An investigation into abiotic factor changes across a salt marsh.

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AN INVESTIGATION INTO ABIOTIC FACTOR CHANGES ACROSS A SALT MARSH.        

Identification of the Question        

Development of a Strategy        

Collection of Data        

Analysis, Interpretation and Evaluation        

Presentation of Summary        

An investigation into abiotic factor changes across a saltmarsh.

Identification of the Question

My aim was to investigate the abiotic factors across a salt marsh behind Norton Spit in the Isle of Wight. Saltmarshes are under threat from sea-level rise and coastal squeeze and therefore it important to investigate them. The saltmarsh is a very special feature of the Western Yar estuary and provides a home for a large number of plants and animals. It is a SSSI and this designation reflects its wealth and importance of the wildlife found there.

 Map with grid reference.

Null Hypothesis:

Research Hypothesis:

  • Reference to fieldworks or book? Salt marsh: The theory of the Salt Marsh, Hart.
  • Background information on the theory. 

Development of a Strategy

Medina Valley field centre chose our salt marsh, they chose this particular area as there was little human impact and it showed changes over a short space. It was also easily accessible as we could park a short distance away; this was particularly helpful as we were carrying our equipment.

Equipment

Point frame

We worked in pairs as it was quicker, it also enabled us to identify plants more easily as if one person did not recognise the plant the other could help. Working in pairs is also safer, a salt marsh environment can pose some unexpected dangers as the ground can be very soft. Before our visit to the salt marsh we investigated some safety hazards of the fieldwork, this included looking carefully at the tides and in particular spring tides. We also dressed in warm waterproof clothing as salt marshes are often in exposed areas it was important to stay warm and dry. We also took a first aid kit that contained basic medical equipment, we also had a mobile phone in case of an emergency.  

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We used secondary data in the form of an aerial photograph and a map 1:20000 to direct us to our site. We also used information that we found on an interpretation board to help us identify Spartina. We had no key to identify plants, instead our instructor pointed them out to us, as we were unconfident of our ability to remember the names of so many plants we drew rough sketches.

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