Geographical fieldwork
GEOGRAPHICAL INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE LEAVING CERTIFICATE 2012Our one-day projects are specially designed for the geography fieldwork investigation topics for 2012. In all our projects students are involved in using various items of equipment to make measurements and collect data that can be used for presentation and analysis.
Topic1: A study of one landform evident on the Irish landscape formed by
geomorphic processes.
Four separate studies will be available under this topic:
1. A study of sea cliffs in Liscannor Bay, Co. Clare
Various methods will be used and compared to examine the height of a cliff, observations and measurements at 2 locations will record the different processes at work including an examination of what rock type the cliffs are formed from.
2. A study of limestone pavements.
A classic landscape feature in the Burren, students will examine how grykes are formed and develop, identify some other features on the pavements and assess the rate of erosion.
3. A study of sand dunes.
At Bishop's Quarter beach near Ballyvaughan students will test for longshore drift, measure wind speed and direction. They will then measure the height of the sand dunes here, examine their formation and zonation; and look at human impacts on them. Download an information page on plants at Bishops Quarter here.
4. A study of Aillwee Cave, Co. Clare.
Mapping a section of the cave gives students a chance to try out mapping techniques and also to investigate how the cave was formed. A variety of stalactite features will be identified and recorded through the cave, and measurements taken to examine their formation. A fossil and cave feature chart can be dowloaded here.
GENERAL BURREN STUDIES
The limestone landscape of the Burren is unique in Ireland and examples of most karstic land forms can be seen here. The extensive limestone pavements with their clints and grykes clearly illustrate the process of chemical erosion.
CAVES
Caves are an important feature of limestone areas and extensive caves are known beneath the Burren's surface. Instructors are available who can lead small groups into wild caves.
DRAINAGE PATTERNS
Near Lisdoonvarna, the limestone is overlain by impermeable rock with surface drainage providing a strong contrast to the high Burren where there are many dry valleys and closed depressions ranging from small dolines and turloughs to the large polje at Carron.
GLACIATION
There are many excellent examples of glacial action in the Burren. These include glaciated valleys, moraines and erratics.
