catalina field project template

The Kelp Forest, Where and Why

For our school trip we went the California Island, Catalina. Catalina is one of the few parts of the world where the Kelp Forest grows. On our trip, besides studying the kelp, we tested our ability of teamwork, scientific capability, and our comfort level. We went on an Eco. Hike, a high ropes course, kayaking, and team building exercises. Out of everything our group chose its main topic as the study of where and why the Kelp Forest grows.

There are multiple tests to see how well the Kelp Forest is surviving. Some are, turbidity, depth, and temperature. The turbidity level of the water tells us how much sunlight the kelp forest is receiving and how polluted the water is. If the turbidity level is high it means that the water is dirty and the kelp isn’t receiving the proper amount of sunlight. Another test is the depth. If the depth of the water is too deep it means that the kelp is too far away from the sun and won’t survive. If sediment piles up and the depth is too shallow the kelp won’t be able to grow its full, desired length. Finally, the last major test that is helpful for answering our question is temperature. Kelp lives peacefully in a fairly warm slightly cool temperature. If in fact the temperature were to go up it would reduce the number of possible kelp environments because new kelp cannot grow without the nutrients that are found in somewhat cooler water. Observing outside of the water and in can fulfill these tests. During the trip we acquired the data by the numerous snorkels we took and the kayaking. After taking all of the tests we found that the turbidity level was 4m, the surface temperature was 18.3 degrees C, the depth temperature was 17 degrees C, and the depth was 5m on Thursday. These tests are critical to keeping a close eye on the health of the Kelp Forest.
If an El Nino were to occur it would affect the Kelp Forest drastically. The water would become warmer which would end the lives of a lot of kelp and not let any new kelp begin to grow. Also, there would be an increased population of sea urchins that feed on the kelp. This would further reduce the number of kelp plants. El Nino would prove an awful year for the Kelp Forest.
The Kelp Forest is a vital part of our modern day ocean. Without these tests we would not know how well it is doing. Catalina is just one of the many places where the kelp lives. Kelp Forests help to provide many needed homes for fish of all kinds.

	Kelp, Where and Why	Adrian Madeleine Doug
Links: Pcds Celp Cool kelp info. nice kelp photos Jellies zone	This map shows kelp beds from 1980, 1989, and 2005



The Kelp Forest, Where and Why For our school trip we went the California Island, Catalina. Catalina is one of the few parts of the world where the Kelp Forest grows. On our trip, besides studying the kelp, we tested our ability of teamwork, scientific capability, and our comfort level. We went on an Eco. Hike, a high ropes course, kayaking, and team building exercises. Out of everything our group chose its main topic as the study of where and why the Kelp Forest grows. There are multiple tests to see how well the Kelp Forest is surviving. Some are, turbidity, depth, and temperature. The turbidity level of the water tells us how much sunlight the kelp forest is receiving and how polluted the water is. If the turbidity level is high it means that the water is dirty and the kelp isn’t receiving the proper amount of sunlight. Another test is the depth. If the depth of the water is too deep it means that the kelp is too far away from the sun and won’t survive. If sediment piles up and the depth is too shallow the kelp won’t be able to grow its full, desired length. Finally, the last major test that is helpful for answering our question is temperature. Kelp lives peacefully in a fairly warm slightly cool temperature. If in fact the temperature were to go up it would reduce the number of possible kelp environments because new kelp cannot grow without the nutrients that are found in somewhat cooler water. Observing outside of the water and in can fulfill these tests. During the trip we acquired the data by the numerous snorkels we took and the kayaking. After taking all of the tests we found that the turbidity level was 4m, the surface temperature was 18.3 degrees C, the depth temperature was 17 degrees C, and the depth was 5m on Thursday. These tests are critical to keeping a close eye on the health of the Kelp Forest. If an El Nino were to occur it would affect the Kelp Forest drastically. The water would become warmer which would end the lives of a lot of kelp and not let any new kelp begin to grow. Also, there would be an increased population of sea urchins that feed on the kelp. This would further reduce the number of kelp plants. El Nino would prove an awful year for the Kelp Forest. The Kelp Forest is a vital part of our modern day ocean. Without these tests we would not know how well it is doing. Catalina is just one of the many places where the kelp lives. Kelp Forests help to provide many needed homes for fish of all kinds.