1. Water Group Mission 2006 Ryan Allard Lauren Cooney Katrina Cornell Jonathan Karr Minji Kim Melanie Michalak Meisha Bynoe Danos Christodoulou October 4, 2002

2. Definition of “Water” The scope of our research will include: The scope of our research will include: –Water Cycle Bodies of water (rivers, lakes, basins, estuaries, etc.) Bodies of water (rivers, lakes, basins, estuaries, etc.) Subterranean water flows Subterranean water flows Precipitation Precipitation –Contributing components to overall water composition Sediment Sediment Pollutants Pollutants –Aquatic biota Micro- and macro-organisms Micro- and macro-organisms –Effects of time and human intervention on the evolution of the water system

3. Goals Research and analyze data associated with the Amazon Basin's water ecosystems. Research and analyze data associated with the Amazon Basin's water ecosystems. Analyze the outflow, inflow and water storage mechanics of the Amazon water system as a whole and develop a model of the water system. Analyze the outflow, inflow and water storage mechanics of the Amazon water system as a whole and develop a model of the water system. Identify and devise ways to monitor the water chemistry and chemical composition of the sediments of rivers, lakes and other water systems in the Amazon Basin. Identify and devise ways to monitor the water chemistry and chemical composition of the sediments of rivers, lakes and other water systems in the Amazon Basin. Examine the effects of seasonal variations, human development, and general environmental changes on the water ecosystem. Examine the effects of seasonal variations, human development, and general environmental changes on the water ecosystem. Research the role of water on other systems of the rainforest. Research the role of water on other systems of the rainforest.

4. Overview of Water System River River –Length: 4,000 miles (6,400 km) –Volume: Carries 1/5 of all water carried off earth’s surface Carries 1/5 of all water carried off earth’s surface Flood-stage discharge at river’s mouth: 6,180,000 ft3 Flood-stage discharge at river’s mouth: 6,180,000 ft3 –Path: West to East / High Andes Mountains within 100 miles of Pacific Ocean to Atlantic Ocean Main outlet: north of Marajo Island, 40 mi (64 km) wide Main outlet: north of Marajo Island, 40 mi (64 km) wide >1000 tributaries, 7 >1000 mi long >1000 tributaries, 7 >1000 mi long –Water: Fresh Able to dilute salinity of ocean for 100 miles from shore Able to dilute salinity of ocean for 100 miles from shore

6. Overview of Water System Basin Basin –Area: 2.3 million square miles (6 million km2), 6 countries –Lowland / varzeas (Portuguese) Area flooded in a yearly cycle Area flooded in a yearly cycle 12-30 mi wide 12-30 mi wide Borders main river and tributaries Borders main river and tributaries –Upland / tierra firme > 2/3 of Basin > 2/3 of Basin Covered by immense rain forest which transitions to dry forest and savanna in the West Covered by immense rain forest which transitions to dry forest and savanna in the West “Gently undulating hills” “Gently undulating hills” Composed of layers of alluvial soil deposited as much as 2.5 million years ago Composed of layers of alluvial soil deposited as much as 2.5 million years ago Many shallow oxbow lakes and wetlands Many shallow oxbow lakes and wetlands Average rainfall 60-120 in/year Average rainfall 60-120 in/year

7. Overview of Water System Atmosphere Atmosphere –½ of precipitation that falls originates from Atlantic Ocean –½ of precipitation comes from evapotranspiration from forest and storms –Rainfall Uplands average 60-120 in/year Uplands average 60-120 in/year Lowlands flooded on a yearly cycle Lowlands flooded on a yearly cycle High levels of rain are found in the upper piedmont region High levels of rain are found in the upper piedmont region Highest level of rain are recorded in the upper Putumayo region along the Colombian border Highest level of rain are recorded in the upper Putumayo region along the Colombian border –Andes Mountains to west form natural barrier which prevents water vapour from leaving basin

8. Current Research Parasites as bioindicators Parasites as bioindicators –Parasites are potential indicators of environmental quality due to the variety of ways in which they respond to pollution. –“Effect indicators" (effects of various forms of pollution on the abundance and distribution of parasites). –“Accumulation indicators" (accumulation of toxins within parasites).

10. Current Research Net Accumulation of Sediment on river banks Net Accumulation of Sediment on river banks –The net deposition on bars and flood plains exceed bank erosion by about 500 megatons per year –This causes a net accumulation of sediment on both the valley floor and the delta plain. –This means that pollutants carried in the sediment may accumulate over time, rather than be flushed out of the system. –Such pollutants could directly harm the ecosystems in and around the river.

11. Current Research Effect of deforestation on hydrology Effect of deforestation on hydrology –Less transpiration, resulting in warmer much warmer mean surface temps within rainforest –Less heat spread out, may affect global climate –Flooding caused by not enough trees/plant life to soak rain waters –Increased soil erosion in rainy season (lack of root systems)

12. Current Research Microwave radiation as a method to map flood plain elevation Microwave radiation as a method to map flood plain elevation –Using 37 GHz passive microwave radiometers to monitor variations in water height –Data collection on river stage, velocity, width and height

13. Cooperation With Other Groups Carbon cycle Carbon cycle Methane cycle Methane cycle Aquatic flora and fauna Aquatic flora and fauna Fauna Flora WaterAir Land

14. Questions? http://web.mit.edu/www/m2006/teams/r6/ rain6@mit.edu http://web.mit.edu/www/m2006/teams/r6/ rain6@mit.edu http://web.mit.edu/www/m2006/teams/r6/ rain6@mit.edu