Fieldwork opportunities in Physical Geography The new A

Fieldwork opportunities in Physical Geography The new A Level Mr Philip Pitcher Oundle School Geography Department pgp@oundleschool. org. uk pitchergeography. co. uk @pitchyp 1991 #Pitchers. Trees

Options in Carbon Options in Water Fieldwork equipment Secondary data in water

Options in Carbon • Soil Carbon • Leaf Litter Carbon • Biomass • Carbon Comparisons • Carbon Sequestration

Measuring Organic Carbon • A simple/quick experiment. • Different samples, with varying organic contents • Weigh (& weigh crucible) • Burn in crucible (3 -5 minutes) • Re-weigh • Calculate Organic Carbon loss • Discuss errors: (water loss, time aspect, etc) • In Class or Independent Investigation • Possible links to land use too (cropping, etc)

Options in Water • Gravimetric moisture content/field capacity • Infiltration • Throughflow • Permeability / Porosity • Surface Storage & Geology • Irrigation • Groundwater • Evapotranspiration

Measuring Gravimetric Soil Moisture • Volumetric v Gravimetric • A great way to link Carbon & Water together • Role of organic matter in water retention • ‘Wet soil’ weigh + weigh beaker • Dry below 100 o. C for 2 -3 days • Re-weigh • Calculate mass of water lost • Discuss/link to land use, problems/benefits, environment etc

Fieldwork Equipment: Infiltration Data logging method Basic/rudimental method

Fieldwork Equipment: Canopy Hydrology - Total stem flow - Stem flow speed - Link to infiltration - Compare different tree species

Fieldwork Equipment: Canopy Hydrology

Fieldwork Equipment: Canopy Hydrology

Fieldwork Equipment: Soil Water

Secondary Data: Water • (See handout) • Help pupils develop their own ‘graphical representation skills’ • Explore Microsoft Excel • Develop awareness of ‘secondary data’ and prompt discussion and possible use in Independent Investigation