Field Study of Sheung Yue River Students’ Workbook
Contents
Page
1. Sheung Yue River and the fieldwork sites 2
2. About Sheung Yue River 4
3. Fieldwork site A: Ta Shek Wu Shek Tong 5
4. Fieldwork site B: Kiu Tau 7
5. Fieldwork site C: Ying Pun 9
6. Fieldwork site S1: Tsiu Keng 11
7. Fieldwork site D: Long Valley 13
8. Enquiry questions 15
9. Data collection (A): River geometry 16
10. Data collection (B): Stream quality 18
11. Data collection (C): Human influences 20 Data processing and presentation (A): 12. 22 River geometry Data processing and presentation (B): 13. 23 Stream quality and human influences 14. Data analysis and interpretation 24
15. Evaluation 24
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 1
1 Sheung Yue River and the fieldwork sites
Map 1.1: Sheung Yue River and the fieldwork sites
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 2
The field work sites (refer to Map 1.1)
• Ta Shek Wu Shek Tong（打石湖石塘） A • Kiu Tau（橋頭） B • Ying Pun（營盤） C • Tsiu Keng（蕉徑） S1 • Long Valley（塱原） D
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 3
2 About Sheung Yue River
As a tributary of Ng Tung River (梧桐河), Sheung Yue River runs through the northern New Territories, west of Fanling-Sheung Shui New Town. Its Chinese name, i.e. “Sheung Yue”, bears the meaning of “two fish”, which vividly describes the scenery of two hills standing side by side near Ho Sheung Heung (河上鄉) just like two fish playing in the water.
The headwater of Sheung Yue River is located in Tai To Yan (大刀屻). Initially, the main stream flows through the villages in Pat Heung (八鄉) Ta Shek Wu (打石湖) and then flows northward to Ying Pun (營盤), Tsiu Keng (蕉徑), Lin Tong Mei (蓮塘尾) and Cheung Lek (長瀝) after crossing Fan Kam Road (粉錦公路). When reaching Hang Tau Village (坑 頭村), the river heads northeastward to Kwu Tung (古洞), Yin Kong (燕崗) and Ho Sheung Heung. After passing Long Valley (塱原), the river joins Shek Sheung River (石上河) and Ng Tung River at the confluence.
“Rivers@HK Database”
[Sheung Yue River > Sheung Yue River Location and Catchment >
About Sheung Yue River]
https://goo.gl/gBcwBM
Answer the following questions:
(1) What is the drainage pattern of Sheung Yue River?
(2) Refer to the map on page 2, describe the direction of flow of Sheung Yue River.
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 4
3 Fieldwork site A: Ta Shek Wu Shek Tong
Ta Shek Wu Shek Tong is a village located at the upper course of Sheung Yue River. As suggested by the place name, there was a quarry in Ta Shek Wu for the extraction of construction and stone art materials. Although the quarry has been abandoned, stone art workshops are still operating near the village.
The characteristics of natural streams are retained at this river section. Villagers recalled that the water quality was so excellent in the past that they could swim and fish in the river. Nowadays, the water quality has deteriorated, sludge and sediments also accumulate on the riverbed. During dry season, odours often arise from polluted water in the river.
‘My River, My Community’ – WISE Choice
[Site A: Ta Shek Wu Shek Tong]
https://goo.gl/4npTcn
Map 3.1: Field study site at Ta Shek Wu Shek Tong
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 5
Figure 3.1: Natural stream at the Figure 3.2: Polluted river section at upper course of Sheung Yue River Ta Shek Wu Shek Tong
Eutrophication – Excessive nutrients in river water induced rapid growth of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in Sheung Yue River (near Ying Pun). The process of eutrophication, which may cause oxygen depletion and prevent sunlight from penetrating the water, exerts negative impacts on aquatic life.
Side by side comparison of a normal (Figure 5.3) and eutrophic (Figure 5.4) river section in Ying Pun illustrates the rapid growth of Water Hyacinth in just 5 days.
Figure 5.3: Before Eutrophication Figure 5.4: After Eutrophication Photo taken on April 9, 2018 Photo taken on April 14, 2018
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 6
4 Fieldwork site B: Kiu Tau
Kiu Tau is a site where two tributaries of Sheung Yue River converge. At this site, the river channel is wider than the upper course, and the channel gradient becomes gentler. Meanwhile, we can identify land-uses other than agriculture, such as used vehicle dealers and junkyards. Such land-uses may pose a threat to the river water quality.
‘My River, My Community’ – WISE Choice
[Site B: Kiu Tau]
https://goo.gl/4npTcn
Map 4.1: Field study site at Kiu Tau
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 7
Figure 4.1: Sheung Yue River section at Figure 4.2: Some land-uses other than Kiu Tau (towards downstream) agriculture can be found at Kiu Tau
References for brownfields:
HKSAR Government (2017). LCQ16: Territory-wide survey on the distribution and use of brownfield sites. (Government press release) https://goo.gl/5bRC5W
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 8
5 Fieldwork site C: Ying Pun
An inflatable dam was constructed by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD, formerly known as Agriculture and Fisheries Department) in Ying Pun before 1995. The river water has then been intercepted, leading to a considerable rise in the water level. In the meantime, a catchwater has been dug next to the dam to divert river water to farmland nearby to irrigate agricultural crops. The above water works showcase the crucial role of Sheung Yue River in supporting agricultural activities in the catchment.
‘My River, My Community’ – WISE Choice
[Site C: Ying Pun]
https://goo.gl/4npTcn
Map 5.1: Field study site at Ying Pun
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 9
Figure 5.1: Agricultural weir at Ying Pun Figure 5.2: Extensive area of farmland at (with overflow) Ying Pun
References for Agricultural Park:
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department & Lands Department (2017). The Establishment of an Agricultural Park in Kwu Tung South Phase I.
https://goo.gl/ySoe4h
Food and Health Bureau, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department & Lands Department (2018). Progress of the Major Initiatives under the New Agriculture Policy. (Legislative Council Discussion Paper)
https://goo.gl/avLx9f
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 10
6 Fieldwork site S1: Tsiu Keng
The Newfoundland Bridge was built in 1957, and was named after HMS Newfoundland of which its crew members donated money and put effort to construct the bridge after a major rainstorm event. A plaque is erected next to the bridge to commemorate this history.
Extensive farmlands can be found in Tsiu Keng and Ying Pun, some of which are Accredited Farms approved by AFCD. In July 2017, the government announced about 75 – 80 hectares of farmland in Tsiu Keng had been selected as the preliminary site of the Agricultural Park.
‘My River, My Community’ – Cultural Tour
[Site A: Newfoundland Bridge]
https://goo.gl/aYNDE8
Map 6.1: Field study site at Tsiu Keng
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 11
Figure 6.1: The commemorative plaque Figure 6.2: An accredited farm at next to the bridge Tsiu Keng
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 12
7 Fieldwork site D: Long Valley
Long Valley is a vast wetland and floodplain at which Sheung Yue River and Shek Sheung River converge. Since it has a rich diversity of bird species and is also a major stop-over feeding and resting site for migratory birds, this area has high ecological value with over 300 bird species recorded. The original proposal to build the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line over Long Valley was rejected by the government due to environmental considerations. At last, the railway went through Long Valley in an underground tunnel, allowing the ecologically valuable wetland to be kept intact and untouched. Given fertile soil and abundant water supply, agricultural activities have flourished in Long Valley. Currently, vegetables are major farm produce in Long Valley. Farmers also divert water from Sheung Yue River to irrigate the farmlands there. In 2012, rice paddy was reintroduced to Long Valley under a programme called Long Valley Ecopaddy Co-operative Society (禾‧花‧雀‧塱原生態農社), initiated by Conservancy Association.
Under the North East New Territories Development Areas Project, Long Valley is designated as a Nature Park due to its high ecological value.
‘My River, My Community’ – WISE Choice
[Site D: Long Valley]
https://goo.gl/4npTcn
References for Kwu Tung North Development and Long Valley Nature Park:
Environmental Protection Department (2018). Implementation of Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) https://goo.gl/4nncsw
Town Planning Board (2015). Approved Kwu Tung North Outline Zoning Plan No. S/KTN/2. https://goo.gl/on944c
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 13
Map 7.1: Field study site at Long Valley
Figure 7.1: Paddy fields can be found in Figure 7.2: Many vegetable fields can be Long Valley found in Long Valley
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 14
8 Enquiry questions
The fundamental enquiry in the field study of Sheung Yue River is “How does the relationship between a river and environment change along it course?” The key enquiry consists of two questions:
1. What changes occur in river geometry with distance downstream?
2. What changes occur in the degree of stream pollution with distance downstream?
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 15
9 Data collection (A): River geometry
At each field sites, conduct a survey of the river geometry by completing the followings.
(1) Channel cross-section measurements Equipment: (i) measuring tape; (ii) meter rule (a) Channel width: ______m. (b) Depth of stream at 25 cm intervals across the channel: i. ______cm iv. ______cm vii. ______cm x. ______cm ii. ______cm v. ______cm viii. ______cm xi. ______cm iii. ______cm vi. ______cm ix. ______cm xii. ______cm Mean depth of the stream: _____ cm Area of cross-section: ______m2
Cross-section of the channel
(2) Stream velocity Equipment: (i) meter rule; (ii) float (table tennis ball); (iii) stop watch
Select a section of the channel, which is 2 to 5 m long.
Use a table tennis ball as the float. Release the float and measure the travelling time of the float.
Calculate the velocity of the stream. (a) Time taken for float to travel a distance of ______m i. ______sec. ii. ______sec. iii. ______sec. iv. ______sec. (b) Average time taken: ______sec.
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 16 (c) Average velocity: ______m/sec i. Stream velocity (average velocity x 0.8) = ______m/sec ii. Discharge (cross-sectional area x stream velocity) =______m3/sec
(3) Bedload size Equipment: (i) measuring tape; (ii) meter rule (a) Measure the diameter of the bedload with a ruler. i. ______mm iv. ______mm vii. ______mm ii. ______mm v. ______mm viii. ______mm iii. ______mm vi. ______mm ix. ______mm (b) Average size of bedload (please tick): boulder (>200mm) pebble (50-200 mm) gravel (2-50 mm) sand (0.22 mm)
(4) Channel gradient Equipment: (i) abney level; (ii) ranging rod; (iii) measuring tape Channel gradient:
(5) Course of the river With reference to the data collected, identify the course of the stream. upper course middle course lower course
(6) Other observations
(a) Name the land use of the area.
(b) Name the human activities carried out here and along the valley.
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 17
10 Data collection (B): Stream quality
(A) Study the stream quality by observation
With reference to (i) floating matter; (ii) presence of green algae; (iii) presence of sewage fungus; (iv) smell; (v) water colour; and (vi) turbidity, assess the stream quality.
(B) Study the chemical and biological properties of the stream by measurement and laboratory work.
- (i) Acidity, (ii) ammonia (NH3), (iii) nitrate (NO3 ) and (iv) Escherichia coli (E. coli) are four of the parameters adopted by the Environmental Protection Department for river quality monitoring in Hong Kong.
Sources of ammonia and nitrate include fertiliser, decomposition of organic matter and untreated sewage; whereas E. coli is highly related to the animal faecal contamination. Levels of these parameters provide an objective picture on the severity of pollution at different sections of a river.
Acidity can be easily measured by pH paper or pH testers. For accuracy, on site measurement is recommended.
Rapid testers of ammonia and nitrate are commonly available at aquarium shops at low cost. Extract water samples at different sections of the river, and follow the instructions of the testers. For accuracy, it is recommended that these rapid tests should be done on site at the sampling points.
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 18
Figure 10.1: Rapid tester Figure 10.2: E. coli Count Plates
E. coli Count Plates can be used to test the number of E. coli colonies present in water samples. In laboratory, pipette water samples onto the Count Plates and incubate the plates according to the instruction. Count the number of colonies developed on the Count Plates after incubation.
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 19
11 Data collection (C): Human influences
At each field site, note the followings on the record sheet
(i) the land use found; and
(ii) the hard river management strategy found.
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 20 Stream Quality and Human Influences Record Sheet
Site: A B C S1 D Locality: Date: Recorded by: Time: (Group) Stream Quality Observations 0 1 2 3 1 Floating matter None Little Some Abundant 2 Presence of green algae None Little Some Abundant 3 Presence of sewage fungus None Little Some Abundant 4 Smell None Slight Moderate Strong 5 Water colour Clear Less clear Brown Black 6 Turbidity Clear Fairly low Moderate High Mean assessment score of stream quality by observation:
Chemical and biological 0 1 2 3 properties Slightly acidic Acidic Strongly acidic Neutral (4.95 – 6.74) (4.05 – 4.94) (< 4.05) 1 Acidity (6.75 – 7.24) Slightly alkaline Alkaline Strongly acidic (7.25 – 8.04) (8.05 – 9.04) (> 9.04)
2 Ammonia (NH3) Very low Low High Very high
- 3 Nitrate (NO3 ) Very low Low High Very high 4 Escherichia coli (E. coli) Very low Low High Very high Mean assessment score of chemical and biological properties: Human influences Channelisation Channelised No channelised work works: Stream Presence of weir / dam management strategy Type: Blocks revetment Gabion wall Concrete cover Stone pitching retaining wall
Around: Upstream: Agricultural Abandoned land Agricultural Abandoned land Land use Residential Industrial Residential Industrial type Construction in progress Construction in progress Others: ______ Others: ______
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 21
Data processing and presentation (A):
12 River geometry
Site A B C S1 D Downstream
Channel width
Mean depth
Area of cross- section
Stream velocity
Discharge
Bedload size
Channel gradient
Other observations
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 22
Data processing and presentation (B):
13 Stream quality and human influences
Site A B C S1 D Downstream
Observations (Mean score and special observations)
Acidity
Ammonia
Nitrate
E. coli
Stream management strategy
Land use around and upstream
Remarks / any other observations
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 23
14 Data analysis and interpretation
1. How and why do the characteristics of Sheung Yue River deviate from a typical stream as mentioned in your textbook?
2. What are the major factors affecting the stream quality at the field work sites along Sheung Yue River?
3. “The degree of stream pollution increases downstream.” Explain whether the data collected were applicable in supporting the above statement.
15 Evaluation
1. Are the date and time of your fieldwork appropriate for this field enquiry? Suggest another date for a further study of the enquiry. Explain.
2. What difficulties do you encounter in data collection on (a) stream geometry and (b) stream quality?
3. Suggest ways of improving the data collection methods for this field study. Justify your suggestions.
Field Study of Sheung Yue River: Students’ Workbook 24