1. + 2.2 Measuring Abiotic Components

2. + Investigation Must Choose 2 of the following factors to study Investigate how these factors vary between ecosystems, or different areas over time, distance, or depth

3. + Three Major Ecosystem Types Marine – oceans, salt water Freshwater – rivers, lakes and streams Terrestrial – land

4. + Temperature Temperature - Every organism has an optimal temperature range in which it thrives. How to measure- Use a Thermometer (Vernier) Temperature

5. + Salinity Salinity (saltiness) - marine organisms tolerate a variety of salt concentration levels in the water How to measure: Electrical conductivity can also indicate the amount of dissolved ions in solution – can use Vernier conductivity probe. Conductivity

6. + pH – Acidity 0- 14 scale (0= Strong Acid, 14 = Strong Base) The pH of saltwater is higher (8.2)than freshwater (7.5). How to measure- Vernier pH probe pH

7. + Dissolved oxygen -the amount of oxygen available determines which organisms can survive in a particular location. DO levels fall with increased temperature and organic compounds from either sewage, agriculture, or industry DO can range from 0-18 mg/L, but most healthy ecosystems have a DO level of 5-6 mg/L How to measure – Use Vernier probe to measure DO by stirring the probe in a water sample Dissolved Oxygen Probe Dissolved Oxygen

8. + The rate at which water moves through a specified area in a given amount of time. How to measure- Time how long a partially- submerged object takes to travel a certain distance Flow Velocity

9. + Turbidity A cloudy condition in water due to suspended silt or organic matter. How to measure- Use a Secchi disk and record the length at which it is no longer visible (pictured Below)

10. + Temperature Depends on insolation (incoming sunlight), wind & ventilation, latitude, color and texture of the surface Temperature

11. + Light Intensity Influences photosynthesis rates as well as body temperature of ectotherms (cold-blooded animals) Light intensity varies with weather conditions, season, time of day, and surrounding terrain & vegetation cover How to measure - light meters / sensor Light Sensor

12. + Wind Speed Wind speed –wind carries sediment and acts as a desiccating (drying) force in ecosystems, increasing evaporation and transpiration rates How to measure - Anemometer: spinning cups on a permanent or hand-held post. The number of revolutions per time period can be converted to a wind velocity Anemometer