1. Paper 4, Winter 2013 0460_w13_42 Total 30 marks
GCSE Geography exam preparation
River Measurements
Paper 4, Winter 2013
0460_w13_42
Total 30 marks

2. River measurement questions are a common feature of Paper 4
River measurement questions are a common feature of Paper 4. They follow this pattern: a hypothesis is set out and then measurements are taken in a river to prove or disprove it.
The hydraulic radius is a measure of a channel flow efficiency. Flow speed along the channel depends on its cross-sectional shape and the hydraulic radius is defined as the ratio of the channel's cross-sectional area of the flow to its wetted perimeter (the portion of the cross-section's perimeter that is "wet“).

3. The hydraulic radius is a measure of a channel flow efficiency
The hydraulic radius is a measure of a channel flow efficiency. Flow speed along the channel depends on its cross-sectional shape and the hydraulic radius is defined as the ratio of the channel's cross-sectional area of the flow to its wetted perimeter (the portion of the cross-section's perimeter that is "wet“).

4. A common river measurement Paper 4 question

5. Accessibility/reachable/easy to get to/is it private land (1)
Distance from source/between sites (1)
Away from human impact/buildings/houses (1)
Depth/width of water/might flood (1)
Velocity/fast flowing/strength of current (1)
Safety ref wild/dangerous animals (1)
Not near waterfalls/rapids (1)

7. To ensure consistency/fairness of results (1)
Velocity/depth/width/river conditions may change (1)
Weather/rainfall might change/on same day should stay the same (1)

8. This is a common question in Paper 4:
A pilot study, pilot project or pilot experiment is a small scale preliminary study conducted in order to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, adverse events, and effect size (statistical variability) in an attempt to predict an appropriate sample size and improve upon the study design prior to performance of a full-scale study.

9. Agree methodology on what measurements to take (1)
Find out what does not work/change it/reduce errors (1)
Practise fieldwork techniques/get experience/get idea what to do (1)
Test/learn how to use equipment (1)
Experience of working as a team (1)
Find out how long it would take (1)

11. This is the sketch

12. Poles/sticks put on each bank of the river (1)
String/ropes stretched between the poles/sticks across the river (1)
Measure a fixed/given distance along river/measure 10m (1)
Students at each end of the fixed distance (1)
Float/floating object put in the river (1)
Measure time float takes to travel distance (1)
Repeat across river/in 3 channels (1)

14. This is what a flow meter looks like
Put flow meter below surface of river/submerge it (1)
Propeller must be facing upstream (1)
Hold in water for sensible/specified time (1)
Record reading/read the meter (1)
Take several readings (1)
Calculate average (1)

17. x x

18. x x
Completion of line graph sites 4 (7.8 and 0.60) & 5 (10.5 and 0.78)
1 mark for each correct plot = 2 marks; no marks for lines.

20. x x
As we look at Table 1 and Figure 2 we can see that the hypothesis is TRUE: Overall velocity increases as does distance from source. But you must include the DATA. The exact figures need to be quoted.

21. x x
The hypothesis is TRUE: Overall velocity increases 0.36 to 0.78 so does distance from source 1.8 to (1) Overall velocity increases 0.36 to 0.78 as distance increases from Site 1–5 (1)

24. Link to YouTube video demonstration of channel measurement:

25. 1 mark each for one piece of relevant equipment and 1 mark each for method for both measurements.
Width of channel:
Equipment: tape measure/tape/metre rule (1)
How: Stretch tape measure across river (1)
Stretch rope across river then measure it (1)
Depth of river:
Equipment: ruler/measuring stick/string & stone/ranging pole/stick & ruler (1 )
How: Measure depth at intervals (1)
Rest ruler upright (1)
Must touch river bed (1)
Measure up to where the ruler is wet (1)

26. As you can see from this example, a calculator is going to be necessary equipment for Paper 4: so take one with you to the exam!

27. 0.22

29. This couldn’t be easier, as they give you the formula !

30. 2.54
Mark Scheme says accept 2.542

34. Examples:
River is deep (1)
Fast-flowing/strong current (1)
Current may pull tape downstream (1)
Tape may not be long enough (1)
Dangerous with a reason not already credited above (1 max)

36. x
Plot site 5 on scatter graph (0.78 Av Vel / 0.50 HR).

38. Look at the evidence and explain the data: you must have two pieces of evidence…

39. Velocity increases from 0. 36 to 0
Velocity increases from 0.36 to 0.78 and Hydraulic radius increases (1) from 0.05 to
0.5/from Site 1–5 (1)
Hydraulic radius increases from 0.05 to 0.5 and velocity increases (1) from 0.36 to 0.78/from site 1–5 (1).
Can use any two sites that support the hypothesis

41. Measure/look at cross-profile/slopes/gradient/width of valley(s) (1)
Sketches of five sites (1)
Annotations/labels on sketch/drawings (1)
Photographs of five sites (1)
Describe changes/differences in vegetation in the valley (1)
Describe changes/differences in human impact on the valley (1)