Introduction to Oceanography: Abiotic
Enviro-Lab Bow
In this online activity, you will use your scientific skills to help us figure out why the physical and chemical properties (abiotic factors) vary with depth in an estuary. In order to complete this activity, you will need some pieces of paper, and something to write with.
Take a virtual tour of the bow of the Enviro-Lab below. Use your mouse to move around the image.
Learn more about the instruments we use to test temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and other factors below.
See if you can find these instruments in the image above.
Basic Research Project:
How and why do the chemical and physical properties of the estuary change with depth?
Choose one one abiotic factor (or, select the one that was assigned to you by your teacher). Click the link to learn more about how the equipment works, and follow the instructions to start your investigation!
Sampling Method
Link to Research
Questions
Abiotic Factor
Temperature
Salinity
Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Density
Light Penetration
Water Clarity and Color
Sediment size, color
Air Temperature
YSI Meter
YSI Meter
YSI Meter
Van Dorn Bottle
Van Dorn Bottle
Light Meter
Secchi Disk, Forel Ule Scale
Gravity Core
Thermometer