Site familiarisation
What are the Geographical Features at Bobbin Head?
Familiarise yourself with the excursion site by viewing these resources
Explore the Bobbin Head area in google maps.
Explore the Bobbin Head area in this drone video
The National Parks and Wildlife website for Bobbin Head provides visitor information on the picnic area, including facilities, what to see and accessibility.
Climate Data for Bobbin Head
Page 2 of the student pre-visit booklet - Answer question 1
Latitude and longitude
Altitude
Long term average maximum and minimum temperature
Average rainfall
Forecast for your excursion
The Role of Mangroves in the Environment
Page 3 of the student pre-visit booklet - Answer question 2
Use the text and diagram below to outline 5 roles in the environment that the mangroves at Bobbin Head fulfill.
Mangrove Ecosystems
Mangrove ecosystems exist exclusively in intertidal zones. The soil is rich alluvial mud washed down from fresh water streams or rivers. The nutrient levels in the mud are high due to prolific amounts of organic matter from mangrove trees dropping leaves. Salt water inundates the forest twice a day due to the tides. Mangrove trees are able to exclude or excrete the salt enabling their survival in the salty environment. Some species obtain oxygen in the waterlogged soil through pneumatophores, or breathing roots, which sit above the water. Crabs feed on detritus washed in on the tides and dropped by mangrove trees. They dig burrows to shelter in during high tide and graze on the mud flats at low tide.
Mangrove Food Chain
Page 3 of the student pre-visit booklet - Answer question 3
Study the diagram below and draw in your fieldwork booklet one food chain that exists in a mangrove forest.
