Stage 1: Planning

• Developing a clear fieldwork aim is an essential stage in a fieldwork investigation. Once established the aim is used to direct the course of the enquiry.
• Hypothesis 1 link to aim: The Bradshaw model predicts that the size of the load will decrease due to attrition. If the hypothesis is correct, it helps to confirm the Bradshaw model.
• Hypothesis 2 link to aim: The Bradshaw model predicts that the velocity will increase because if reduced friction downstream. If the hypothesis is correct, it helps to confirm the Bradshaw model.
• Fieldwork Location:

  The curly burn river was chosen because:

  • it is accessible - within walking distance of main roads
  • it is safe
  • natural river processes are in operation - allows us to test our hypothesis and aim
  • magilligan field centre is close by - they have staff and equipment needed
• Primary data was collected along the curly burn river. It allowed us to test our hypothesis and fulfil the aim of our investigation.

  Our secondary source was a Discovery series 1:50,000 OS Map of the Curly Burn River (Sheet 4). It helped us select 6 suitable sites for data collection.