Rivers are a fundamental part of geography and often the first fieldwork we are introduced to. Rivers are complex systems which can be simplified to allow us to investigate them. There are several different questions that can be asked to see how different elements of a river change downstream.
Continue exploring the tabs above for ideas on how to carry out a rivers investigation. Be sure to look at the videos below created in partnership with ‘Time for Geography’ for support on carrying out your rivers investigation.
Investigating River Channel Morphology:
Investigating River Flow Velocity:
Investigating River Sediment Characteristics
Before you start
Rivers are dynamic systems, they are constantly changing – modifying their own channels and the wider landscape. Changes take place both spatially and temporally – spatial changes may occur laterally or longitudinally in the river channel, across the cross profile or along the long profile.
- How and why does velocity change across the cross profile of River X?
- How and why does bedload size and roundness change across the cross profile of River X?
- How and why does discharge change along the long profile of River X?
- How and why does the cross profile of River X change along its long profile?
Questions that look at temporal change can be very interesting, but are often less practical for the GSCE geographer, involving repeated visits to a site for data collection, for larger rivers secondary data from the National River Flow Archive or Environment Agency gauging stations can add a temporal aspect to your investigation.
Rivers investigations can focus on changes in any of the channel characteristics, to ensure some stretch and challenge for more able students it is wise to choose some of the more complex characteristics – for example an investigation that looks at changes in cross profile may be more challenging and interesting than an investigation into width or depth alone.
Questions focusing on changes along the long profile, or downstream changes lend themselves well to a hypotheses testing approach, students formulating a number of hypotheses which they will test en route to answering their question.
Secondary and Further Education Courses
Set your students up for success with our secondary school trips and courses. Offering excellent first hand experiences for your students, all linked to the curriculum.
Group Leader and Teacher Training
Centre-based and digital courses for teachers