Measuring Abiotic Measuring Abiotic FactorsFactors

Each ecosystem has its own abiotic factors

Different factors for…– Marine ecosystems– Freshwater ecosystems– Terrestrial ecosystems

Marine Ecosystem abiotic factors

Salinity pH Temperature Dissolved oxygen Wave action

Freshwater Abiotic Factors

Turbidity Flow velocity pH Temperature Dissolved oxygen

Terrestrial Abiotic Factors

Temperature Light intensity Wind speed Particle size Slope/aspect Soil moisture Drainage Mineral content

How?

Most of these measurements are done with dataloggers.– Probe connected to a calculator that reads the

measurement

pH

7 is neutral Values in freshwater range from slightly

basic to slightly acidic Seawater is usually above 7. Terrestrial: use a soil testing kit, match

color

Wind

Determined by the beaufort scale Use an anemometer Hand held wind propeller

Mineral Content

Weigh soil sample, Heat 500-1000C for several hours

– Allows volatile substances to escape

Whatever is left is the mineral content

Flow Velocity

Time how long it takes a floating object to travel a particular distance.

Or use flowmeter

Salinity

Determine the conductivity of a solution (higher salt is highly conductive)

Or by density of water (higher salt-more dense)

Dissolved Oxygen

Electrodes Titration Dissolve tab

Turbidity

Cloudy water has high turbidity

Turbidity affects the penetration of sunlight and therefore the rate of photosynthesis

Use a Secchi disc-lowered into the water until it is out of sight,

measure the scale of the line or pole.

Let’s try it!