1. Fieldwork Investigation
GEO4A
Fieldwork Investigation

2. Learning Objective
To find out what is expected regarding the investigative skills section of GEOG4A, and to write the Introduction section of our investigation, including a title, aim, hypothesis and objectives.

3. Before we begin, check that you have the following:
Checklist
Before we begin, check that you have the following:
A folder
An Investigation Guidelines Booklet
A Winterton Booklet
A note pad / exercise book (you may use your year 12 Skills book)
A pen, pencil, ruler and calculator

4. This is summarised in your Investigation Guidelines Booklet
Summary of GEO4A
Unit 4 – GEO4A Geography Fieldwork Investigation
20% of A Level
1 hour 30 minutes written examination
60 marks
GEO4A – structured short and extended questions based on candidates’ fieldwork
investigation and fieldwork skills.
This is summarised in your Investigation Guidelines Booklet

5. Investigation Structure
Introduction, Aim, Hypothesis and Objectives
Location and map of study site
Background research on Sand dunes and plant succession along sand dunes
Methodology / data Collection
Data Presentation
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Conclusion
Evaluation
Your Investigation Guidelines Booklet explains what to include in each section.

6. Plant Succession at Winterton on Sea
Fill in your booklets and make notes as we go along

7. How does vegetation change along a psammosere transect?
Title
How does vegetation change along a psammosere transect?
From your title you will need to write an Aim, a Hypothesis and a list of Objectives. You need to decide on what you will focus upon:
Vegetation height?
Vegetation cover?
Vegetation diversity?

8. Aim
To find out how and why vegetation changes along a sand dune transect at Winterton, Norfolk.
All aspects of your coursework must now follow on from and link to this Aim.

9. Hypothesis
The height of the vegetation will increase with increasing distance from the high water mark.
Vegetation diversity will increase with distance from the high water mark.
Vegetation height and diversity will increase with distance from the high water mark.
Vegetation diversity will increase with vegetation cover
There will be a negative correlation between the number of species and soil pH
Choose a hypothesis!

10. Let’s write a list of objectives!.
To research sand dune formation at Winterton.
To research plant succession along a psammosere
To find a suitable map of the dune system and delimit the study area.
To decide upon the intervals between transects
To decide what data is needed and suitable sampling methods.
To design appropriate data capture techniques.
To construct a list of the equipment required.
To research the tide times and weather conditions in order to find a suitable date to visit.
To conduct a risk assessment of the area.
Let’s write a list of objectives!.

11. Friday’s Learning Objectives
During the next two lessons you must complete the following tasks:
Location of Winterton Dunes
Risk Assessment

12. Where is Winterton?

13. Location of Winterton
Use the online OS map at to write a detailed description of the location of Winterton Dunes. You will need to move the map to the right location then zoom in to access the correct scale. Be patient if it loads slowly!

14. Where is Winterton Located?
Information required:
Map evidence:
Grid reference:
Nearest towns.
Distance and direction from Winterton:
Connecting roads:
Distance and direction from school
Other information:

15. Complete this section of your booklet!
Where is Winterton?
What is the grid reference
How far is it and in which direction from nearby major towns /school?
Which routes connect it to major towns?
Complete this section of your booklet!

16. Why are Winterton Dunes suitable for your investigation?
You must research the sand dunes at Winterton to find out why they are significant, e.g.:
Area covered/size of dunes
Age
What can be found there
Is it protected? Why?
Aim reminder: “To find out how and why vegetation changes along a sand dune transect at Winterton, Norfolk.”

17. Risk Assessment Complete the Risk Assessment section in your booklet
Weather
Tides
Hazards
Equipment
Hazard
Risk
(Low, Medium, High)
Control Measure
Likelihood of risk
Impact of risk if occurred