1
2
A. Background
Macau lies on the west of the Zhujiang Estuary
and is 30 kilometers west of Hong Kong. It is
made up of the Macau Peninsula, Taipa and
Coloane. The north of the Macau Peninsula
adjoins the mainland of China while the two
formerly separated islands, Taipa and Coloane,
are completely linked up through recent
Macau
reclamation. The reclaimed land connecting the
two islands is known as Cotai.
Taipa
Hac Sa Beach is located at the south of Coloane
in Macau and is so named because of its unique
black sand. The beach was known as “Big
Ring” in ancient times because of its half-moon
shape and gentle slope. The beach has a
wide-spread water surface with limpid beach
water.
Cotai
Coloane
Map of Macau
The black sand was said to have been washed up onshore by the ocean currents. Evidence
shows that the unique black sand in Hac Sa Beach contains manganese and is a kind of
secondary deposit called “sea emerald” wearing a tinge of black and is found in the ocean.
The sand has been scoured by the sea waves for years and then brought onshore. With its
fine black sand, Hac Sa Beach is among the Eight Scenic Attractions of Macau. Being a
hot spot for water activities and star-watching and is an important tourism resource in
Macau.
Hac Sa Beach was originally the biggest natural beach in Macau but its surface area has
been gradually shrinking due to water and soil erosion in recent years. A huge part of the
bedrock at the beach bottom is exposed, and even the base of the lifeguard lookout tower
has lost the support from the marine sand and became a “single-leg” tower. The Maritime
Administration of Macau (澳門港務局) explained that it was not a case of sand loss in
Hac Sa Beach but a natural cyclical phenomenon that took place every year in which the
sand of the entire beach undergone seasonal shift with the change in the directions of
waves, wind and water flow in different seasons. In order to preserve this tourist
attraction, the authority concerned replenished the sand base with amber sand to take the
3
place of the black sand that was carried away. Such a measure had provoked different
responses from the public. However, some environmental groups pointed out that the real
cause behind being the huge number of marine sand dredging projects at the ports in the
Zhujiang Delta Region in recent years. These projects changed the seabed gradient, led to
the drastic loss of marine sand, altered the cyclical transportation of marine sand and the
fluvial balance around the Hac Sa Beach waters. The result of all these is the decrease in
the surface area of Hac Sa Beach.
After taking part in a series of field study activities at Hac Sa Beach in Macau, you should
have gained a deeper understanding of the
topic of “Coast”.
4
B. Grouping
Divide the class into groups of three or four. In your group, discuss and decide on a
research title for your fieldwork together. You should also work together to design your
research procedures, determine what kinds of information and data to be collected, and in
turn design your own instruments and methods of measurement. Please note that you
should try to work on your own as your teacher will act as a facilitator only throughout your
field study.
C. References
1. Websites:
維基百科-黑沙海灘
http://zh.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%BB%91%E6%B2%99%E6%B5%B7%
E7%81%98
Macau Government Tourist Office
http://hk.macautourism.gov.mo/
Macau City Guide
http://www.cityguide.gov.mo/main.aspx
澳門田野考古報告專刊-澳門黑沙
http://www.macaudata.com/macauweb/book085/
Macau Guide
http://www.macau.com/
Weather - Macao Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau
http://www.smg.gov.mo/c_index.php
Vector Map
http://www.vectormap.com/china/macau/macau.htm
Directel Macau Ltd.
http://www.yp.com.mo/map/
Macau Youth Hostel
http://www.dsej.gov.mo/~webdsej/www/grp_stud/hostel_detail.htm
Fieldwork on Beach and Rocky Headlands
http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/publications/series/pubs/beach.pdf
Traffic Information.
A. Turbojet
http://www.turbojet.com.hk/chi/home/index.asp
B. CotaiJet
http://cotaijet.com.mo/tc/destinations/index.aspx
C. Macau bus information website
http://www.i-busnet.com/macau/busroute/
5
D. Points to Note
1. Be aware of the weather condition on the day of the fieldwork. If a rainstorm
black/red warning, thunderstorm warning or tropical cyclone warning is issued at
7:00a.m. on that day, the trip will be cancelled.
2. Be responsible and arrive on time for the designated ferry. No absence without
reasonable cause or late arrival is allowed. Participants should stay with their
respective groups while conducting fieldwork study and must follow the teacher
in the return trip to Hong Kong.
3. Cooperate and work in collaboration with one another during group activities of
field study.
4. Closely adhere to the safety rules. Do not cross the roads recklessly, frolic on the
streets or play in water at the beach.
5. Should bring along a mobile phone with roaming service. Bear in mind that the
emergency number in Macau is 000. Meanwhile, save the mobile phone numbers
of your teachers and members in your phone in advance for that may help in
cases of emergency.
6. Be polite while conducting an interview.
7. Report to the teachers and parents in case of any special events. Seek help from
the police in case of emergency.
8. The currency of Macau is Macanese Pataca but Hong Kong dollar and Renminbi
are also accepted.
8.
9. Be polite when conducting an interview.
10. Report to the teacher and parents if a sudden incident occurs. Seek police
in an emergency.
8. The currency of Macau is Macanese Pataca. Hong Kong dollar and
Renminbi can also be used.
6
E.
Pre-trip Activities
1. Study the maps and pictures below and then answer the following questions.
1
Westin Resort Macau
2
Hac Sa Youth Hostel
3
A Peninsula
Figure 1
4
Hac Sa Beach, Macau
5
Hellene Garden
Water Sports Youth Centre
7
(a) Refer to the three-dimensional (3-D), 2-D and satellite maps shown via GIS on the
following website. Find the same area shown in Figure 1 on the three-dimensional
map.
http://www.yp.com.mo/map/
(b) Make use of the “Quick Click” (
) function in the website and try to put
the numbers of the pictures on P. 6 in the corresponding boxes on the map.
(c) Use the “Measure”(測距) function on the website to measure the length of Hac Sa
Beach.
2.
Based on the three-dimensional map on the website mentioned in 1(a) and the
following website of Coloane topographic map, describe the location and geological
features of Hac Sa Beach.
http://www.macaudata.com/macauweb/book085/
Click“田野考古報告專刊” > “條目正文 ”>“II 自然環境”圖 II-1
3. (a)
Browse the websites provided in the references section on P. 4 and write down
the origin of the name “Hac Sa Beach”.
8
(b) Try to collect more information about Hac Sa Beach and record your findings
below.
9
4.
Study the following photographs and the article carefully. Then, answer the questions.
10
Infrastructure and reclamation projects speeded up marine sand loss
The collapse of constructed facilities at the Hac Sa Beach in recent years has aroused public
concern. Currently, a large portion of submerged rock at the Hac Sa Beach is exposed and the
embankment foundation in the middle of the beach collapsed. The only support now left for the
lifeguard lookout tower is from the concrete pillars and the granite embankment foundation off the
Hac Sa recreational area is partially eroded. Meanwhile, faults are present in the granite steps
connecting the beach to the embankment.
According to the Maritime Administration, it was not a case of sand loss in Hac Sa Beach but a
natural cyclical phenomenon that takes place every year in which the sand of the entire beach
undergoes seasonal shift with the changes in the directions of waves, wind and water flow in
different seasons. However, some environmental groups pointed out that the real cause behind
being the increasing number of infrastructure projects in the Zhujiang Delta, particularly near
Hong Kong and Macau where frequent marine sand dredging had led to the drastic loss of marine
sand while altering the modes of transportation of sand as well as the fluvial patterns in Macau
waters. As a result, the cyclical transportation of marine sand and the fluvial balance around the
Hac Sa Beach waters were undermined.
The loss of marine sand is nothing new. Seven years ago, a section of the embankment in Hac Sa
Beach collapsed due to the immense loss of marine sand of 1.5 meters deep. The authority made
up for the loss by conducting beach replenishment to fill up the hollows with marine sand and
proceeding with alignment work afterwards. However, the beach resumed back to the original
deteriorated state under the destructive forces of nature and human kind.
11
(a) Referring to the photographs and the article above, what phenomenon is present at
Hac Sa Beach? Give an account of the phenomenon.
(b) According to the Maritime Administration, the phenomenon described in 4 (a)
was a seasonal cyclical phenomenon. Draw an annotated diagram to explain how
the above-mentioned natural coastal processes affect the overall structure of the
beach.
12
(c)
i) What kind of remedial measures did the Macau government take to
tackle the problem mentioned in 4 (a)?
ii) Comment on the effectiveness of the remedial measures adopted by the
government as mentioned in (c) i).
iii) Recommend some solutions which are more effective.
13
(d)
i) Search for information about those Hong Kong beaches with the same
problem.
ii) Why did the same problem occur in Hong Kong’s beaches?
14
F. Field trip (1)
The first field trip aims at providing students with basic understanding about “Coast” and
Hac Sa Beach in Macau. The trip will enable you to design a second field trip on your own
later on.
1. Insert the information of the fieldwork day into the table below.
Information of the fieldwork day
Date
Season
(dd/mm/yy)
* Spring
/
Summer
/
Autumn
Temperature
Weather
/
Winter
℃
Wind direction
Wind speed
metre/second
Rainfall
mm
Pedestrian flow
* Delete as inappropriate
2. Sea waves observation
(a) Refer to the website below about types of waves:
http://www.curriculumbits.com/prodimages/details/geography/geo0003.html
On your fieldwork day, observe the type of wave and put a “” in the appropriate
boxes in the figures below.
A. Destructive wave
Short wavelength
High and steep wave
Strong backwash
B. Constructive wave
Long wavelength
Short and gentle wave
Strong swash
15
(b) Measure and record the direction and angle of sea waves.
∘
Angle of sea waves
Direction of sea waves
(c) Place a floating object along the coastline, such as a wooden stick, apple or
colored pebble. Spend five minutes to observe how the waves approach the shore and
then draw a line to show the movement of the floating object in the picture below.
Sea
Study
directi
ons
for
you
Beach
(d) Based on the data collected and the experiment, find out the relationship
between wind direction and waves.
16
3.
Figure 3 shows five transects designed specifically for this field trip.
1
2
3
4
5
Figure 3 Transects at Hac Sa Beach
Key:
Transect
17
Study Method
Transect Sampling
Transect sampling is to record and count the occurrences of the phenomenon of study (e.g.
size of sediment) at particular intervals along a predetermined line/strip in the field. Each
team member will follow a transect to record and measure the size of sediment along the
transect. The advantage of this method is that since team members are working closely
together, it is safer and members are able to help one another.
As shown in Figure 3, equally divide the Hac Sa Beach into 5 parts, each of which will
contain one transect. Then, equally divide each transect into 3 observation parts, namely the
upper, middle and lower part.
(a) i) Measure the length of the 5 transects from the coastline to the innermost stretch
of the beach.
Transect
Length (Unit: m)
1
2
3
4
5
ii)
Are the length of the 5 transects approximately the same? Do you know why?
iii) How is the above characteristic related to sea wave and wind direction?
18
(b) i) Equally divide each transect into 3 parts, namely the upper, middle and lower part.
Then, collect relevant data at each part and complete the table below.
Sand
Stone
Pollutant
Transect Checkpoint
Color
Upper
1
Middle
Lower
Upper
2
Middle
Lower
Upper
3
Middle
Lower
Upper
4
Middle
Lower
Upper
5
Middle
Lower
Coarseness
Size
Shape
Quantity
Type
19
ii)
Plot a graph to show the size of the sediments found at each part along each of the
five transects.
Grain diameter (mm)
Transect Transect Transect Transect
1
2
3
4
Transect
5
Information 1
We can sort the sediments collected by using funnels of different sizes.
Grain size classification (in Wentworth scale)
Grain diameter
Name
Above 256mm
boulder
256~64mm
64~4mm
4~2mm
2~1/16mm
1/16~1/256mm
Below 1/256mm
cobble
pebble
granule
sand
silt
clay
20
iii) According to the graph you drawn in question (ii), analyze the relationship
between coarseness of the sediments and their distance from the shore.
iv) Is the coarseness of the sediment along the 5 transects approximately the same?
Do you know why? (Hint: pay attention to the location and aspect of different
transects on the beach)
21
4.
Estimate the sources of the pollutants based on their types.
22
5.
Use a sketch map to record the coastal management work conducted at Hac Sa
Beach.
23
G. Field Trip (2)
Upon completion of Field Trip (1), you have acquired the general skills and learnt all the
key points in designing a coastal field trip. In this section, you should design a coastal
fieldwork investigation on your own.
Three stages of field study:
Stages of study
Marks
1
Planning and Preparation
10
2
Data Collection
20
Writing a report

data processing, analysis and
presentation
3

interpretation and conclusion

evaluation
70
The key points of every stage listed in the above table are shown below.
Stage One – Planning and Preparation
1. In Field trip (1), you had gained an understanding of the impact of waves on coastal
landform through studying the Hac Sa Beach in Macau. In designing this fieldwork, you
can still choose this area as your fieldwork site. Based on the above information, you
can design your own enquiry topic.
You may consider the following enquiry directions:




The impact of monsoon wind on coastal landform in
different seasons
Relationship between the beach slope and the size/shape of
the beach sediment
Coastal management plan for beaches
Conditions and causes of marine sand loss at beaches
24
Those who are more ambitious may consider conducting the same type of
investigation on other beaches, or make comparisons. For the location of the study,
you may consider the answers given in Question (d) on P.13.
2. Based on the information of Fieldwork (1), plan your fieldwork investigation and
complete the study plan on P. 24 before the fieldwork. At this stage, you should:







Develop the enquiry title / question based on your chosen direction(s);
Clarify the objectives of the enquiry;
formulate relevant hypotheses (optional);
identify the types of information (primary and secondary data) to be collected;
decide on the methods and instruments to be used;
prepare for the enquiry, e.g. designing questionnaires and record sheets; and
Develop the enquiry sequences (including the details of division of labour).
25
Enquiry Title:
Explanation of the study
(scope, objectives, geographical questions / problems / phenomena / focusing
questions / hypothesis):
Relevant geographical concepts and perspectives (with references):
Required information (primary and secondary):




Methods of investigation:



Instruments for data collection:



Enquiry sequences:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
…
Table 1 Planning and preparation for the fieldwork investigation
26
Here are some suggestions for your reference.
Topic:
How does the longshore drift in different seasons shape the landform features
of Hac Sa Beach?
Methodology
In order to study how longshore drift in different seasons affects the landform
features of the beach, you should visit the field site twice (if you are able to
collect relevant data in Fieldwork (1), only one more visit to the Hac Sa Beach
is required). Compare the changes brought to the landform of the beach in
different seasons by using the data gathered. You are suggested to choose two
seasons that vary greatly. For example, if the first fieldwork study in Hac Sa
takes place in summer, the second should be conducted in winter.
Designing and preparing tools and record sheets for data collection
Tools:
Pencils, paper, tidal chart, clinometer, clipboard, stop-watch, measuring tape,
any floating object (e.g. ping-pong ball), weather meter and camera
27
Designing a record sheet:
Example:
Transect Checkpoint
Width (from
Colour of sand
Coarseness of
Quantity and
sand
types of
coastline to the
innermost stretch
pollutants
of the beach)
(Unit: metre)
Upper
1
Middle
Lower
Upper
2
Middle
Lower
Upper
3
Middle
Lower
Upper
4
Middle
Lower
Upper
5
Middle
Lower
1st
2nd
1st
2nd
Fieldwork
Fieldwork
Fieldwork
Fieldwork
1st
2nd
1st
2nd
Fieldwork Fieldwork Fieldwork Fieldwork
28
Stage Two – Data Collection
Collect data for your study within the Hac Sa Beach area. At this stage, you should:



use different techniques and instruments to collect field data;
record and organize field data systematically; and
gather supplementary information (secondary data) after the fieldwork.
Stage Three: Report Writing
After data collection, you are required to prepare a fieldwork report in not more than 1,500
words. The report should mainly base on primary data but secondary data can also be used
as supplementary information. All secondary data used should be acknowledged.
The report may include the following parts.



Cover page
Contents page
Introduction (including the objectives, enquiry title(s), site and methodology used for
the fieldwork.)






Presentation of the collected data
Analysis of the investigation results
Interpretation of the findings
Conclusions
Evaluation (of the whole enquiry) and suggestions
Appendices (may include some sample record sheets and other materials that are
relevant to the investigation.)

Bibliography
29
Appendix 1
Hac Sa Youth Hostel is located next to the Hac Sa Beach. You may rent a room there if
necessary. Details are as follows.
Hac Sa Youth Hostel
Facilities include:
Three rooms for 16 persons each; ten rooms for 4
persons each; six double rooms (with individual
bathroom and toilet in each room); kitchen (with 2
refrigerators, microwave ovens and electric cookers);
air-conditioners, television sets and toasters.
Website:
http://www.dsej.gov.mo/~webdsej/www/grp_stud/hostel_detail.htm
Application forms for renting the youth hostels under the supervision of the Education and
Youth Affairs Bureau (Macau) can be found in the above website. Completed forms can be
forwarded to the authority by mail or by fax.