Biophysical interactions - intertidal wetlands

Biophysical interactions

Preliminary Geography 

How do the components of the biophysical environment interact in intertidal wetlands and what are the effects of human activities and climate variations on the functioning of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere?

This excursion introduces students to the nature and functioning of the four components: the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere and biosphere in the mangrove and saltmarsh communities located in the intertidal zone of the Lane Cove River estuary. 

Thinking and working geographically, students will use fieldwork equipment to measure biotic and abiotic factors, use transect and quadrat sampling techniques and test water quality to enable decisions to be made on the sustainable managment of the intertidal wetlands. Historial photos, plans of mangement, maps and spatial data compliments primary data collection.  

Students are encouraged to bring a mobile device with location services enabled to record points of interest with observed fieldwork data. The data collected will be shared to view in maps and as tables and charts.

The fieldwork techniques used will support students undertaking their Senior Geography Project (SGP) in natural environments.

Attending this excursion fulfills the NSW Preliminary Geography course requirements for fieldwork in Biophysical interactions.

Location

• Buffalo Creek Reserve to Magdala Park
• Field studies in the mangrove environment are best conducted with a low tide around 11am 2022 tides