2.2. 0: Measuring abiotic components of the system
To a large extent it is the physical (abiotic) conditions within any environment that controls the plant and thus the animal (biotic) community that develops. In terrestrial ecosystems physical conditions in the atmosphere, at the surface and within the soils all interact to create the conditions that give rise to vegetation that develops.
The same is true of aquatic ecosystems where the physical conditions again give rise to conditions that directly influence the biotic communities which establish.
To make these links between the physical environment and
the biotic communities, ecologist and environmental scientist need to be able to measure the abiotic conditions. Often this can be done with rather simple equipment, though some of the abiotic conditions need more complex equipment to measure in the field or sample need to be taken back to the lab for more accurate analysis.
Equipment to measure abiotic conditions
Temperature | Wind Speed | Humidity |
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![]() Some digital version even give a choice of speed readings in Knots, mph or Km/h |
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Precipitation | pH | Light intensity |
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Light intensity is measured using photoelectric meter similar to a photographic light meter (exposure meter) found in a camera. Light values can be measured as wavelength, energy of as relative values such as Lux and luminance. Measuring light intensity is very useful tool when undertaking vegetation ecology especially within forest ecosystems. |
Salinity | Turbidity | |
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