This module concentrates on the relationship between biological diversity, and aspects of water chemistry and habitat structure in different coastal environments situated along an estuarine gradient. We will be using the Colne / Blackwater estuary complex as our field site.
You will gain experience in the identification of a wide variety of animals and plants along the estuarine salinity and nutrient gradient, from the head of the estuary at Colchester to the open sea coast, and in associated coastal habitats including freshwater grazing marshes, salt marshes and borrow dykes. You will also receive training and practice in standard laboratory techniques, for example, measuring chlorophyll a and phosphate concentrations, and measurement of sediment properties.
This module builds on 2nd year theory modules in Marine Biodiversity, Microbial Diversity & Biotechnology, and Ecological Monitoring & Assessment, and links to 2nd year practicals on Estuarine Benthic Communities and Diversity in Amphipods. It will also provide a background for the 3rd year module on Coastal Ecology.
The five day module will be intensive, with long hours to accommodate periods of tidal emersion and immersion. All the work done on the module is assessed, with assessments having to be submitted at two stages. The marks count towards your overall third year mark.
The module is structured to assess the important environmental variables in estuarine ecology, to gain experience in different sampling protocols, and practice fieldwork skills. In interpreting the data and completing the assignments, you should draw upon your existing knowledge of estuarine and marine systems, sampling strategies, and ecological theory obtained during the second year theory modules and practicals.
Further details of this module will be given out at a short meeting early in the summer term. You must attend this meeting.