Mangroves at Homebush Bay Bicentennial Park. How mangroves work, how to test for mangrove abiotic and abiotic features.

Essay by kia_A+, March 2006

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A Study of the Badu Mangrove Community at Sydney Olympic Park

Abstract

A investigation took place at a large mangrove community called the 'Badu Mangroves'. The interactions of organisms and the Badu Mangrove ecosystem were observed. While experiments were carried out to determine the abiotic ( e.g. temperature, humidity, soil pH ) and biotic ( e.g. number of seedlings distributed throughout a certain area, adaptations of animals ) features in the Badu Mangrove community.

Aim

The aim of this report was to explore the abiotic and biotic features concerning the growth and placement of grey mangroves (Avicennia Marina ) in the Badu Mangrove community at Sydney Olympic Park. The surface area of the Badu Mangroves is approximately 38 hectares, its location is Latitude: 33˚51'48.7"S Longitude: 151˚04'32.07"E Factors that influence the mangroves' lifestyle were also investigated.

Method

Abiotic factors

The air and water temperature of the Mangrove site was measured by using a thermometer.

A thermometer was obtained and it was held in the air for a few minutes until the reading became stable. The temperature was then recorded.

When measuring humidity, a psychrometer was used, along with a information chart. The psychrometer contained a wet bulb which measured the wet temperature while the normal thermometer on the psychrometer measured the air temperature. The dry temperature was subtracted from the wet temperature. The result of this subtraction was then interpreted by using a table and this determined the humidity.

The light was measured in a spot where there were vegetation which had leaves and long trunks. This was done to observe how much light could penetrate through the vegetation. A light meter was obtained and it was turned face down in a spot were there was moderate light to ensure a fair result. The light meter then showed the light intensity...