Study Figures 1a and 1b below, which show data collected by students during a coastal investigation of a spit.
Table of data for Figure 1a (Mean Sediment Diameter):
| Distance from Root of Spit (km) | Mean Sediment Diameter (mm) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 45 |
| 2 | 38 |
| 3 | 32 |
| 4 | 34 |
| 5 | 26 |
| 6 | 20 |
| 7 | 14 |
| 8 | 15 |
| 9 | 8 |
| 10 | 4 |
Table of data for Figure 1b (Beach Gradient):
| Distance from Root of Spit (km) | Beach Gradient (degrees) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 12.0 |
| 2 | 8.5 |
| 3 | 10.0 |
| 4 | 7.0 |
| 5 | 9.0 |
| 6 | 5.5 |
| 7 | 7.5 |
| 8 | 4.0 |
| 9 | 5.0 |
| 10 | 3.0 |
A group of students investigating this coastal spit expected that both the mean sediment diameter and the beach gradient would decrease towards the distal end (with distance from the root of the spit).
After analysing Figures 1a and 1b, the students concluded that the changes in sediment diameter were more consistently in line with their expectations than changes in beach gradient.
Assess the extent to which you agree with this conclusion.
