New Model Protects Wetlands Of The Future

EARTH OBSERVATION

NASA image of Lake Pontchartrain, in New Orleans.

Lake Pontchartrain LA (SPX) Nov 29, 2005
In the latest issue of Restoration Ecology, researchers describe a new model for coastal development. Using survey data conducted in Lake Pontchartrain, LA, they created a Potential SAV (Submersed Aquatic Vegetation) model.

It predicts potential habitat changes in SAV caused by the changes in water clarity or shoreface slopes as a result of natural disturbances or restoration efforts. Often, only the existing SAV beds are considered for conservation efforts. This model helped set a restoration goal; and the assessment of potential beds provides protection of these areas from future degradation.

The general model was based on three relationships: water clarity controls colonization depth, average water fluctuation and wave mixing depth determines minimum colonization depth, and site differences are determined by the shoreface slope angle. With these parameters, the model figures the key factors and provides quantitative results that predict gain from different levels of habitat restoration scenarios.

"This model can be used in other coastal SAV habitats if local SAV light requirements are substituted for Lake Pontchartrain values" the authors explain.

EARTH OBSERVATION

Space Service For Wetlands Protection On Show At Ramsar COP

Kampala, Uganda (ESA) Nov 14, 2005
Last week ESA joined around a thousand participants from 146 countries at the main policy making forum of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in Kampala, Uganda.

The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2016 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. Privacy Statement All images and articles appearing on Space Media Network have been edited or digitally altered in some way. Any requests to remove copyright material will be acted upon in a timely and appropriate manner. Any attempt to extort money from Space Media Network will be ignored and reported to Australian Law Enforcement Agencies as a potential case of financial fraud involving the use of a telephonic carriage device or postal service.