Event Title
Using geophysics and hydrogeology in studying factors that control crayfish distribution
Faculty Mentor
Samuel Mutiti, Chris Skelton
Keywords
Samuel Mutiti, Chris Skelton
Abstract
The spatial distribution of crayfish burrows within a given colony often shows very sharp breaks indicating these animals are choosing specific habitat locations within a given wetland. Very little is known about what determines crayfish burrow location choices. The study organism for this presentation was C. truncatus, which is known from only about 15 localities. Geochemical parameters, nutrients, major cations, major anions and some heavy metals were analyzed for their spatial distribution within crayfish inhabited areas and non-crayfish zones of the Balls Ferry wetland. Soil cores were analyzed for grain size distribution, texture, porosity, and permeability. Soil types and profiles from all known locations of C. truncatus were also compared. Preliminary results show similarities in soils from all crayfish locations, but there was a significant difference in soil characteristics between areas inhabited by crayfish and those without crayfish. Geochemical results indicate a difference between burrows water and the surrounding groundwater.
Session Name:
Biological and Environmental Sciences I
Start Date
4-4-2014 9:00 AM
End Date
4-4-2014 10:00 AM
Location
HSB 144
Using geophysics and hydrogeology in studying factors that control crayfish distribution
HSB 144
The spatial distribution of crayfish burrows within a given colony often shows very sharp breaks indicating these animals are choosing specific habitat locations within a given wetland. Very little is known about what determines crayfish burrow location choices. The study organism for this presentation was C. truncatus, which is known from only about 15 localities. Geochemical parameters, nutrients, major cations, major anions and some heavy metals were analyzed for their spatial distribution within crayfish inhabited areas and non-crayfish zones of the Balls Ferry wetland. Soil cores were analyzed for grain size distribution, texture, porosity, and permeability. Soil types and profiles from all known locations of C. truncatus were also compared. Preliminary results show similarities in soils from all crayfish locations, but there was a significant difference in soil characteristics between areas inhabited by crayfish and those without crayfish. Geochemical results indicate a difference between burrows water and the surrounding groundwater.