web viewdescribes applications of earth and environmental science which affect society or the...
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1 River Ecology – EES & Sen.Sci.
The Local Environment / Water for Living“Checking the Pulse of the Hawkesbury River”
Name _______________________________________________________
PRELIMINARY COURSE OUTCOMES
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Senior ScienceOutcomesP4 identifies applications of science that affect society and the environmentP7 explains relationships between organisms and the environmentP12 discusses the validity and reliability of data gathered from first – hand investigations and
secondary sourcesP13 identifies appropriate terminology and reporting styles to communicate information and
understanding in scienceP14 draws valid conclusions from gathered data and informationP15 implements strategies to work effectively as an individual or as a member of a teamP16 demonstrates positive values about and attitudes towards both the living and non-living
components of the environment, ethical behaviour and a desire for a critical evaluation of the consequences of the applications of science.
Earth and Environmental ScienceOutcomesP2 applies the processes that are used to test and validate models, theories and laws of science with particular emphasis on first-hand investigations in Earth and Environmental Science
P3 assesses the impact of particular technological advances on understanding in Earth and Environmental Science
P4 describes applications of Earth and Environmental Science which affect society or the environment
P7 identifies and describes the physical and chemical features of the environment
P10 describes human impact on the local environment
P11 identifies and implements improvements to investigation plans
P12 discusses the validity and reliability of data gathered from first-hand investigations and secondary sourcesP14 draws valid conclusions from gathered data and informationP15 implements strategies to work effectively as an individual or as a member of a teamP16 demonstrates positive values about, and attitudes towards, both the living and non-living components of the environment; ethical behaviour; and a desire for critical evaluation of the consequences of the applications of science.
HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUESAs you are working out in the field you need to be aware that;
Ground materials can be slippery
Edges of the river can be quite deep and muddy
Some animals can deliver painful or venomous bites
SCENARIO
3 River Ecology – EES & Sen.Sci.Ulinbawn Ski Park has recently been purchased by a large corporation that intends to develop
the park as a model for sustainable business practice. The Corporation has identified three
areas for major consideration in its planning and development process; commercial growth,
public recreation and ecological integrity.
Commercial Growth – The Corporation’s financial planning department has identified
the need to generate a secure and sustainable source of income to ensure the long
term viability of the park. To achieve this, they have recommended the continuation of
the park’s agricultural production component and an upgrade of the existing onsite
accommodation and recreational features of the park.
Public Recreation – The Corporation recognises the role of the park as a valuable
place for recreational activities within the local and wider community. It is committed to
maintaining the park’s ability to offer a range of water based activities, in particular,
water skiing. Additional recreational activities that may be included within the park will
be considered in future planning.
Ecological Integrity – Underpinning all of the development proposals is an
unconditional commitment to ecological sustainability. The Corporation intends to
implement strategies aimed at restoring the health and biodiversity of the aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems that exist within and around the park.
INVESTIGATION TASKManagement has requested a detailed assessment and report on the current ecological status
of the park. This report will inform all future decision making and provide a basis from which
ecosystem rehabilitation can begin. The report will require a detailed assessment of the
following areas:
Water quality (hydrological, biological and physio-chemical)
Riverbank and riparian zone health (erosion, run-off and biodiversity)
Site profile of the current physical features of the park (accommodation/
recreation/farming and vegetation).
Pre Visit Tasks
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1. What is a catchment?_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
2. Use the web to identify and describe the location and nature of the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment.
Location: ________________________________________________________
Size: ____________________________________________________________
Nature: __________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
3. Who is responsible for the management and health of the catchment?_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Field Study TasksNatural Resource Management Issues in the Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment
5 River Ecology – EES & Sen.Sci.Use the cards given to you to assess one of the major issues affecting catchment health.
Post Visit See your classmates to complete the above mind map for the other issues affecting catchment health.
Issue:
6 River Ecology – EES & Sen.Sci.Collecting and Monitoring AlgaeMonitoring for Favourable Algal Conditions – this activity is about monitoring weather and water conditions that favour blue-green algal blooms. These include water velocity, wind speed and direction and water temperature.
A. Water VelocityWater velocity is a measure of how fast the water is moving past a point in metres per second. Low flows increase the possibility of blue-green algal blooms. Velocity = Distance divided by time
Use the following table as a guide to interpreting your results.
Metres / Second Water VelocityLess than 0.1m / s Little or no water velocity0.1 – 0.2m / s Low0.2 – 1 m / s MediumMore than 1 m / s HighUse the procedure sheet to calculate the water velocity.
Result ___________________________________________
B. Wind Speed and DirectionWater currents and mixing of the water column are driven by wind. Under low wind speeds, scums may develop downwind, but at higher wind speeds the bloom may not be visible as algal cells are driven lower in the water column.
□ No wind□ Low wind□ Moderate wind□ High wind
Result: _________________________________________
C. TemperatureWater temperature is an important factor in determining the dominance of an algal group in a water body. Although blue-green algae tend to be dominant in warmer temperatures, blooms can still occur in cold waters.
Result: _________________________________________
Interpreting your results.Under low flow and wind, (and sometimes high temperatures) you should attempt to sample more often, to get an early warning of developing blue-green algal blooms. Rate the weather and water conditions that favour blue-green algal blooms.□ No Risk
□ Low Risk□ Moderate Risk□ High Risk
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Water Quality Assessment Field Data Collection SheetSample Site Location: Date:Sample Collection Start Time: Sample Collection Finish Time:
Meteorological Conditions: 24hrs; Meteorological Conditions: 48 - 120hrs;
Tide: ebb tide [Low] / flood tide [high]
Hydrological Parameters
Parameter
Uni
ts o
f m
easu
rem
ent
Site number Site Description Sackville Ferry Study Site (see study site map)
Width of the River metres N/A
Dep
th a
t S
ampl
e S
ite metres 1 Cliffs
metres 2 Middle
metres 3 Caravan Beach
Flow
ra
te metres / minute N/A in the
middle
Biological Parameters
Parameter Species Diversity Species ID
Taste and Odour
imparting
Filter Clogging
Organisms
Polluted Water
Species
Other surface water
phytoplankton
Phy
topl
ankt
on
iden
tific
atio
n
1
2
3
4
5
Parameter Species Diversity Family ID very tolerant tolerant sensitive very sensitive
mac
ro in
verte
brat
e id
entif
icat
ion
1
2
3
4
5
6
Physio-chemical Water Quality Parameters
8 River Ecology – EES & Sen.Sci.Parameter &
Units of Measuremen
t
Site
N
umbe
r
Site Description
ANZECC Trigger
Values for Ecosystem Protection
Sample Depth
1.0m 5.0m 10m or bottom
Temperature (Temp ) oC
1 Over near the Cliffs
N/A2 Middle of the River -3 Closest to the Caravans - -
pH
1 Over near the Cliffs
6.5 - 7.52 Middle of the River -3 Closest to the Caravans - -
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) % saturation
1 Over near the Cliffs
85 - 1102 Middle of the River -3 Closest to the Caravans - -
Dissolved Oxygen (DO)
mg/L
1 Over near the Cliffs
>52 Middle of the River -3 Closest to the Caravans - -
Electrical Conductivity (EC) uS/cm
1 Over near the Cliffs
200 - 3002 Middle of the River -3 Closest to the Caravans - -
Turbidity ntu
1 Over near the Cliffs
<502 Middle of the River -3 Closest to the Caravans - -
PO4
mg/L
1 Over near the Cliffs
0.022 Middle of the River -3 Closest to the Caravans - -
NOx
mg/L
1 Over near the Cliffs
0.042 Middle of the River -3 Closest to the Caravans - -
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Riverbanks and Riparian ZonesRiverbanks and riparian zones link terrestrial and aquatic habitats and play a key role in determining the health of the waterway.
The three major roles are;
● Filtering sediment and nutrients entering the waterway
● Stabilising the soil and reducing erosion
● Creating a diverse array of plant and animal habitats (biodiversity)
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Riverbank and Riparian Zone Assessment
1. Your task is to take photographic evidence (maximum 5 photos) to describe the 3 important roles of the riverbank and riparian zones.
These roles are; Filtering sediment and nutrients Stabilising soil and reducing erosion Providing a diverse array of plant and animal habitats (biodiversity)
What to look for; Riverbank vegetation - at the base or toe, slope and top (groundcovers, shrubs, trees) Aquatic vegetation sedges and rushes at water’s edge Intact habitat further away from the riverbank
Place your photographic evidence of the riverbank and riparian zone roles here
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2. Identify 4 issues impacting on the riparian zone and list their potential impact on water quality. Take photographic evidence of these issues and place in the boxes provided.
Complete the table below.
Riverbank / Riparian Zone Issue Impact on Water Quality
1.
2.
3.
4.
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Erosion Assessment
Use the following checklist to assess the erosion risk for the site. The site boundaries will be from one end of the beach to the other. This checklist is taken from “Guidelines for monitoring riverbank health in the Hawkesbury Nepean” (2002) NSW Department of Land and Water.
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15 River Ecology – EES & Sen.Sci.
What measures would you recommend be undertaken to reduce the erosion risk of this site?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
16 River Ecology – EES & Sen.Sci.
Current Erosion Condition Assessment
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