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On the day, you will be working in small groups using specialised equipment to gather data about the biophysical environment in two different locations.
On the day, you will be working in small groups using specialised equipment to gather data about the biophysical environment in two different locations.
The following information will prepare you for using this equipment.
The following information will prepare you for using this equipment.
Air Temperature - Hygrometer
Air Temperature - Hygrometer
(Wet and Dry Bulb Thermometer)
(Wet and Dry Bulb Thermometer)
Used to measure the temperature of the air which will vary depending on the location.
Most organisms live within a specific temperature range. A locations long term temperature range will limit the species that survive there.
Temperature can effect the growth rate of plants.
Procedure:
Read the dry bulb thermometer in the left side in degrees celsius.
Humidity - Hygrometer
Humidity - Hygrometer
(Wet and Dry Bulb Thermometer)
(Wet and Dry Bulb Thermometer)
Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air which can vary depending on location.
Procedure:
Read dry thermometer.
Read wet thermometer.
Calculate the difference between 2 readings.
Looking at the central table, on the top row, find the number that is the difference between the wet and dry thermometers.
Slide your finger across from the dry bulb reading to where the row intersects with the column of the temperature difference. This is the relative humidity as a percentage.
Wind Direction - Compass
Wind Direction - Compass
Measures the direction the wind is coming from.
Provides information on the conditions that wind brings e.g. a southerly wind brings cold, wet conditions and a westerly wind brings hot, dry conditions.
Can be variable and impacts on evaporation rate in a wetland.
Procedure:
Hold compass flat in your hand and turn your body till the floating red arrow is aligned with the N.
Now that you have determined the direction of North, feel the air with your hand, face or wet finger to feel the direction the wind is coming from.
Determine the direction the wind is coming from with the compass.
Wind Speed - Anemometer
Wind Speed - Anemometer
Wind adds oxygen to the water in wetland ponds.
Hot winds promote evaporation and water loss.
Assist with seed dispersal and can cause soil erosion where vegetation has been removed.
Procedure:
Hold the fan in the direction the wind is coming from
Press the ‘set’ button and hold until ON.
Wind speed and air temperature can be read by toggling the ‘set’ button.
Winds can be variable and gusty, so a range of measurements can be provided, such as ‘gusting from.... to ....’ .
Slope - Clinometer
Slope - Clinometer
Slope measures the incline or angle of the land.
Slope will influence the runoff of water (the steeper the slope, the faster the runoff. Therefore less infiltration of water, lower water availability and an increased potential for erosion).
Procedure:
Hold the clinometer by the handle.
Another person stands up the slope or down the slope.
Hold your arm out straight, look across the top of the clinometer and point the clinometer to the persons shoulders.
Press the trigger on the handle in and release so that the arrow falls to the angle of the slope.
Record the degree of steepness of the slope from where the arrow has stopped.
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