by Ms. Coleman
On Thursday, the 28th of September 2023, 27 intrepid Geographers along with Ms. Coleman and Ms. Delaney boarded a bus at 7.20 a.m. for a trip to Ballybunion, Co. Kerry to complete our Geographical investigation entitled “Investigate the impact of the geomorphic processes of erosion on the formation of the landscape in a fluvial or coastal or glacial environment.” Our focus was going to be on the cave system of Ladies Strand in Ballybunion and our main aim was to measure the height, width and depth of these sea caves to investigate the processes of erosion and how the harsh Atlantic coastline has been shaped by these processes. After a quick stop at the Barack Obama plaza to gain some essential nutrients before conducting such an arduous task, we continued on our journey until we reached our destination around mid-day.
Thanks to Ms. Delaney’s numerous prayers to St. Anthony, the rain suddenly cleared as we stepped on to the beach to start our geographical investigation. To start, we used measuring tapes, ranging poles and our homemade clinometers to monitor the height, width and depth of five sea caves from foreshore to backshore while in pre-arranged groups. Although the rain had cleared, the wind still proved troublesome after Storm Agnes the day before. The flying rocks from the cave roof were a surprise but clearly showed the effects of compression and how this process is responsible for forming the sea caves along our study site. We also conducted a wave count to determine if erosion or deposition was shaping this Western coastline (although this had to be stopped after a number of us got soaked due to the incoming waves!). Lastly, using our quadrats (kindly donated by the Science Department), we were able to determine whether hydraulic action, abrasion, attrition, solution or compression affected the shape and structure of our obtained stone samples. All of the results we gained from our investigation were written up into the worksheets we would use on our return to class to assist us in compiling our Geographical Investigation and we sketched and photographed our study site to assist us while completing this task. Dinner was had in the many (!) restaurants in Ballybunion and we returned home after a twelve-hour day, delighted with the excellent results we obtained on the beach.
Overall, our fieldwork was deemed a great success by all and I would like to thank Ms. Delaney especially for giving up her day to join us as we completed this important task. The Geographical Investigation is worth up to 20% of student’s eventual Geography grade and we, as a department, have no doubt that the success of our results over the years can be attributed to this project. The Geographical Investigation will be handed up on the 26th of April 2024 and I have no doubt the girls will gain great success in their projects and Leaving Certificate exam.