Microclimate Study - Update2013

Name:!....................................................................................................Date: !...........................
Microclimate Study
Text: Andrews, Investigating Terrestrial Ecosystems

Objectives: After completing this study, students should be able to:
a) Use a sling psychrometer and calculate R.H.;
b) Read a reset a Max-Min thermometer, light meter and anemometer;
c) Determine pH using Hydrion paper;
d) Understand the importance of repetition for reducing error;
e) Graph data in a variety of forms by hand and using technology;
f) Analyze data and interpret from it patterns in daily weather readings;
g) Predict from abiotic data and biotic information the microclimate factors in an area.
Introduction
Why are some areas thick with trees, while places nearby have few trees or only grass?
Why does biodiversity (the variation in species) change over a small area?
What makes some places better for planting certain species than others?
How can we predict the conditions of an area based on its plant cover, soil, aspect and terrain?
How can we use microclimate data to predict the best location for re-establishing endangered species?
Within in any given region, abiotic factors will vary considerably from place to place.
Microenvironments exist within the larger environment:
Soil is richer in a hollow than on a hill;
Relative humidity is higher among grass than it is above the grass;
On a hot summers day, the temperature is higher at ground level than at 1m above;
A cave or crevice differs greatly from the surrounding area;
Light intensity is lower under a tree.
In many instances, the trees, plants and terrain combine to produce a microclimate that differs from
the overall climate. This, in turn, affects the biota that can inhabit that environment.
We will be examining eight different stations in a relatively small area of the camp. One would
expect the climate to be relatively uniform, however, you will find that many of the abiotic factors vary
quite significantly from station to station. Furthermore, those abiotic factors contribute to variations in
the biota which further alter the abiotic factors.
At any particular point in space, we may recognize a wide variety of habitats because the
environment has a three-dimensional structure. Physical characteristics (properties) may differ greatly
from those at different heights (or depths) from ground level. For example, a tree provides different
habitats and food resources such as roots, bark, leaves, flowers and fruit, and, at the same time, can
influence such abiotic factors as light intensity.
Problem:! Which abiotic or biotic factor has the greatest influence over microclimates?
Hypothesis: Of the many abiotic and biotic factors contributing to variations in microclimate
temperature, humidity, wind, light, ground cover, canopy cover, humus depth, nearness to water, soil pH
the one which has the greatest influence on microclimate is!.................................................................
because:
go beyond
Microclimate Study
The factors we will be collecting data on are:

Plant type: trees, shrubs or herbs
% canopy cover
Depth of humus layer
% ground cover
pH of soil
Temperature: 5cm depth; ground level; +1m

Relative humidity
Rainfall
Wind speed and direction
Electromagnetic radiation (light)
The following readings and questions will facilitate your understanding of the role that these factors play
in an ecosystem:
Temperature!
Moisture!
Wind!
Light!
Soil!
Microenvironments!
Weather!
pp91-93,, #5
pp93-97, #1, 5, 6, 7
pp99-100, #2, 3
pp104-109, # 8
p113
p114, #1,2
p125-127
Wet bulb
Dry bulb
Sling Psychrometer This is a delicate instrument with two glass thermometers in it.
Before you start slinging it, please move away from any obstructions it might hit.
This instrument measures .., which is a measure
of the percentage of saturation of air by .. molecules.
When reading this instrument, always read the bulb first.
Using the tables provided, determine the indicated value:
a) Dry bulb = 27C; wet bulb = 21C; R.H, =
Anemometer:
To use our wind meter, stand facing the wind. Hold the meter in front of you, in a vertical
position, with the scale side toward you. Do not block the bottom holes. The height of the ball
indicates the wind velocity. In strong winds (> 15km/h), place your finger at the top of the
meter bad read the scale as indicated.
Rain Gauge:
If a rain gauge has an opening of 4cm2, and the contents were measured as 80mL, how much
rain fell in 1cm2?
!............................................................................................
Max-Min Thermometer
These are delicate instruments with a long U-shaped glass
thermometer in each. Notice how the scales on each side read in
opposite directions, Notice also, the blue pins in each. When the
temperature rises, the marker 'pin' in the right hand column is pushed
upwards. It will stay there until you reset it. You read the bottom of
the 'pin'. This example is 28C.
When the temperature falls, the marker in the left hand column will be
pushed upwards to show the minimum temperature. Again, read the
bottom of the 'pin'. This example is 16C.
Boom of pin
Be sure to reset the thermometer ONLY IN THE MORNING!
page 2
Microclimate Study
Field Work
Equipment at each station!
!
Equipment each group!
Note: Light readings will be
taken at each station by your
instructor. Do not leave your
station until the light reading
is taken.
Max-Min Thermometer
Rain Gauge
Meter stick
Armored thermometer
Sling psychrometer
Sample bottle for soil
Distilled water container
w/ water (for wet bulb and soil
pH)
Anemometer
pH paper
Tables I and II
Clipboard
Pencil
Remember each person in your group must have their own copies of Tables 1 and 2 for each of the
eight stations.
Method
Each day, immediately before breakfast and before supper, you will visit the station assigned to your
group. Prior to visiting the station, you must collect all equipment from the lab which must also be
returned to the lab at the end of the visit.
Upon arriving at the station, complete Tables I and II. You will do this by dividing the various jobs
amongst your team members and carefully taking each reading and observation. Each member of the
group must have a complete set of tables.
Do not rush your work! Plan on spending at least 20 minutes collecting the data. When finished,
return the equipment to the lab and record your groups data on the master recording sheet.
Notes:!1. It is easier to do calculations in the lab rather than in the field.
!
2. Critically examine your results do they seem reasonable? Do they make sense?
The following questions should help you to organize your thoughts on this field study:
1. For each observation (microclimate factor), compare the eight stations and explain any trends noted.
2. For the samples taken during a 24-hour period, describe the trends in microclimate factors. Explain
any differences between stations.
3. What biotic and abiotic factors influence light intensity?
4. Explain the difference in % ground cover.
5. Which stations had the most acidic soil? Explain why.
6. Which stations had the deepest humus layer? Explain why.
7. In your judgment, which station was the most extreme (harsh)? Explain how these conditions affect
the biota. Explain the role of the biota in helping to create these conditions.
8. Using your knowledge of succession, predict how these environments will look, without human
disturbance, 100 or more years from now.
9. What effect might global climate change have on these environments?
page 3
Name:!....................................................................................................Date: !...........................
Microclimate Study Initial Observations & Predictions
On the first day of the investigation, we will visit each of the eight stations. Record below your
observations and descriptions of each station:
Plant cover and density
Temperature relative to other stations
Ground cover and density
Humidity relative to other stations
Brightness relative to other stations
Location relative to other features (lodge, road,
lake, bare rock, etc.)
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4
Station 5
Station 6
Station 7
Station 8
Predictions: Based on your initial observations and what you know of microclimates at this stage,
which station do you think will be the:
Warmest: !.................................
Why?
Coldest: !...................................
Why?
Most Extreme: !.........................

Why?
Most Moderate: !.......................

Why?
page 5
Microclimate Study Table 1

These observations must be made by each person your group ONCE for each station.
Group #!..........Names:!................................................................................................................................
Station: A!
Date:!.................................................................................Time:!....................
Weather conditions: !.......................................................................................................................................

Description of site:!
Description of situation (what is near or around this site?):
!..........................................................................!
!..........................................................................................
!..........................................................................!
!..........................................................................................
!..........................................................................!
!..........................................................................................
!..........................................................................!
!..........................................................................................
Type of Trees in Quadrat:!
Number!
% of quadrat covered by herbaceous plants: !...................
!................................................!
!................!
Dominant herbaceous species:
!................................................!
!................!
!.......................................................................................
!................................................!
!................!
!.......................................................................................
!................................................!
!................!
!.......................................................................................
% Ground Cover: !....................!
Soil pH:!.......................!
Depth of Humus Layer: !..........................
Animals observed(including insects and other non-vertebrates):
Station: B!
Date:!.................................................................................Time:!....................

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% Ground Cover: !....................!
Soil pH:!.......................!
page 7
Microclimate Study Table 1"
These observations must be made by each person in your group ONCE for each station.
Group #!..........Names:!................................................................................................................................
Station: C!
Date:!.................................................................................Time:!....................

!..........................................................................!
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% Ground Cover: !....................!
Soil pH:!.......................!
Station: D!
Date:!.................................................................................Time:!....................

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% Ground Cover: !....................!
Soil pH:!.......................!
page 8
Group #!..........Names:!................................................................................................................................
Station: E!
Date:!.................................................................................Time:!....................

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% Ground Cover: !....................!
Soil pH:!.......................!
Station: F!
Date:!.................................................................................Time:!....................

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% Ground Cover: !....................!
Soil pH:!.......................!
page 9
Group #!..........Names:!................................................................................................................................
Station: G!
Date:!.................................................................................Time:!....................

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Soil pH:!.......................!
Station: H!
Date:!.................................................................................Time:!....................

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page 10

These observations must be recorded by each group member each morning and evening for your assigned stations.
Group #!..........Names:!................................................................................................................................
Station ____
Station ____
Date & Time
am
pm
Weather conditions
at time of observations
Relative Humidity
Wet Bulb T:
Wet Bulb T:
Dry Bulb T:
Dry Bulb T:
R.H.
R.H.
Rainfall (once in 24hr)
mm
Wind Speed
Light
lux
lux
Min
Max
Temperature
Air (+1m)
Air (+1m)
Ground (5cm)
Ground (5cm)
Error
How might error (human
or otherwise) creep into
these observations?
Other observations
(animals, human
disturbance)
page 11

Group #!..........Names:!................................................................................................................................
Station ____
Station ____
Date & Time
am
pm
Weather conditions
Relative Humidity
Wet Bulb T:
Wet Bulb T:
Dry Bulb T:
Dry Bulb T:
R.H.
R.H.
mm
Wind Speed
Light
lux
lux
Min
Max
Temperature
Air (+1m)
Air (+1m)
Ground (5cm)
Ground (5cm)
Error
these observations?
Other observations
(animals, human
disturbance)
page 12

Group #!..........Names:!................................................................................................................................
Station ____
Station ____
Date & Time
am
pm
Weather conditions
Relative Humidity
Wet Bulb T:
Wet Bulb T:
Dry Bulb T:
Dry Bulb T:
R.H.
R.H.
mm
Wind Speed
Light
lux
lux
Min
Max
Temperature
Air (+1m)
Air (+1m)
Ground (5cm)
Ground (5cm)
Error
these observations?
Other observations
(animals, human
disturbance)
page 13

Group #!..........Names:!................................................................................................................................
Station ____
Station ____
Date & Time
am
pm
Weather conditions
Relative Humidity
Wet Bulb T:
Wet Bulb T:
Dry Bulb T:
Dry Bulb T:
R.H.
R.H.
mm
Wind Speed
Light
lux
lux
Min
Max
Temperature
Air (+1m)
Air (+1m)
Ground (5cm)
Ground (5cm)
Error
these observations?
Other observations
(animals, human
disturbance)
page 14
Microclimate Study Report

The following work is due to your teacher after our return to the SJK Campus.
Title Page with title of study, your name, course, date submitted and teachers name.
Problem: (restate the problem from page 1)
Hypothesis: (restate your hypothesis from page 1 of this booklet do not change your wording!)
Map of Study Area: Construct a 1-page map of the area showing the location of each station and its
situation. Your map must have a descriptive title, a north arrow, a legend and be appropriately shaded.
Initial Observations & Predictions (p4 of this handout)
Data Presentation:
Remember to add a descriptive title to each graph and label and state the the units of each axis.
Be sure the titles wont be hidden by however you choose to bind your report (e.g. duo-tang cover)
The graphs for A, B and C are one station per page. The work may be divided amongst your
group members, then shared so that each of you have a full set of graphs.
Be sure the name of each person who completed the graph is clearly shown in the bottom right of
! the page.
A. Air temperature versus time on special graph paper that shows 5 days by the hour
Graph each station on a different page
On the same graph, using the same y-axis values, graph ground temperature versus time
! (be sure to use a different symbol e.g. dashed or dotted line)
B. On a single page (or in Excel), create a two-line graph: one line to show Maximum temperature
and a second line for Minimum temperature for each of the 4 days of the study
C. On a single page of special graph paper (5 days by hour), graph the Relative Humidity values and
the Light values with RH on the left y-axis and lux on the right y-axis
Graphs D, E, F and H plus table G must be completed individually.
D. On regular graph paper (or in Excel), draw a bar graph to represent Precipitation for each day of
the week.
E. Draw a horizontal line and label the left end 0% and the right end 100% and indicate the % Canopy
Cover for each of eight stations on the same line.
!
0% !_____________________________________________________100%
F. Construct a similar graph to represent the % Ground Cover at each of eight stations on the same
line.
G. Make a table of Soil pH values for all eight stations.
H. Construct a bar graph showing the Depth of Humus Layer at each of eight stations.
Note: depth of humus layer is below ground level how can you best show this on a graph?).
Microclimate Study Report

Analysis All questions must be answered independently and in full sentences. While it would be
helpful to discuss answers with your group members, your written answers must be in your own words.
1. Interpret the graphs of temperature:
Which stations vary most widely? Why? Which stations vary the least? Why?
Which stations have the highest values? Why?
How does air temperature compare to ground temperature at each station? Is there a general
relationship? Why or why not?
2. Explain why precipitation values varied between stations.
3. Why are the relative humidity values different at different stations?
Is there a general relationship between relative humidity values for the 8 stations (i.e. is one
always higher or lower)?
Why do the relative humidity values drop during the day?
4. With respect to electromagnetic radiation, explain why there is a general relationship between
stations (i.e. are some or one always higher or lower why?)?
5. What is the effect of light on:
(a) soil temperature;
(b) air temperature; and
(c) relative humidity?
6. In what ways does the canopy affect:
(a) evaporation rate;
(b) relative humidity; and
(c) % ground cover?
7. Explain the differences in soil pH (i.e. Is there a relationship with the dominant plant species?).
8. Explain why the stations had varying depth of humus.
How would this affect! (a) soil moisture; and
!
(b) soil organisms?
Conclusion
Conclusions explain your observations and describe how your data relates to the problem. It is written
in paragraph form and should include why you did this experiment (restate the purpose/problem).
Your conclusion should re-state your hypothesis and state whether or not the data confirms or rejects
your hypothesis.
Which biotic factor seems to contribute most to the development of microclimates?
You should explain in your own words what you found out or discovered as well as any patterns you
see.
Explain why there is a variation in plant species amongst the 8 stations by referring to specific
differences in microclimate.
Discuss any errors that may be affecting the data.
Lastly, relate your findings to the wider area and changes that may be going on presently or in the
future.
What effect would removing the forest have on the microclimate of an area?
How would the loss of the forested area affect the climate of the larger area around it? Explain
your answer.
page 16
Microclimate Study Marking Sheet

Out of
Title Page
Problem & Hypothesis
Initial Observations & Predictions
Map: Title; Legend/Symbols, N Arrow, Colour,

Accuracy of station location in relation to key
features (dining hall, waterfront, point, cabins,
etc.)
Station Descriptions: Accuracy of description

with details about (e.g.) forest cover, ground
cover and exposure (original Table 1s)
Graphing: titles; axes labelled; units; legend/

lines labelled; accuracy
Graphs (8 x 3 each)
A. T-air and T-ground vs Time (x 8)
B. Tmax & Tmin vs Time (x 8)
C. Relative Humidity & Light by station
D. Precipn by station (x 8)
E. % Canopy Cover by station
F. % Groundcover by station
G. Soil pH by station
H. Depth of Humus by station
24
Analysis of Data
1.
Interpretation of T-air vs T-ground

vs site characteristics
2.
Explain variation in precipn between stations
3.
Relative Humidity: relationship; relative

differences; drop during day
4.
Electromagnetic radiation relationship

between stations
5.
Effect of electromagnetic radiation on (i) soil

T; (ii) air T; and (iii) RH
6.
Effect of canopy on (i) evaporation;

(ii) RH; and (iii) % groundcover
7.
Explain difference in soil pH
8.
Explain varying depth in humus on

(i) soil moisture; and (ii) soil organisms
Conclusion
Restatement of problem/hypothesis with
thorough explanation of findings and answers to
questions posed
12
Other observations or interpretations

Original data Table 2s x 8 stations
Master Sheets
Literature Cited
TOTAL 100
Mark
Comments

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Name:!....................................................................................................Date: !...........................

Text: Andrews, Investigating Terrestrial Ecosystems

The factors we will be collecting data on are:

Temperature: 5cm depth; ground level; +1m

Microclimate Study Initial Observations & Predictions

Most Extreme: !.........................

Most Moderate: !.......................

Microclimate Study Table 1

Weather conditions: !.......................................................................................................................................

Description of situation (what is near or around this site?):

Type of Trees in Quadrat:!

% of quadrat covered by herbaceous plants: !...................

Dominant herbaceous species:

% Ground Cover: !....................!

Depth of Humus Layer: !..........................

Animals observed(including insects and other non-vertebrates):

Weather conditions: !.......................................................................................................................................

Description of situation (what is near or around this site?):

Type of Trees in Quadrat:!

% of quadrat covered by herbaceous plants: !...................

Dominant herbaceous species:

% Ground Cover: !....................!

Animals observed(including insects and other non-vertebrates):

Depth of Humus Layer: !..........................

Microclimate Study Table 1"

Weather conditions: !.......................................................................................................................................

Description of situation (what is near or around this site?):

Type of Trees in Quadrat:!

% of quadrat covered by herbaceous plants: !...................

Dominant herbaceous species:

% Ground Cover: !....................!

Depth of Humus Layer: !..........................

Animals observed(including insects and other non-vertebrates):

Weather conditions: !.......................................................................................................................................

Description of situation (what is near or around this site?):

Type of Trees in Quadrat:!

% of quadrat covered by herbaceous plants: !...................

Dominant herbaceous species:

% Ground Cover: !....................!

Animals observed(including insects and other non-vertebrates):

Depth of Humus Layer: !..........................

Microclimate Study Table 1"

Weather conditions: !.......................................................................................................................................

Description of situation (what is near or around this site?):

Type of Trees in Quadrat:!

% of quadrat covered by herbaceous plants: !...................

Dominant herbaceous species:

% Ground Cover: !....................!

Depth of Humus Layer: !..........................

Animals observed(including insects and other non-vertebrates):

Weather conditions: !.......................................................................................................................................

Description of situation (what is near or around this site?):

Type of Trees in Quadrat:!

% of quadrat covered by herbaceous plants: !...................

Dominant herbaceous species:

% Ground Cover: !....................!

Animals observed(including insects and other non-vertebrates):

Depth of Humus Layer: !..........................

Microclimate Study Table 1"

Weather conditions: !.......................................................................................................................................

Description of situation (what is near or around this site?):

Type of Trees in Quadrat:!

% of quadrat covered by herbaceous plants: !...................