Rivers and Streams
Jacob Brent, Selin Yenibahar, and Jacob Klein
Rivers and Streams!
● The world’s largest river is the Nile River in Egypt
Characteristics
● Rivers: bodies of water with a current that flows in one general
direction.
● A stream: a body of water that flows across the Earth's surface via a
current and is contained within a narrow channel and banks.
● Narrower at the beginning
● Temperature: ranges from below freezing (0°C) to around 25°C.
● Depth varies from ankle deep to the deepest being the Congo at around
700 ft!
● The average salinity is .5 ppt (part per thousand)
○
for every thousand kilograms of water, there is half a gram of salt.
● A river gets recharged by the discharge of groundwater aquifers.
● A stream gets recharged by precipitation and runoff.
Importance of Rivers and Streams
● Importance to the Water Cycle:
● Importance to Biotic Factors:
●
●
When the water freezes it floats to the surface and
traps the heat in which benefits the organisms in the
winter time
●
The rocks in the river provide hiding places for
organisms
●
Many animals are guided by the stream flow
●
Rivers are a big source of freshwater
●
the habitat of mammals, bacteria, amphibians, and
various birds species
●
When precipitation falls on land, some of it seeps
into the ground and becomes part of the ground
water, which feeds wells, springs, lakes, and
rivers. Much of the precipitation flows over the
ground as surface runoff and joins rivers flowing
back to the ocean.
Snow melts ->runoff ->flows into rivers and
oceans ->into the ground (groundwater)
Organisms of Rivers and Streams
autotrophs:
-algae such as
phytoplankton and
periphyton
-mosses/liverworts (attach
themselves to solid
objects)
heterotrophs:
-amphibians
(salamanders)
scavengers/decomposers
-crayfish, catfish, snails,
and flatworms are all
scavengers
-reptiles(turtles/snakes)
-bacteria and fungi are
-fish (brook trout)
decomposers
-mammals
-duckweed/water hyacinth (beavers/hippos/river
dolphins)
(plants that float at the
surface)
Keystone Species of Rivers/Streams
The Salmon is a threatened and very important species to rivers.
Ecological value: Salmon function as enormous pumps that push vast amounts of nutrients upstream
to the headwaters of low productivity rivers. Salmon carcasses are the primary food for
invertebrates and fish, as well as marine mammals to birds--eagles, ducks and songbirds--to
terrestrial mammals, especially bears and humans.
Indus River Dolphin:
Only about 1,100 exist today in the lower parts of the Indus River in Pakistan. Numbers declined
dramatically after the construction of an irrigation system. Most dolphins are confined to a 750 mile
stretch of the river and divided into isolated populations by six barrages. They have adapted to life
in the muddy river and are functionally blind.
Seasonal Changes
● Temperature-Hottest in summer and coldest in winter.
● Level-The level depends on the location because much
of the level has to do with the amount of rainfall to
the region where the river or stream is located.
● Adaptations- Plants such as the Lotus are common in
the floodplain of the nile. Due to the high change in
water levels it adapted to be able to lie dormant after
the water receded.
● Salinity- the salinity is low during rainy seasons
Problems for Rivers and Streams
●
●
●
●
Agriculture, urbanization, and industrialization are all leading causes to
degradation of the Nile River. The nile crosses through several LDCs in Africa, the
cleaning of the used water used by humans becomes costly and inefficient for the
country.
Water pollution alters the physical environment, threatens the wildlife habitat,
and commercial/recreational fisheries.
Future/Current Problems: Dams cause water to back up, flooding large areas of
land and forming a reservoir, which destroys terrestrial habitats. Dams turn
powerful rivers into trickles, altering water temperature, sediment transport, and
prevents fish migrations.
There are preserves for rivers such as Yukon Charley Rivers National Preserve, the
Ventura River Preserve, the Hassayampa River Preserve, and more!
Groups
● RPW-The River Protection Workgroup is a community
project out of Colorado that came together to
preserve natural development and water
development.
● TRPA -Texas River Protection Agency
● California Urban Water Council
● (FOR) Friends of The River
● (PARC) Protect American River Canyons
● River Management Society
● And many, many more!
Bibliography
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/river.htm
http://echo2.epfl.ch/VICAIRE/mod_2/chapt_5/main.htm
http://www.min-travel.com/egypt_maps.asp
http://geography.about.com/od/physicalgeography/a/streamorder.htm
http://www.mapsofworld.com/thematic-maps/world-river-map.html
http://water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle-kids.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/River_ecosystem#Biotic_Factors
http://books.google.com/books?id=PQcgDM2rkHAC&pg=PA24&lpg=PA24&dq=decomposers+and+scavengers+of+rivers&source=bl&ots=gkwOfNEQgH
&sig=XQ4BERIBQFXTQ73erct_sUI9SBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=5wAWVMLiFszyATm3oDgDg&ved=0CFkQ6AEwCQ#v=onepage&q=decomposers%20and%20scavengers%20of%20rivers&f=false
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/sec004_gp5/pollution
http://www.wildsalmoncenter.org/about/whySalmon.php
http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/indus-river-dolphin
http://ovlc.org/preserves/ventura-river-rancho-el-nido/
http://www.nps.gov/yuch/index.htm
www.ocs.fortlewis.edu
Lakes and Ponds
David Geng, Emily Wang, Jon Jon
Lakes and Ponds
Lake and Pond biomes can be
found around the world. They
cover only 2 percent of the land
surface but are used as vital
water supplies for many areas.
The largest lake is the Caspian
Sea. It has a surface area of
143,200 sq mi. Although it is
called a “Sea” it is actually a
lake. It is located between Iran
and Russia.
Physical Characteristics
To be classified as a lake, it has to meet these requirements:
-Land locked
-Standing or slow water movement
In addition, ponds have to have to be shallow enough for rooted plants to grow.
A standing water ecosystem is characterized by zonation.
A lake has three zones: littoral, limnetic, and profundal zones
Characteristics
Average Temperature: Top - 20 C / Middle - 12 C / Bottom - 6 C
Average Depth: 350m
A freshwater lake/pond must have less than 500 ppm of dissolved salt (salinity)
Lakes are recharged by rain water and through runoff from watersheds
Importance of Lakes and Ponds
Lakes and ponds are important locations for the evaporation process.
Lakes and ponds are essential parts of the water table that is above
ground.
Most importantly, lakes and ponds are home to a variety of life forms.
These forms range from:
-Fish
-Microbes
-Rooted plants
-Insects
Lakes and ponds are especially important when temperatures drop
below freezing. As the top layer freezes, the ice floats. This protects
and insulates the animals underneath allowing them to survive the
cold temperatures.
Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
Autotrophs
-Phytoplankton
-Grassy pondweed
-Cattails
Phytoplankton is very significant because it does ~50% of the photosynthesis on the planet.
Heterotrophs
-Zooplankton
-Common carp
-Minnows
-Mallard Ducks
Decomposers and Scavengers
Fungi
-Slugs
-Termites
-
Seasonal Patterns of Lakes
Thermal Stratification
-layers of different temperatures
-Summer: sunlight warms surface waters, making them less dense. Cold water is more dense and remains at the bottom.
Temperature transition = thermocline
-Fall: fall turnover where layers mix. Surface water cools, becomes more dense, and sinks to bottom.
-Winter: the top layer freezes allowing fish and other animals to survive
-Spring: spring turnover where surface water sinks to bottom, bringing nutrient minerals to surface
State of the Great Lakes
Invasive species have steadily increased in amount over
the decades.
Bioaccumulative toxic chemicals have decreased
significantly
Plastic pollution - Great Lakes “Garbage Patch”
Preservation groups
Sustain Our Great Lakes - group of private and public organizations that
rewards on-the-ground habitat restoration with competitive grants.
From ‘06 - ‘13 has awarded 193 grants worth $37.1 million for lake habitat
restoration.
Evaluates programs that have been sponsored by SOGL.
Bibliography
"4 Heterotrophs & 4 Autotrophs in the Freshwater Biome." EHow. Demand Media, 22 May 2011. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
"Biology Reference." Lakes and Ponds. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
"New Concerns About Plastic Pollution in Great Lakes 'Garbage Patch'" News Watch. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
"Sustain Our Great Lakes Home." Sustain Our Great Lakes Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.Raven, Peter H., David M.
"Freshwater Biome." Freshwater Biome. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
Hassenzahl, and Linda R. Berg. Environment / Peter H. Raven, David M. Hassenzahl and Linda R. Berg. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley,
2013. Print.
Estuaries
Sarah Goodman, Olivia Roth, Lekha
Mukkamala and Laura Vojak
ESTUARIES
Estuaries are found
when the freshwater
rivers flow into the
ocean, mixing with
the salt water. They
are partially enclosed.
The St. Lawrence
River is the largest
estuary.
Types of Estuaries
Estuaries provide food, recreation, and
economic opportunities to human communities,
as well as habitats, food, and protected breeding
areas for many species. Because of these benefits,
many human communities are located in or
near estuaries.
4 types:
● coastal plain
● tectonic
● bar built
● fjord
Characteristics
● The different estuaries have different physical characteristics.
● Rivers provide a continuous flow of sediment into estuary.
● Turbidity = measure of the amount of suspended particles, which
includes fine sediments, in the water.
● Circulation within the estuary redistributes the suspended sediment and
a turbidity maximum usually is located in the region
of the estuary where fresh water from the rivers
contacts the more saline coastal waters.
Characteristics
● The depth and location of an estuary affects and changes conditions such
as temperature and number of organisms present. The temperature is
anywhere from 5 degrees Celsius to 26 degrees Celsius.
● Water is usually brackish, and can be anywhere from less than 4 m to
more than 300 m deep.
● The salinity of an estuary can range
from 0.5 to 35 ppt.
Water Cycle & Biotic Factors
● They serve as a place where evaporation occurs and can
recharge groundwater.
● Some biotic factors include:
marsh grasses, salmon,
sea trout, flounder,
seahorses, crabs, and
oysters
● Estuaries provide habitats for
these organisms.
Species found in estuaries
● Autotrophs: Plankton, Shellfish, Mangroves, Sea Grass.
● Heterotrophs: Mussels, seals, various species of crabs
and fish, ducks, herons.
● Decomposers: Bacteria, Fungi, Flies, Snails.
● Endangered species: Coho Salmon, Nassau Grouper,
Steelhead Trout.
Seasonal Changes
●
●
●
●
●
●
They will grow in height during Spring
Can dry up during Summer
Can freeze over during Winter
Floods = reduced salinity
Draught = increased salinity
The Earth’s increasing temperature is
causing glaciers to melt and the ocean to
expand causing the flooding of estuaries
Pollution
● Many estuaries are seriously degraded
● Since they span fresh and salt water, they can
be degraded by a large number of activities
● Large-scale draining, filling, damming or
dredging has hurt them
● People see them as dumping ground for pollution
● There are many groups put in place to help
them, but they are in bad shape from previous
human activities
Protection Groups
Florida State
South Florida Water Management District
Environmental Protection Agency
US Fish & Wildlife Service
Estuary Protection Act
National Estuarine Research Reserve
System
Bibliography
●
●
●
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/estuary/?ar_a=1
http://water.epa.gov/learn/kids/estuaries/index.cfm
http://ro.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluviu_Sf%C3%A2ntul_Lauren%C8%9Biu#mediaviewer/File:Grlakes_lawrence_map
2.png
●
●
●
●
http://estuaries.noaa.gov/About/Default.aspx?ID=223
https://sites.google.com/site/estuarybiomechowilawu/what-is-an-estuary
"Estuary." World of Earth Science. 2003. Encyclopedia.com. 10 Sep. 2014 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.
http://prezi.com/6vnqdmc9pgz5/estuary-biome-maddy-sutton/http://prezi.com/6vnqdmc9pgz5/estuary-biomemaddy-sutton/
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/estuaries01_whatis.html
https://freshwatertuttle.wikispaces.com/BrennanEstuaries
https://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/Resourcelaws.html
http://my.sfwmd.gov/portal/page/portal/xweb%20protecting%20and%20restoring/other%20everglades
http://www.dep.state.fl.us/everglades/neepp.htm
https://www.fws.gov/laws/lawsdigest/ESTUARY.HTML
http://estuaries.noaa.gov/About/Default.aspx?ID=251
http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/estuaries/estuaries09_humandisturb.html
http://estuaries.noaa.gov/About/Default.aspx?ID=230
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
Seagrass Beds
By: Shaunt Torosian and Harkanwal Ghuman
Seagrass Beds Locations
● Some of the largest seagrass beds are located in Florida Keys National
Marine Sanctuary, as well as parts of Australia.
● Some specific areas in Australia would be by Shark Bay (western coast),
Encounter Bay (southern coast), Spencer Gulf (southern coast), etc.
Seagrass Beds
● Flowering plants adapted to complete submersion
in salty ocean water.
● Leaves are long and narrow
● Seagrass beds look like Grasslands
● Depths to 10 meters (33 feet)
● 4-24 degrees celsius average temperature
● Salinity of 20 parts per thousand
Seagrass Beds continued
● Seagrasses get their energy from photosynthesis
(converting sunlight into energy).
● Seagrasses reproduce by pollinating flowers and
sending out seeds.
Impact on the Water Cycle and its Biotic
Factors
● A single acre of seagrass can produce over 10 tons of
leaves per year.
● This as well as the plants themselves provide food and
shelter for a wide variety of sea creatures.
● The seagrass beds also act as a filter for the water,
trapping fine sediments and particles that get trapped in
the water column.
Species in Seagrass
● Seagrass beds are highly productive areas and provide critical habitat for
many species of invertebrates and fishes.
● Seagrasses are important primary producers (organisms that generate
biomass through photosynthesis) generating large quantities of carbon,
which helps drive the coastal food web
● A single acre of seagrass may support as many as 40,00 fish, and 50
million small invertebrates.
● Seagrass beds support many threatened and endangered species such as
manatees and sea turtles. They are also important areas for juvenile fish,
shore and wading birds.
o They provide food for turtles, manatees and a variety of fish and
habitat for filter-feeding organisms.
Species in Seagrass Cont.
● Blue crabs, shrimp and other sea creatures depend on seagrass in order
to survive, whether its for food or shelter.
● One such fish would be the caesar grunt, a fish caught fairly commonly for
fisheries and aquariums.
● Endangered species such as the dugong and green turtle also depend on
seagrass as a source of food.
● There are multiple types of seagrass, such as the Amphibolis , the
Halophila, and the Posidonia.
● When seagrass die, they are consumed by decomposers such as worms,
sea cucumbers, filter feeders, etc.
Seagrass Patterns
● During spring and early summer, eelgrass biomass increased, with a high
production.
● In contrast, in August eelgrass production ceased and its biomass
subsequently decreased.
● Therefore, the major primary production periods switched seasonally from high
in spring and early summer to quite low in late summer and autumn.
● As a result, one would expect a low population during the late summer and
autumn periods due to the low amounts of seagrass readily available.
● Seagrasses can survive exposure to lower salinities but growth is impacted. If
low-salinity conditions continue for an extended period, seagrass beds health
will suffer and dieback(dying from tip of roots) is likely.
Seagrass Threats
● The most important threats to seagrasses are damages from boat anchors,
pollution and dredging. Careless boaters in shallow waters may run over
and shred seagrass as it moves over it.
● There are all types of pollution that can affect seagrasses, some invisible
and some visible.
-Chemicals, sometimes invisible, can kill the plants from inside out when the plants absorb the harmful
substances.
-Pollution like plastic bags can also kill seagrasses. When a plastic bag covers a grass patch, sunlight
cannot reach the grass and they die.
●
●
It’s estimated that 29% of the world’s seagrass meadows have died off in
the past century, with 1.5% more disappearing each year.
When people remove fish from seagrass beds, it can lead to seagrass
death.
Preservations and Protection
●
●
●
●
Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary is one of many places that protects seagrass as well as
other sea life.
The Office of Coastal and Aquatic Managed Areas (CAMA) is working with other agencies, such
as the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), to find better ways to protect
and restore seagrass.
Marine Discovery Center staff and volunteers, (with support from the St. Johns River Water
Management District), have been making surveys of seagrass in the Indian River Lagoon.
In the 1996 the Tampa Bay Estuary Program (TBEP) made several goals for habitat restoration
and protection were set. One long term goal being to increase and preserve seagrass
communities.
Bibliography
●
"Aquatic Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. || SAV Resources Important Seagrass Organizations." Aquatic Ecosystem Solutions, Inc. || SAV Resources Important Seagrass Organizations. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Explore Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary." Explore Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"The Importance of Seagrass." Nature Foundation St. Maarten. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Important Seagrass Organizations." Seagrass Recovery. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Jewels of the Sea - Seagrass Meadows." Jewels of the Sea - Seagrass Meadows. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Lemon Shark." Ocean Wildlife Pictures Nature Photos Underwater Images. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Restoration Methods - Seagrass." Restoration Methods - Seagrass. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Seagrass Beds Showing Signs of Recovery." Marine Discovery Center RSS. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Seagrass Restoration Efforts." Seagrass Restoration Efforts. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Seagrasses of Australia." Seagrasses of Australia. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Seasonal Shifts in Seagrass Bed Primary Producers in a Cold-temperate Estuary: Dynamics of Eelgrass Zostera Marina and Associated Epiphytic Algae." ResearchGate. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"SeaWeb - Ocean Briefing Book." SeaWeb - Ocean Briefing Book. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Tampa Bay Watch." Tampa Bay Watch. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Seagrass - Learn about - Teach Ocean Science." Seagrass - Learn about - Teach Ocean Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
Seagrass Habitat." Seagrass Habitat. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Importance of Seagrass." Importance of Seagrass. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Seagrass Beds." - Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Seagrasses - National Wildlife Federation." Seagrasses - National Wildlife Federation. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
WorldWildlife.org. World Wildlife Fund, n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
●
"Importance of Seagrass." Importance of Seagrass. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Sept. 2014.
Kelp Forests
Peter and Dan
“The Coral Reef of colder waters”
Note
Remember that spongebob episode with
the magic conch? Yeah they crash in a kelp
forest.
Kelp Forests
Biggest Kelp Forest
Kelp Forests Description
● Typically found on rocky coastlines
● Found in 6-90 ft in depth
● Waters vary from 42-72 degrees
fahrenheit
● Salinity in typically found
● Uses sunlight to cause photosynthesis to
grow and regrow plants
● They also reproduce sexually and make
Kelp Forests Factors
Biotic Factors
● Sea Urchins
● Invertebrates
● Sunflower Starfish
Water Cycle
● Coriolis Effect
● Keeps air above kelp
to keep Algae
floating on surface
Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
Autotrophs
● Algae
● Seaweed
● Kelp
Heterotrophs
● Sea Lions
● Seals
● Grey Whales
● Sea Otter
Decomposers, Scavengers and Others
Decomposers and Scavengers
● Plankton
● Moon Jellies
● Sea Urchins
Endangered-Lots because of it’s proximity
to high fishing areas. Examples include:
● Marine Otters + Leatherback Sea Turtle
Growing Season
There is actually a season in which kelp
experiences a large growth spurt. This is
caused by Upwelling, which takes nutrients
from below the kelp forests to them,
causing them to grow a lot during one
season.
Environmental Status
● Due to it’s proximity to high fishing
areas, Kelp forests are prone to
overfishing
- A change in one species population
will cause a change in all. (Decrease in
fish, less fish to eat for seals, seals
decrease, etc)
● Also prone to recieveing freshwater
Pollution Problems
● CO2 + too much nutrients are causing
negative effects to Australia’s Kelp
Forests.
- Too much turf algae
● With the future climate changes, CO2 is
expected to increase. This means
nutrient pollution needs to subside.
How we can help
● Reduce global warming
● Know what chemicals you use + don’t
spill\
● CCKA (California Coastkeeper Alliance)
-Launching initiative to restore + reestablish California's kelp beds
● PISCO (Partnership for interdisciplinary
studies of coastal oceans)
Works Cited
● http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5
a/Kelp_forest_distribution_map.png
● http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/about/ecosystems/kelpd
esc.html
● http://www.usc.edu/org/cosee-west/Mar710_2012/Lesson%20Plans%20and%20ActvitiesWorkshop/Kelp_curric_oceanglobe.pdf
● http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/1307
17095215.htm
● http://inchinapinch.com/hab_pgs/marine/kelp/kelp.h
Coral Reefs
By: Katie, Julia, and Maria
Coral Reefs
The largest coral reef in the world is the Great Barrier Reef.
Location: Coral Sea near Australia
Characteristics of the GBR
●
Length: 1,553 miles (2,500 km)
●
Depth: an average depth of 35 metres in its inshore waters, while on outer reefs
there can be depths of more than 2000 metres
●
Temperature: ranging from 23 degrees Celsius in Winter and 29 degrees Celsius in
summer
●
Salinity: salinity levels average at approximately 35 parts/1000
●
Recharge: the corals and surrounding areas help to recharge the reef
Water Cycle and Biotic Factors
●
The Great Barrier Reef and coral reefs in general are very important in the water
cycle because the coral filters the water and also feeds the organisms living in and
around it. The flow of the water in the great barrier reef also moves the nutrients
around.
●
Biotic factors refer to the organisms that live in the sea and the relationships that
exist between them. For example, sessile marine organisms can be found on the
seafloor. These are organisms that stay in one in place and generally don’t move
about. Some examples are sponges, corals, giant clams, sea anemones and ascidians
(tunicates and sea squirts). Coral is what creates the Great Barrier Reef. The water
currents help to bring the nutrients in and through out the coral which feeds the
organisms living in it.
Autotrophs and Heterotrophs
Autotrophs (organisms producing complex substances from simple substances of its
surrounding): plankton, sea weeds and sea grasses
Heterotrophs (organisms that can’t produce their own substances; therefore, eat whats
made by the autotrophs): sea turtles, coral trout, whale shark, and manta ray
Decomposers (bottom feeders/eat the leftovers): Fan worms, sea cucumbers, snails,
crabs, bristle worms and bacteria
Keystone and Endangered Species
●
Keystone species- the dominant species of the biome in this case the reef. It’s
usually a single species that controls the population of the reef, such as a predator
preventing any intrusions from another species. One keystone species is the Damsel
Fish who eat algae and expose the coral, but they also keep other coral predators,
such as parrotfish, from chewing up the coral. Another species is the Giant Titron
snail that controls the starfish population.
●
Endangered Species- 6/7 of the world's endangered sea turtles can be found in
the Great Barrier Reef, as well as blue whales, and threatened dugongs (sea cows).
Seasonal Patterns/General Trends
●
●
As said before, the temperature can range anywhere between 23-29 degrees celsius.
With increasing temperatures from the rising greenhouse gases, the coral reefs (one
of the most vulnerable ecosystems) have already show how sensitive they are to this
warmer water. Not only does the temperature affect the reefs but so does the water
quality, light intensity and other physical disturbances. When the coral gets stressed
it releases important algae that protects it, this is called bleaching, and has been a
result of warmer water. The reef is home to many organisms and marine life so they
will be impacted too.
Two distinct seasons:
o winter period=”dry season”, begins in May and ends in October warm
temperatures & low rainfall
o summer period= “wet season”, begins in November and ends in April, balmy
temperatures & higher rainfall
State of the Great Barrier Reef
●
The Great Barrier Reef is preserved and protected by many laws and regulations
(including water quality protection, yearly outlook reports, etc.) but here are two
important pieces of federal legislation:
o
the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (regulates activities)
o
the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (protects nationally
significant matters- the Great Barrier Reef)
●
The rising climate is a current environmental problem because it is hurting the
coral. This could be a future problem unless global warming goes down.
●
Humans have also increased the pollution in the water due to fertilizers, pesticides,
and sewage from the mainland.
Protection Groups and Programs
●
Great Barrier Reef Coastal Wetlands Protection Program: Put in place in 2003 by
the Australian government to help protect and preserve the wetlands
included/attatched in the Great Barrier Reef.
●
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Coral Reef Conservation
Program: Main association that has many programs and connected groups helping
the ocean and the atmosphere... a very general group.
●
Local Help: You can get educated and learn what not to do, as well as go and sign up
for volunteer clean ups and conservation projects.
Citations
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
●
https://biomesfifth10.wikispaces.com/Coral+Reef+Home
http://coralreeftkohli.weebly.com/great-barrier-reef.html
http://geography.about.com/od/lists/a/The-Worlds-10-Largest-Coral-Reefs.htm
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/about-the-reef/facts-about-the-great-barrier-reef
http://www.travelonline.com/great-barrier-reef/weather-and-climate.html
http://www.the-great-barrier-reef-experience.com/endangered-animals-of-the-reef.html
http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/water/water-our-environment/wetlands/wetlandsprograms/queensland-wetlands-program/great
http://www.gpem.uq.edu.au/climate-variability-great-barrier-reef
http://www.great-barrier-reef.com/great-barrier-reef-weather.html
http://www.environment.gov.au/topics/marine/great-barrier-reef/protecting-reef
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/gc2sec7labgroup3/pollution