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Your task:
a) Write down your Research Question or Hypothesis
RQ: How does the SW monsoon affect the intensity of rainfall in Singapore?
Hypothesis: The amount of rainfall received in Central Singapore (Ang Mo Kio) will be lesser during the months of June to September.
According to the Meterological Service Singapore, the climate of Singapore is affected mainly by the two monsoon seasons separated by inter-monsoonal periods. The NE Monsoon occurs from December to March, and the SW Monsoon occurs from June to September. The main factors affecting the frequency of heavy rainfall in Singapore are the NE monsoon winds that blow over Singapore, bringing with it moisture heavy clouds leading to heavy precipitation. Singapore is also affected by the Sumatra squalls, an organised line of thunderstorms travelling eastward across Singapore, which were developed over Sumatra and the straits of Malacca.
Although Singapore is heavily affected by the Northeast monsoon, it should be experiencing a drier period during the southwest monsoon. During June to September, the differential heating of the land between Australia and Northern China causes winds to blow from the high-pressure region in Australia to the low-pressure region in China. At the same time, the ITCZ has shifted over to the northern hemisphere over India during the northern hemisphere summer. As the SW monsoon winds start to blow over southeast Asia, precipitation should have fallen over other continental regions before reaching Singapore, leading to drier winds. This, coupled with the shifting of the ITCZ, should result in a slightly drier period. However, as this period is not as emphasized as the NE monsoon, therefore I would like to find our if this is true.

Instruments/ equipment needed:
Rain Gauge, anemometer, wind vane
Data collected: The intensity of rainfall and amount of rainfall and wind direction over the year in Ang Mo Kio
Sampling method used: spatial point sampling
Point Sampling- by choosing points and sampling at only specific locations at AMK, there is consistency maintained in the GI, eliminating factors such as the uneven spatial distribution of rainfall in the consideration of factors affecting rainfall.
Risks faced in GI:
The anemometer might malfunction during the process of the GI, causing valuable research to be lost/ misplaced.
Before use, ensure that the anemometer is calibrated and all systems are functioning well before use.
Strengths in Research: To be able to justify the effect of monsoon winds on Central Singapore based off reliable data and concrete evidence.
Weakness in Research: The time period of the GI is long, spanning over a year. Due to this, it is susceptible to many different factors that might not be related to monsoon winds, for eg. The Sumatra squalls.
The GI is concentrated on Central Singapore; therefore, it does not provide a macro picture of the effect of monsoon winds on Singapore resulting in loopholes in the reliability of research.
Ethical considerations:
Would the research equipment be hindering others during the process of research, and would it disturb the other residents in the vicinity. Would it disrupt the natural habitats if local wildlife.

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Research Question: How does the wind direction affect the amount of rainfall in Singapore?

Secondary data:  Higher rainfall occurs from November to January during the wet phase of Northeast Monsoon season, when the major tropical rainbelt (the Intertropical Convergence Zone ITCZ) is positioned near to us.  Whereas the Southwest Monsoon Season(June-September) often causes short duration showers/thunderstorms in the afternoon

Primary data: Measure every fortnightly at the North, South, East, West and central area of Singapore, the wind direction via a wind vane and the amount of precipitation via a rain gauge.

Sampling Method: Stratified to ensure that all parts of Singapore are well represented

Research Risks: Lightning alert leading to disruption for primary research to occur.

Ethics: Water in the rain gauge can become stagnant and cause dengue mosquitoes to have a ground to breed.

Limitations of Investigations: Requires time.

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Research Question:
How will the direction of the wind affect the temporal distribution of the rainfall in Singapore?

Methods of Collection:
Equipment required include wind vanes and wind roses to measure wind direction over time and cups and bowls to measure periodic (monthly/ annual) precipitation over time.

Data collected will include the direction of the wind over a long period of time of a few years and the changes in precipitation over that time.

Systemic sampling should be used to reduce the risk of having data that is skewed or biased. This is because different areas in Singapore might experience different levels of precipitation. In order to achieve an accurate picture of the periodic precipitation levels in Singapore over time, it is important that samples should be systematically taken from various carefully selected points on the island

Risks:
The water collected as rain in Singapore may be acid rain due to the large amount of contamination produced by the Indonesians. This could lead to over exposure to poisonous substances which may in turn lead to cancer or even death.

Ethical Considerations:
It may not be ethical to collect rainwater for sampling as this will deprive the reservoirs catchment areas in Singapore of water. This could lead to a water shortage in Singapore which will in turn result in an increase in the price of water.

Strengths:
Water can be very refreshing to come into contact with and the researchers may feel energized to continue with the research when they come into contact with the rain.

Limitations:
A long time may have to elapse before any rain falls and the researchers may not have the time to wait for the rain to fall.

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Research Question:
How does the direction of wind affect the intensity of rain in Singapore?

Data Collection:
- Use of rain gauge to collect and measure amount of rainfall. The rain gauge can be placed at different locations with winds that blow different directions. The amount of water collected can then be used as a comparison to show how the direction of wind affects the intensity of rain. The rain gauge should be placed at open spaces with no overhead obstructions. Point sampling is used as specific locations with different wind directions are chosen.

Limitations:
- One limitation is that the rain gauge might not be sufficient as there are times at which the rainfall is too intense, causing water to overflow from the rain gauge. This then causes readings and results to be inaccurate.

Risk:
- The rain gauge might pose an obstruction to passers-by walking.
- Conducting investigation during stormy rains poses a threat of lightning and the possibility of slipping and falling.

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1. Research qn/ hypothesis

Stage 1
What is the impact of Northeast (NE) monsoon wind on the temporal distribution and intensity of rainfall in Woodlands?

Singapore is located just north of the equator and experiences the tropical equatorial climate, and thus receives plentiful rainfall throughout the year. However, its rainfall pattern is influenced by monsoon winds, whereby the NE monsoon wind in particular bring heavy rainfall to Singapore at the end of the year (Dec-early March)

Stage 2
2. Methods of collection of pri & secondary data

Data needed:
-amount of rainfall during NE monsoon period & non monsoon period
-frequency of rainfall over a certain timeframe

Equipment required:
rain gauge

Sampling method:
systematic sampling: -record amount of rainfall & frequency of rainfall every month

Ensuring reliability:
-conduct gi at different areas in woodlands, collate and cross reference results
-check that equipment used are in good condition (accurate results)

Risk management:
-struck by lightning during conduction of gi --> check weather forecast before heading out

Limitations:
-conducted throughout whole year
-reduced reliability due to differing intensity of rain brought about by NE monsoon each year --> conduct research for another year

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Research Question:

How do the monsoon winds affect the amount of rainfall in Singapore?

Primary / Secondary Data:

According to the Meteorological Service Singapore, Singapore’s climate is characterised by two monsoon seasons separated by inter-monsoonal periods, the Northeast Monsoon Season (December-early March) and the Southwest Monsoon Season (June-September). Hence, I would like to find out how do these monsoon winds affect the amount of rainfall in Singapore.

Methods:

The amount of rainfall is measured using a rain gauge, which is an instrument used to measure the amount of liquid precipitation over a certain length of time. The rain gauge is a can which collects water which falls from the sky as rain and the depth of the rain can be measured with a ruler or measuring tape. The rain gauge should be placed in open areas all around Singapore where there are no obstructions. Making use of random sampling, the rain gauges can be placed at random open spaces all around in no particular order, making sure that the sample is selected in such a way that every possible sample of the same size is equally likely to get chosen.

Limitations:

The rain gauge can overflow in high-intensity rain like thunderstorms, which can cause errors in the precipitation amount. Depending on weather, the evaporation of water in the can may also affect the overall reading of the depth of rain inside.

Risks:

It may be wet and slippery if it is a rainy day when the rain gauge is being set up, posing a danger to the people setting up the equipment.

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1. Research question: Which direction of wind causes the largest amount of rainfall in Singapore?

2. Secondary data: According to Meteorological Service Singapore, while there is no distinct wet or dry season locally, monthly variations in rainfall do exists.  Higher rainfall occurs from November to January, when the major tropical rainbelt is positioned near to us.

Primary data:
- equipment needed: Wind vane, rain gauge

Sampling method: systematic sampling
- record the wind directions monthly and compare results to amount of rainfall

3. Risks: being struck by lightning
- management: use of lightning rod

Ethics: collection of data without trespassing/ causing harm or disturbance to public

Limitations of investigations: insufficient data/ data changes over years
- management: utilise secondary data to check and confirm

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[ Dear teachers, please ignore my other post (which is hidden under this post). I created it at an earlier sitting without knowing that I would not be able to edit or delete it later on. Thank you for your understanding! ]

Stage 1

(a)

How does the wind direction affect the distribution of heavy rain and thus flash floods/ ponding in Singapore?

(b)

According to the Meteorological Service Singapore, rainfall is plentiful in Singapore and it rains an average of 178 days of the year. Much of the rain is heavy and accompanied by thunder. According to the National Environmental Agency of Singapore as well, 2012 started off with moderate Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailing in January, with the surface winds blowing predominantly from the north-northwest and north-northeast, and heavy rain on 20 January caused flash floods in Little India and Thomson Road. As such, I would like to find out the relationship between the wind direction and the location of flash floods in Singapore.

Stage 2

(a)

Equipment needed: Rain Gauge, digital anemometer with wind vane

Types of data to collect: Wind direction, amount of rainfall, place of occurrence, frequency and time and date of flash flood incidents

Sampling method used: Spatial (point) sampling

Justification of sampling method: As I am trying to find out the relationship between location of flash floods and wind direction, I should pinpoint locations which are prone to flash floods or which have experienced flash floods before, and obtain my readings of wind direction and amount of rainfall from said locations.

(b)

Risks of proposed GI:
Getting caught in heavy rain and increased chances of being struck by lightning.

How to manage risks: Refer to weather forecasts before heading out, avoiding days when severe thunderstorms are to be expected. Conduct GI near a shelter to avoid getting caught in the rain. Prepare GI equipment before the rain falls to improve accuracy of data.

Strengths of research: By carrying out my GI at areas prone to flash floods, I can improve the reliability of my research in accordance to my research question (i.e. how wind direction affects where flash floods are likely to occur) and thus propose ways to focus on bolstering said areas' strategies to manage flash floods.

Limitations of research:  As I am conducting my GI only at places which have had a history of flash floods, the GI is unable to accurately predict if flash floods may occur at other locations.

Ethical considerations of research: The GI equipment may hinder communities in the area from going about their daily activities. Wildlife may be affected, especially areas at parks, where equipment may obstruct animals seeking shelter from the rain or cause safety hazards to them if they consume the equipment.

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Stage 1

(a)How does the wind direction affect the frequency of heavy rain in Singapore?

(b)   According to the Meteorological Service Singapore, rainfall is plentiful in Singapore and it rains an average of 178 days of the year. Much of the rain is heavy and accompanied by thunder. According to the National Environmental Agency of Singapore as well, 2012 started off with moderate Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailing in January, with the surface winds blowing predominantly from the north-northwest and north-northeast, and heavy rain on 20 January caused flash floods in Little India and Thomson Road.

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Stage 1

a)     Research question: How does the wind direction affect the intensity of rainfall in Singapore?

b)    According to the Meterological Service Singapore, Singapore is situated near the equator and has a typically tropical climate, with abundant rainfall, high and uniform temperatures, and high humidity all year round. Singapore’s climate is characterised by two monsoon seasons separated by inter-monsoonal periods The Northeast Monsoon occurs from December to early March, and the Southwest Monsoon from June to September. The major weather systems affecting Singapore that can lead to heavy rainfall are: Monsoon surges, or strong wind episodes in the Northeast Monsoon flow bringing about major rainfall events;Sumatra squalls, an organised line of thunderstorms travelling eastward across Singapore, having developed over the island of Sumatra or Straits of Malacca west of us;Afternoon and evening thunderstorms caused by strong surface heating and by the sea breeze circulation that develops in the afternoon. Thus, since Singapore has a relatively wet climate, I would like to find out if the wind direction affects the intensity of rainfall in Singapore through the monsoons.

Stage 2

A.    Equipment/instruments needed: Rain gauge, wind vane(part of anemometer)

Ø  Types of data to collect: Amount of rainfall during the monsoon season, amount of rainfall during the non-monsoon seasons, direction of wind during monsoon seasons

Ø  Sampling methods used: Spatial point sampling

-       Justification: To get a more holistic picture and overview of the rainfall received in various parts of Singapore as some parts may receive more than others so spatial point sampling can be used to reduce any discrepancies/ambiguities caused by uneven distribution of rainfall across the island so that the data can truly represent the intensity of rainfall in Singapore during the monsoon periods

B.    Risks present in proposed GI: Rainy weather during which investigation is conducted

Ways to mitigate risks: Check the weather forecast before heading out/ set up all equipment before expected rainfall and collect data afterwards

ü  Strengths of research:

Ø  Able to provide evidence that the monsoon winds does bring more precipitation to Singapore, which is in alignment with previously learnt concepts

ü  Limitations of research:

Ø  Not able to show if the rainfall received in Singapore is evenly distributed around the island and if the intensity of rainfall is only concentrated in a certain part of Singapore

ü  Ethical considerations of investigation: Will the use of instruments such as rain gauge and wind vane be posing a hazard to wildlife(if animals mistake it for food)?

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Research Qn: How does the Southwest monsoon affect the spatial distribution of rainfall in Singapore?
According to NEA, various monsoons will affect the amount of rainfall and in Singapore rainfall is higher over the northern and western parts of Singapore and decreases towards the eastern part of the island. However, it does not state the relationship between monsoons and distribution of rainfall. Thus I would like to find out about that.
Equipments needed: Rain gauge, wetness sensor, present weather sensor, anemometer
Types of data to be collected: The intensity of rainfall/amount of rainfall and wind speed over a period of time in different parts of Singapore during the Southwest monsoon
Sampling method:  Spatial sampling- point sampling. It is necessary to identify exactly which parts of Singapore I am getting data from as I need it to compare and contrast between different parts of Singapore in order to find out the spatial distribution of rainfall.

Risks and management: Risks of heavy rain, lightning and thunderstorms. Follow weather forecasts before, during and after the geographical investigation. If outside the house, try to find a safe place and avoid standing under tall trees and electricity poles.

Strengths: I am able to find the relationship between the Southwest monsoon and rainfall distribution in Singapore.
Limitations: Execution of GI may be difficult due to the project being nationwide (travelling to different parts of Singapore to measure rainfall)

Ethical considerations: Is the environment affected when measuring rainfall? Will it affect different communities near the investigative sites? How should personal data collected from surveys and questionnaires be handled?