structure:

●

State the aim/hypothesis of your investigation “I was investigating…….

”

●

Explain that you

’d need a coastline with different processes occurring

“In order to study

this I needed a coast where……………

”

●

Explain which processes/strategies are known to occur in your study area

“Southwold was

very suitable because………….

”

●

Explain how accessible and safe your study area was “It was suitable for our health and

safety purposes because…………..

”

●

Comment on something that was problematic with your study area

“However, one

disadvantage of Southwold as a location was that…………..

”

●

Conclude by saying how suitable overall it was and back up with one main reason “Overall it

was an excellent location, mainly because……….

”

I was investigating how effective the coastal management strategies in Southwold are at

reducing the impacts of longshore drift and erosion. In order to study this I needed a coast where

longshore drift was clearly operating and where different management techniques, such as

groynes and a sea wall, had been put in place. Southwold was very suitable because it has a

series of wooden groynes and a long sea wall, allowing us to compare protected and

unprotected stretches of beach and collect data that directly linked to our aim. It was suitable for

our health and safety purposes because the beach is easily accessible, has clear paths, good

visibility, and low wave energy on the day of our fieldwork, making it safe for students to work

along the shore. However, one disadvantage of Southwold as a location was that the beach profile

changes throughout the year, meaning our results may not fully represent conditions outside

the day we visited. Overall it was an excellent location, mainly because its coastal management

structures clearly allowed us to observe and measure the processes we were investigating,

making it highly appropriate for our enquiry.

6. Assess the suitability of the location chosen for your human geography enquiry. [6 marks]

●

State the aim/hypothesis of your investigation “I was investigating…….

”

Explain that you

’d need a town which had a range of things to measure/observe

to study this I needed a town where I could……………

”

Explain what you had available to you in your study area to help address the aim

“Southwold was very suitable because………….

”

“In order

5●

●

Explain how accessible and safe your study area was “It was suitable for our health and

safety purposes because…………..

”

Comment on something that was problematic with your study area

“However, one

disadvantage of Southwold as a location was that…………..

”

Conclude by saying how suitable overall it was and back up with one main reason “Overall it

was an excellent location, mainly because……….

”

I was investigating the extent to which Southwold is experiencing social and economic change,

particularly linked to tourism and second-home ownership. In order to study this I needed a town

where I could measure second-home percentages, observe types of shops and services, record

parked vehicles, and collect house-price data to understand who the town serves. Southwold

was very suitable because it has a high number of second homes, a tourist-focused High Street, a

clear mix of shop types, and visible house-price information, all of which allowed us to gather

data directly related to our aim. It was suitable for our health and safety purposes because the

settlement is small, walkable, and easy to navigate, meaning students could collect data safely

without crossing busy roads or covering long distances. However, one disadvantage of Southwold

as a location was that its popularity with tourists varies by season, so our data may not fully

represent patterns at busier times of the year. Overall it was an excellent location, mainly because

the evidence of social and economic change was easy to observe and measure, allowing us to

collect clear data linked directly to our enquiry question.

7. Identify one potential risk in your physical geography fieldwork and explain how the risk was

reduced. [3 marks]

The risk was the danger of the sea at Southwold beach (1) which could have resulted in students

being knocked over by waves or slipping on wet surfaces (1) so we took the precaution of staying

well back from the waterline, working in supervised groups, and only collecting data in safe,

shallow areas (1).

8. Identify one potential risk in your human geography fieldwork and explain how the risk was

reduced. [3 marks]

The risk was the danger of getting lost whilst completing our shops and service tally (1) which could

have resulted in students becoming separated from the group and unable to find the meeting

6point (1) so we took the precaution of staying in pairs, following a set route, and checking in

regularly with the teacher at agreed locations (1).

99. Justify one primary data collection method used in relation to the aim(s) of your physical

geography enquiry. [3 marks]

To help find out whether the coastal management in Southwold was effective (1) we measured the

height down to the sand at each side of the Groynes in cm using a long ruler (1) because if they were

effective we expected to see more sand built up on the up-drift (north) side than the down-drift

side, because this would show the groynes were trapping material and slowing longshore drift

as intended (1).

10. Justify one primary data collection method used in relation to the aim(s) of your human

geography enquiry. [3 marks]

To help find out whether homes in Southwold were for local people or tourists (1) we collected a tally of

the number of Airbnbs/second homes by looking for key boxes, holiday rental signs and names

that suggested the property was not permanently occupied (1) which was beneficial as it was a

quick and systematic way to gather reliable evidence about second-home concentrations

across different streets (1)

11. Justify the use of one of the following in your physical geography enquiry: maps, photographs,

field sketches. [3 marks]

I completed a field sketch at the northern most point of Southwold beach, facing northwards

towards the farming settlement of Easton Bavents at the point where the sea wall and Groynes

ended (1) because I wanted to show how much the cliff line had eroded due to the Groynes

trapping the sediment by stopping LSD (1) and the field sketch enabled me to show clearly with a

labelled diagram and the outline of the coastline where the cliff line had retreated inland (1).

12. Justify the use of one of the following in your human geography enquiry: maps, photographs,

field sketches. [3 marks]

I completed a proportional circle map of second home ownership (1) and it was useful because I

10was able to compare easily between locations in Southwold (1) which helped me to show visually

the extent to which Southwold was catering for tourists……………………………………………………(1)

13. Justify the use of one type of sampling used within your physical method (3 marks)

Systematic sampling was used to select 3 places to record the height of the beach either side of

the Groynes (1) because we wanted to have a representative range of sites at each groyne from

the sea to the back of the beach (1) to show whether sediment was building up consistently on

the up-drift side, indicating that the groynes were effectively trapping material and reducing

longshore drift (1).

14. Justify the use of one type of sampling used within your human method (3 marks)

Stratified sampling was used to determine where to collect our second home ownership data (1)

because we used prior knowledge of where the popular places would be for tourists (1) and we

wanted to ensure that we had a representative range of sites to help show overall whether the

area was popular or not (1).

15. Suggest why one set of data you collected in your physical fieldwork enquiry may not have been

accurate. [2 marks]

The orange/Apple drift test measuring distances travelled over 1 minute (1) was not very accurate as

we stood on the beach and measured the distance by estimating how far the orange had moved,

which was difficult due to waves, angles and movement not being in a straight line (1).

16. Suggest why one set of data you collected in your human fieldwork enquiry may not have been

accurate. [2 marks]

The shops and services tally (1) may not be accurate because the scoring was subjective and

therefore included bias, meaning one person

’s results could be very different from someone

else

’s as to whether shops and services were for locals (1).

1117. Assess the effectiveness of your physical data collection method(s). [6 marks]

Planning table

Advantage/Success

Sand height

measurements at

the Groynes

Used a metal ruler held

vertically which meant that the

distance of drop was accurate

and it was precise because we

measured in cm to 1dp each

time.

apple drift test

The apple floated on the sea

and we could easily visually

see it moving in and out with

the swash and backwash to

show LSD was happening

Property quality

survey

The scoring system from 1-5

was easy to understand to

show whether the quality was

poor or high

Conclusion

The most effective method was the sand height measurement

because it gave precise, quantitative data that directly linked to longshore drift

and the effectiveness of the groynes.

The biggest issue was with the apple drift test

because waves, wind and irregular movement made the distance difficult to

judge, reducing the accuracy and reliability of this method.

(Any acceptable judgement)

18. Assess the effectiveness of your human data collection method(s). [6 marks]

Planning table

Advantage/Success

Disadvantage/Issue

Second Home

Ownership Tally

Quick and easy to collect — simply

counting nameplates/holiday rental signs

on each street.

Difficult to judge borderline cases

(e.g., homes with blinds shut /

curtains closed).

Number Plate

Record

Simple method that requires minimal

equipment.

Not fully reliable — non-local plates

may belong to temporary workers,

relatives, delivery drivers etc.

Someone may have bought their car

elsewhere or it could be rented

Shops and

Shows clear economic change —

Seasonal differences — some shops

Services Tally

evidence of shops aimed at tourists vs

locals.

Conclusion

The most effective method was the shops and services tally

because it clearly showed the economic focus of Southwold and made patterns

of tourist-oriented services easy to identify.

The biggest issue was with the number plate record because car registrations

don’t always represent whether someone is a tourist or local, so the results were

less reliable.

19. To what extent did the data collected for your physical methods allow you to reach valid

conclusions? [9 marks]

Valid conclusions: Did you achieve what you set out to in your investigation with your methods? How

confident were you when you made your conclusions you could trust them or did your methods mean

that you cannot rely on them?

Planning table

Advantage/Success

Disadvantage/Issue

Helpfulness in coming to

valid conclusions

(can we answer the

question?)

Sand height

measurements at

the Groynes

Used a metal ruler held

vertically which meant

that the distance of drop

was accurate and it was

precise because we

measured in cm to 1dp

each time.

However, the sand

surface was uneven in

places meaning the

readings could vary

slightly depending on

where the ruler was

placed.

This method was very

helpful because it

provided clear quantitative

evidence of whether

groynes were trapping

sediment, which directly

apple drift test

The apple floated on the

sea and we could easily

visually see it moving in

and out with the swash

and backwash to show

LSD was happening

Property quality

survey

The scoring system from

1-5 was easy to

understand to show

whether the quality was

poor or high

Conclusion

Overall, I felt somewhat confident that I could trust my conclusions to be valid

based on my methods. I think this because the sand-height measurements

were accurate and closely linked to longshore drift, giving strong evidence

for our main conclusion. However, the apple drift test and property quality

survey were less reliable, meaning that although my overall conclusions were

mostly valid, they were not completely accurate and could be improved with

more precise or repeated measurements.

20. To what extent did the data collected for your human methods allow you to reach valid

conclusions? [9 marks]

15Valid conclusions: Did you achieve what you set out to in your investigation with your methods? How

confident were you when you made your conclusions you could trust them or did your methods mean

that you cannot rely on them?

Advantage/Success

Disadvantage/Issue

Helpfulness in coming to

valid conclusions

Second

Home

Ownership

Tally

Straightforward and

quick to collect — you

simply count each house,

making human error less

likely. Gives clear

numerical evidence of

second homes across

different streets, helping

identify patterns of social

change.

Visual appearance can be

misleading — many

second homes do not

display signs, shutters, or

letting plaques.

This method was very

helpful because it produced

clear quantitative data that

directly linked to our aim

and allowed us to see

strong spatial patterns of

second-home concentration.

Number

Plate Record

Simple method that

requires minimal

equipment and gives a

quick indication of visitor

presence.

Car number plates are not

perfect indicators —

visitors may walk, cycle,

arrive by bus, or stay in

areas where parking is

restricted.

This method was partly

helpful because it

suggested the level of

tourist activity, but the

accuracy was limited and so

the conclusions drawn from

it were less reliable.

Shops and

Services

Tally

Shows clear economic

change — evidence of

shops aimed at tourists

vs locals. Helps identify

how services have

shifted in the town.

Some shops serve both

locals and tourists, making

classification subjective.

This method was helpful

because it allowed us to

identify broad trends in

economic change, but the

subjectivity meant results

could vary between

students.

Conclusion

Overall, I felt somewhat confident that I could trust my conclusions to be valid

based on my methods. I think this because the second-home tally and the shops

and services tally gave strong, clear evidence of social and economic change

that linked directly to the aim of the enquiry. However, the number plate data

was less reliable, meaning some parts of my conclusions were based on weaker

evidence. Therefore, the overall validity was good, but not completely reliable, and

could be improved with more precise or repeated data collection.

1821. Justify your use of one visual method to present your data (2)

I used a fieldsketch to show the layout of the coastline and the position of the groynes in

relation to the eroding cliff line (1), it was helpful because it allowed me to clearly illustrate

features, label key processes, and highlight the extent of erosion in a way that was easy to

interpret (1).

I used a proportional symbol diagram to show the different percentages of second homes in

each part of Southwold and how they varied across the town (1), it was helpful because the

different-sized circles made it easy to compare locations visually and immediately identify

where second-home ownership was highest (1).

22. Justify your use of one graphical method to present your data (2)

I used a comparative bar chart to show the differences between locations in Southwold, such

as the number of tourist shops compared with local shops (1), it was helpful because the bars

made it easy to compare values clearly and spot patterns or contrasts quickly between each

site (1).

I used a divided compound bar chart to show how the different types of shops and services were

split between those aimed at locals and those aimed at tourists (1). It was helpful because it

allowed me to compare proportions clearly within each category and see how the balance of

19services varied across Southwold (1).

23. Justify your choice of one cartographic method to present your data (2) Tip: Use the examples

at the back of the physical booklet.

I used a divided bar chart to show the sand height on both the north and south sides of each

groyne so I could compare the effect of longshore drift at different locations (1), it was helpful

because it clearly displayed the differences in sediment build-up, making it easy to identify

where the groynes were trapping material effectively (1).

I used a GIS map to show the percentage of second homes in different parts of Southwold and

how these varied spatially across the town (1), it was helpful because mapping the data allowed

me to see clear spatial patterns and identify hotspots of tourist influence that would not be

obvious from a table of numbers (1)

24. Assess how effective your presentation technique(s) were in representing the data collected in

your physical enquiry. [6 marks]

Planning table

Technique

Strength

Limitation

Suggestion for

improvement

Bar chart

showing average

groyne/beach

height

I used 1 chart showing

the average drop down to

the beach which meant

the overall pattern of

greater sand build-up on

the north side of the

groynes was clear and

easy to compare

between locations.

I used 1 chart showing the

average drop down to the

beach which meant

it did not show the

variation between the

three individual

measurements, so

smaller differences or

anomalies were hidden.

I would produce 3

charts, one for each

point up the beach

width as this would

show the variations

and any anomalies

more effectively.

Radar chart to

show seafront

property quality

The radar chart allowed

several aspects of

property quality to be

shown at once, making

broad comparison

possible.

Conclusion

The best chart to represent the data was the bar chart of average

groyne/beach height because

it clearly showed the main pattern of sediment build-up and directly linked

to our enquiry question about the effectiveness of groynes,

whereas the radar chart was harder to interpret because it contained too

many variables.

2125. Assess how effective your presentation technique(s) were in representing the data collected in

your human enquiry. [6 marks]

Planning table

Technique

Strength

Limitation

Suggestion for

improvement

Proportional

circle diagram

The proportional circles

made it easy to compare

second-home

percentages between

different streets

because larger circles

immediately showed

where second homes

were most concentrated.

The circles sometimes

overlapped or were

similar in size, making it

harder to judge precise

differences, and the

spatial locations were

not always completely

accurate without a map

base.

I would use an

ArcGIS map instead,

with proportional

symbols to show the

footfall at the

restaurants, souvenir

shops, cafes & gift

shops to show how

these vary spatially

and highlight highs,

lows and anomalies.

Tree map chart

to show the

number of each

of the different

environmental

quality scores

from 1 to 5

The tree map showed all

five EQ scores on one

diagram, making it easy to

see which environmental

quality categories

appeared most

frequently.

However, the size of the

boxes could be difficult

to judge accurately, and

the layout made it harder

to compare categories

clearly because the

shapes varied.

I would use Excel

instead, to make a pie

chart, as it would be

easier to interpret

than the tree chart

because it would have

the percentages of

22each different score.

Conclusion

The best chart to represent the data was the proportional circle diagram

because it clearly showed spatial patterns of second-home ownership and

helped us identify areas most affected by tourism, linking directly to our

enquiry aim.

Section 4. Describing, analysing and explaining fieldwork data

26. Justify your use of one statistical technique to help analyse your data (2)

I calculated the mean average beach height from each groyne (1) which was useful because it

allowed me to reduce the effect of any unusual readings(anomalies) and made it easier to

compare overall sediment build-up between different groynes (1).

27. Explain one anomaly in your fieldwork data (2)

In the property quality survey there was a higher/lower (delete) than average score for the indicator of

paint condition / window quality / garden maintenance (1) which was given because the house

appeared recently renovated or poorly maintained compared to the surrounding properties,

making it stand out from the typical pattern on that street (1).

28. For one of your fieldwork enquiries, to what extent did your results and conclusions meet the

original aim of your enquiry? [9 marks]. Choose the physical one.

The aim of my enquiry was to find out

whether the coastal management at Southwold was effective at reducing longshore drift and

protecting the coastline from erosion.

The data from my groyne survey was useful, with the drop on the north of the groyne averaging

18.4 cm compared to the drop on the south at 9.2 cm,

showing clearly that Groynes are effective (delete) because they trapped more sediment on the

up-drift side and slowed the movement of material by longshore drift.

This was a valid finding because I used the mean average from

three systematic measurements at each groyne to reduce the impact of unusual or uneven

readings.

However, inaccuracies could have come from operator error using the ruler, as if the ruler was held at

an angle rather than vertically, the measurement would be recorded as larger/smaller than it really was.

This could have exaggerated or reduced the difference in sand height on each side of the

groyne.

This would have made me less confident in concluding that

all groynes were functioning equally effectively along the whole stretch of beach.

My apple drift test showed that LSD was weaker between the Groynes (shown by the data of

only 3–4 metres of movement in 60 seconds) providing some evidence that the Groynes are

25effective.

However, I do not think the results from this were entirely accurate because

the apple was easily pushed off course by waves, wind direction and irregular movement,

making distance hard to measure precisely.

This meant that the apple drift test results cannot be relied upon with confidence to answer the overall

aim.

Because I collected a wide range of quantitative data (groyne height, beach size, LSD rates) and

qualitative data (property quality) I had a good breadth of results to help me make conclusions about

the Groynes and the sea wall both being effective to address the overall aim with confidence to say that

management is effective.

However, one extra piece of qualitative data that I could have collected that would have been helpful to

the enquiry was using a drone to fly over the cliffs in the northern end of Southwold’s beach

because the beach there was the private property of a farm and inaccessible.

This would have helped to show more evidence of

how quickly the unprotected cliff line is retreating and whether erosion rates differ where there

are no coastal defences.

Overall, my results and conclusions met the original aim of the enquiry to

a great extent (delete) with the most useful finding being that the groynes clearly trapped more

sediment on the north side, showing they were effective at reducing longshore drift and

protecting the coastline.

The sea wall also appeared to help maintain strong property quality, supporting the overall

conclusion that management in Southwold is effective.

29. For one of your fieldwork enquiries, to what extent did the data collected help you to obtain

accurate results and reach a valid conclusion(s)? [9 marks] Choose the physical one.

My title was ‘Are the coastal management techniques used on Southwold beach effective’

. I was able

to collect a range of data from the southern and central section of the beach where there were 8

wooden groynes and a 1 km long sea wall to study. This included measuring quantitative data such

sand height on both sides of each groyne, beach width, and the distance the apple moved in

the LSD test.

Quantitative data is useful because it is

precise, measurable and allows clear comparisons between sites, making patterns easier to

identify and explain.

26The sand height measurements were precise and accurate because we used equipment – we used

a metre ruler held vertically and measured the drop down in units of

centimetres to one decimal place.

This helped me to make valid conclusions saying that the Groynes were effective.

However, the apple drift test was less accurate because

the apple’s movement was strongly influenced by wind, waves and currents, and it did not

always move in a straight line,

so I was less confident in using this to make a conclusion about the effectiveness of the Groynes.

The qualitative data I collected was through the property quality survey. This did show that the quality is

high (delete)

which suggests that property owners

feel confident that the sea wall protects their homes and therefore invest in maintaining them.

However, the data collected was

subjective (delete) and therefore included bias, meaning the conclusions might not be trustworthy, as

one person could have a different opinion about the 8 factors, including quality of windows & paintwork.

I collected a lot of primary data, which is better than secondary data because it

is collected first-hand, directly linked to the aim, and reflects the real conditions on the day,

making it more reliable and relevant for reaching valid conclusions.

A problem with obtaining data for the northern end of the beach near Easton Bavents was that it is

private land and it is not safe to climb down to the beach due to cliffs. This meant I couldn’t collect

primary quantitative data to show that the beach there was starved due to the Groynes.

However, we got to use a Mavic Air 2 drone to fly over the land and take pictures of the beach instead.

An advantage of this was that it helped to show

how the unprotected cliff line had retreated and how little sediment was present north of the

final groyne,

supporting the idea that the groynes trapped material further south.

However, photos are qualitative data which means

they cannot be measured numerically and only provide visual evidence,

so they are less precise and harder to use to make strong scientific conclusions.

A problem with the data that I collected was that I only visited for one day in the month of September.

Coastlines are always changing, so to improve the validity of my findings it would be useful to

repeat measurements at different times of year, in different tide and weather conditions, to

build a more complete picture of longshore drift and erosion.

27Overall, the data I collected helped me to obtain accurate results and reach a valid conclusion to a

high degree. My main reason for this decision is

the sand-height measurements clearly showed groynes trapping sediment on the north side,

which strongly supports the aim,

and this was backed up by beach-width measurements and drone photos,

although some less accurate methods, such as the apple drift test, reduced confidence slightly.