Lynn Wingard
Huidley, J. W.; Holmes, C. W.; Willard, D. A.; Marot, M.
In FY2005, we will begin compiling results from non-USGS research for integration with ongoing USGS research.
In FY2005 we will integrate data from previous estuarine ecosystem history studies into one database and test database for design errors. Data from water monitoring stations throughout the region will be compiled with climatic, outflow and groundwater data into a format consistent with ecosystem history database. Preliminary statistical analyses of data will be conducted to look for correlations. Additionally, researchers from non-USGS ecosystem history work will be contacted to participate in the synthesis process
The first step was to compile all existing ecosystem history data and all relevant data sets on components of the system (such as precipitation, salinity, etc.), place these data into a relational database, and into a consistent format. In some cases this has involved data reduction (for example, water outflow data and salinity data from monitoring stations are available as hourly data sets - a scale too fine for our purposes). The majority of step one was completed in FY2005. In FY2006 compilation will be completed and we will determine statistical methodology to be used. We will proceed with analyses of these data by synthesizing and comparing small sub-sets of the data to test different statistical techniques and progressing to larger sets. Numerous types of comparisons at different levels within the system will be analyzed, and we will work with hydrologic and Natural Systems modelers where possible.
Analysis of tree-island cores collected in Loxahatchee NWR will be completed to provide a complete regional overview of tree-island development and response to hydrologic change. Once completed, these data will be integrated into the synthesis paper documenting response of the Greater Everglades ecosystem to climatic and other environmental changes. A separate report on response of Loxahatchee wetlands to 20th century hydrologic change will be compiled with L. Brandt. Dissertation research (C. Bernhardt, University of Pennsylvania) integrating paleoecological and archeological evidence (with M. Schwadron) from tree islands in the Eastern Everglades Expansion Area will be continued and published after completion of the degree.
In FY2007 we will complete the synthesis of the existing core data for Biscayne Bay and Florida Bay and develop a picture of regional trends in salinity patterns over the last 100-500 years. These results will be correlated to existing regional rainfall, outflow, and salinity records to try to determine what component of change might be explained by changing climate and what component might be anthropogenic.
Ecosystem history database: The following attributes are possible for records in the Modern Field Data: Site #, ID Number, Site (name), Location (Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay or Southwest coast), General Area Description, Changes Observed, Comments, Clarity, Collectors, Date Collected, Time, Longitude, Latitude, Salinity, Temperature, pH, Dissolved O2, Redox potential, Specific Conductance, Resistivity, Site Category, Position, Depth, Subsite Sampling, Sediment Description, Vegetative Description, Faunal Description, Vegetation Number, Site Category, Flora, Fauna, Particles, Lab Description, Presence/Absence - Debris/Live for vegetation, Gastropods, and Pelecypods/Others. Not all attributes apply to all sites. The appropriate attributes are populated for each site.
The possible attributes for the Core Locations are: General Location, Core ID #, Core Name, Related Modern Site, Public Information, Date Collected, Collectors, Longitude, Latitude, State, County, 7.5 minute quad, Total Core Length, H20 Depth, General Area Description, Substrate Description, and Additional Information. These attributes are populated as appropriate for each core.
See the Ecosystem History Access Database at <http://sofia.usgs.gov/exchange/flaecohist/> for more detailed information on the attributes for the Modern Field Data and Core Locations.
U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey
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