Book chapter
Measurements of physical parameters in seagrass habitats
Global Seagrass Research Methods, pp.325-344
Elsevier Science B.V.
2001
Abstract
Seagrass environments are characterized by physical conditions, like temperature, salinity, currents, waves, turbulence, and light. This chapter provides the methods for quantifying temperature, salinity, currents, waves, and turbulence in seagrass habitats, and describes simple, yet biologically relevant techniques that can be easily applied throughout the world. It begins with the description of two simple methods of obtaining accurate temperature data in seagrass habitats, including sediments and the water column, followed by a description of how to obtain salinity data from research vessels or directly in the seagrass habitat. Temperature and salinity can be influenced by tides and, therefore, caution needs to be taken when collecting and interpreting these data. A large variety of current meters are available in the market. Their appropriateness for seagrass research is discussed and the dye tracking method is described in detail for quantification of current velocity in seagrass-colonized areas. The same technique is later applied to the quantification of turbulence in seagrass beds. Dye tracking is a simple and inexpensive technique that allows scientists around the world to make currents and turbulence an integral part of the analysis of their data.
Details
- Title
- Measurements of physical parameters in seagrass habitats
- Authors/Creators
- E.W. Koch (Author/Creator)J.J. Verduin (Author/Creator)
- Contributors
- F.T. Short (Editor)R.G. Coles (Editor)
- Publication Details
- Global Seagrass Research Methods, pp.325-344
- Publisher
- Elsevier Science B.V.; Amsterdam
- Identifiers
- 991005545147607891
- Copyright
- © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Murdoch University
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Book chapter
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