FGCU Week Continues...

Yesterday was very interesting, as we were introduced to the sometimes complex-seeming aspects of physical oceanography. We split up into two groups in order to run tests to determine the kind of residual circulation Estero Bay has, as well as how the density gradient differs from surface to bottom. My group used a small CDT as well as a YSI sensor in various spots along the Imperial River into Estero Bay and then at the mouth of the estuary to determine water quality factors that would later help us in our calculations.

Kiersten and Jessica hard at work determining speed and friction

Lauren and Laura using the YSI

Jesse deploying the CDT...

...and Kenneth making sure the CDT won't get lost at sea

All in all, a fun day collecting data!

Today we worked with Dr. Toshi to collect and identify some microorganisms present in the mangrove communities present in Estero Bay. After a lecture discussing the microbial aspect of mangrove communities, we went out on the canoes to collect some detritus samples and a range of degraded mangrove leaves which we later looked at under the microscope and also sorted by rate of degradation.

Beautiful mangroves and green algae, and the innumerable of microorganisms they house!

For example, a small polychaete worm!

Although microbiology is not my favorite subject, Dr. Toshi made it so interesting and easy to understand that I really loved what we did and learned today. He also showed us a way to use certain statistical programs that deal with binary code data which could help us in the future with research.