Coastal Fieldwork Booklet

Name: __________________________

Understanding the Coastal Environment

Fieldwork Book

The Field Trip Booklet

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The field book is designed to help you collect information on coastal

processes. It is a record of the things you see, the processes you examine

and the human impacts evident on the day.

Precise fieldwork makes the future recall of the information easier and aids in

your understanding. Be sure to answer all questions thoughtfully and to

conduct all of your fieldwork efficiently.

Itinerary

8:30am Depart Coburg Senior High School

10:00am Arrive at Point Lonsdale

10:15am Morning Tea and Fieldwork

10:45am Depart Point Lonsdale

11:00am Arrive at Collendina

11:30am Depart Collendina

11:45am Arrive Ocean Grove

12:00pm Lunch and Fieldwork

12:45pm Depart Ocean Grove

1:00pm Arrive Barwon Heads

1:30pm Complete fieldwork and some free time (maybe)

2:00pm Depart Barwon Heads

3:30pm Arrive at Coburg Senior High School

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Stop 1 - Point Lonsdale

Describe the location of Point Lonsdale.

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What direction does the prevailing wind blow from?

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From what direction do waves predominantly enter the system?

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Wave Characteristics

Estimate the wave height: ______________________________________

Estimate the wave length: ______________________________________

Wave Period: ________________________________________________

Type of Wave -

Natural Processes

List the natural processes you can see occurring at Point Lonsdale.

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Place a light item onto the beach face (between the high and low tide marks) such as a small stick or leaf. Track the item and sketch its progress in the space below. Include the processes of swash, backwash and longshore drift. Also include the wave and wind directions on your diagram, as well as the distance the item travels. (include a north arrow on your sketch)

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Natural Landforms

List the natural landforms you can see at Point Lonsdale.

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Remember to take a photo of these landforms and processes.

Human Impacts

Complete the table below, outlining the human impacts you observe at Point Londsdale.

Human Impact Describe the Impact this has on the beach

Coastal Management

List the management techniques undertaken on the beach to reduce human impact. (Remember to take a photo of these if you have a camera)

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Stop 2 - Collendina

Describe the location of Collendina Beach.

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Wave Period: ________________________________________________

Type of Wave -

Natural Processes

List the natural processes you can see occurring at Collendina.

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Collendina has an excellent example of a dune system. Draw a beach profile of the dune system, from the beach to the carpark. Remember to include

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labeling of the dunes, vegetation, approximate heights etc. Also label the direction of the wind.

Remember to take a photo of these landforms and processes

Human Impacts

Complete the table below, outlining the human impacts you observe at Collendina.


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Coastal Management


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Stop 3 – Ocean Grove

Describe the location of Ocean Grove.

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Wave Period: ________________________________________________

Type of Wave -

Natural Processes

List the natural processes you can see occurring at Ocean Grove.

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Human Impacts

Complete the table below, outlining the human impacts you observe at Ocean Grove. Remember to take a photo of each one.


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Coastal Management


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Stop 4 – Barwon Heads

Describe the location of Barwon Heads.

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Wave Period: ________________________________________________

Type of Wave -

Natural Processes and Erosional Landforms

List the natural processes you can see occurring at Barwon Heads. (Include detail and photos on the differing types of erosion)

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List the erosional landforms that you observe at Barwon Heads.

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Barwon Heads provides you with an excellent view of wave refaction in action. Draw a labeled field sketch of wave refraction, including the headland, direction of wave movement areas that would experience the greatest erosion.

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Remember to take a photo of these landforms and processes

Human Impacts

Complete the table below, outlining the human impacts you observe at Barwon Heads. Remember to take a photo of each one.


Coastal Management


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A Coastal Issue: Barwon Heads Bridge

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Take notes on the issue associated with the Barwon Heads Bridge. You should consider the views of the differing stakeholders. You should also take photos of the bridge and protest signs.

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Reflection

1. What did you enjoy about this coastal field trip?

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2. What did you learn today?

3. How could the field trip be improved?

4. Any other comments....

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Education

Coastal Fieldwork Booklet