Case studies Flashcards
How does heat transfer affect ENSO?
(It drives and alters the walker circulation)
Convection currents and plate tectonics affect the movement of water through warmer and cooler areas of the crust. This change in SST causes changes in the walker circulation and atmospheric conditions.
What is an example of the rehabilitation of a salinity-affected area?
Temora farm soil salinisation and saline scalds, rehabilitated through the use of perennial deep-rooted plants
What is an example of an introduced species which has contributed to the decline or extinction of native Australian species?
European rabbits
What was the reason for the species being introduced
European rabbits were introduced in the first fleet for hunting for sports
What were the biotic effects of the species?
Outcompeting native species (ecological niches and resources) by overgrazing
What were the abiotic effects of the species?
Destroying crops and eating vegetation roots (causes erosion and raises the water table)
Where was the area affected by the species?
At first Victoria, then the whole country
What control or mitigation methods were enforced?
Physical barriers (the Western Australia ‘rabbit-proof’ fence), then biocontrol (viruses - myxoma) 75% number reduction currently, and heating warrens to prevent population growth
What was the economic impact of the species?
More than $200 million loss in annual agricultural production
What are the views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples?
ATSI people in Australia also manage feral rabbits, especially in their IPAs (Indigenous Protected Areas) and generally agree with Western views (they trap and shoot feral rabbits)
What is an example of a sampling method?
Stream sediment sampling, samples are collected downstream and are analysed for metals
