Robbins+Park+Study

[] Cumulative Stream Data

[] Macro Data

Procedure for stream study tests:

Data collection sheet -- one per site:

Take a look at some of the things you might want to bring for the RP trip! Remember to wear comfy clothes and sneakers! DATA ANALYSIS Go to GOOGLE DOCS and log in (jlillien@udsd.org; biology321) Open the 2010 Macro Data Spreadsheet Identify and Quantify the appropriate samples [] Data interpretation and standards^ [] Use the above online dichotomous key in conjunction with the keys found in class to identify your organisms using the dissecting scope or magnifying glass.[]Due by Thursday 6/3 11pm Work with your partner to answer the 11 questions related to your test

=PRELIMINARY STUDY OUTLINE=

What to study and why?
Background Information Use the above link to start collecting background information. We (?) may need to write an introduction to our study in the future.

We should study erosion: Erosion is the process of [|weathering] and transport of solids ([|sediment], [|soil], [|rock] and other particles) in the natural environment or their source and deposits them elsewhere. It usually occurs due to [|transport] by wind, water, or ice; by down-slope [|creep] of soil and other material under the force of [|gravity]; or by living organisms, such as burrowing animals, in the case of [|bioerosion].

A certain amount of erosion is natural and, in fact, healthy for the ecosystem. Excessive erosion, however, causes serious problems, such as receiving water sedimentation, ecosystem damage and outright loss of soil.

Observations?
Here are some Signs of erosion:

Look for one or more of these signs:
Exposed tree roots.

Cracks in the soil in a river bank.

Clumps of grass in the river.

The top part of the river bank overhangs.

Brown or coloured water.

Collapsed river bank. > >

Hypotheses
=Materials needed=

Meter stick, camera, calculator Sampling chambers for macroinvertebrate classification

=Methods=

- Measure amount of rainfall and compare with the rate of erosion ? - water soil erosion could be a cause. Excessive rainfall could lead to water runoff which leads to soil erosion. [|http://www.fao.org/docrep/T0848E/t0848e-07.htm#P756_40024] (Using erosion pins to calculate erosion over time) [] (Erosion Calculator...perhaps useful/accurate?) [] - this is awesome ! [] Information about erosion in streams. Very relevant to the situation at Robbin's Park.
 * [] (how to calculate erosion rate)**
 * []**
 * Find areas with similar soils but varying levels of coverage (Grassy, bare etc.)
 * Keep in mind the following factors of the areas you are testing - soil type, plant coverage and slope of the land.
 * Measure amount of soil collected after rains but make sure to measure JUST soil, not the soil and water.

=Ideas= Factors that affect erosion:
 * run-off volume
 * wind strength
 * vegetation cover
 * slope angle
 * soil quality/composition

DATA