Aim: To identify the
standard features of river meanders.
Task One: To measure the shape
of the river channel.
- Using a measuring tape, measure the
distance across the stream from one riverbank to the other.
This should be entered onto logging sheet 1.
- Using your measuring tape, measure
the depth of the river channel at regular intervals
(25cm), measure the depth at these
intervals using a metre rule. Record the depth onto logging
sheet 1. Remember
to mark on where the water started and finished.
Task Two: To measure the velocity
(speed) of a river.
- Along the same stretch of the river
that you took your cross sectional depth measurements
in task One. You will now work out
the velocity of the river at the same points in the river
that you worked
out the depth.
- Using the flow meter record the speed
of the water at each of the points. Hold the flow meter
in the water for at least 30
seconds to obtain an accurate reading. Record the results
onto logging sheet
2.
Task Three: Make an accurate
sketch of the river meander.
- Take at least a full side of A4 and
compose a sketch of the river meander you have studied.
- Label your sketch accurately. Make
sure and include each of the following:
| Inner bank of the meander |
Small pebbles and fine material |
| Outer bank of the meander |
Larger pebbles |
| Deepest water |
Shallowest water |
| Deposition |
Erosion |
Include any other relevant information.