e

• definition of indicator species

  the presence, absence or abundance of certain living organisms that show an environment is affected by a particular set of environmental conditions.
• Environmental monitoring indicators (Water)


  Water pollution is caused by the discharge of harmful substances such as untreated sewage into rivers, lakes and seas.

  Many aquatic invertebrate animals cannot survive in water that has been polluted and resulted in a lowering of the oxygen concentration, so their presence or absence indicates the extent to which a body of water is polluted. The indicator species showing higher levels of pollution, such as the water louse, may also be present in cleaner water. It is the absence of species that gives us information about how polluted the water is.
• how does SEPA measure our natural environments

  Air Quality

  • They trap the air and measure it for different gasses and after that they release it.

  Water Quality

  • They trap the water in bottles, label them and then take it back to the lab to get measured
• Air Pollution - lichens can be air pollution indicators, especially of the concentration of sulphur dioxide in the atmosphere (derived from combustion of fossil fuels).

  Lichens are organisms that grow in exposed places such as rocks or tree bark. They need to be very efficient at absorbing water and nutrients to grow there. Rainwater contains just enough nutrients to keep the alive. Air pollutants dissolved in rainwater, especially sulphur dioxide, can damage lichens and prevent them from growing. This makes lichens natural indicators of air pollution
• water pollution - This is caused by the discharge of harmful substances such as untreated usage into rivers, lakes and seas.

  Many aquatic invertebrate animals cannot survive water that has been polluted and resulted in a lowering of the oxygen concentration, so their presence or absence indicates the extent to which a body of water is polluted.

  The indicator species showing higher levels of pollution, such as the water louse, may also be present in cleaner water. It is the absence of species that gives us information about how polluted the water is.
• give an example of a water based indicator species for clean pollution

  stone fly nymph
• give an example of a water based indicator species for some pollution

  fresh water shrimp
• give an example of a water based indicator species for moderate pollution

  water louse
• give an example of a water based indicator species for very high pollution

  no living insects
• name a invasive non native plant species (INNS)

  Japanese knotweed
• how did the Japanese knotweed get brought into the UK

  it was thought to have been planted by local governments and businesses to shore up embankments and pathways as it was believed to protect the ground from mud slides and movement.
• where and when did the Japanese knotweed get brought into the UK

  • from the Far East to Europe in 1849
  • it was first recorded in South Wales in 1886
• what is being done to control it

  it is a legal requirement to eradicate Japanese Knotweed from construction which is expensive
• what impact did the Japanese Knotweed have on the environment?

  as it forms dense stands it stops native flowers and shrubs from growing. It alters the habitat, structure and wildlife as the roots are very tough and regrow very quickly - out competing other plants. It causes economic problems by growing through foundation of houses.
• name an invasive non-native animal species

  North American Signal Crayfish
• when did the North American Signal Crayfish get into the UK

  it was introduced in the 1960's
• why did the North American Signal Crayfish get brought into the UK

  it was brought as a food source to Europe, however it brought a disease that would wipe out it's competitors .
• where is the North American Signal Crayfish found in the UK

  The North America signal crayfish have been found at more than 20 locations in Scotland, including loch in Dumfries and Galloway and in a quarry pond in the Highlands.
• what impact is the North American Signal Crayfish having on the environment?

  the threat they prose to wildlife is so serious as it is an aggressive predator that kills native freshwater species and they burro into river banks causing erosion. and because of this it creates an economic impact.
• what is being done to try and control North American Signal Crayfish

  • The threat they pose to wildlife is considered so serious that it is illegal to put even accidentally-caught crayfish back into water. The advice is to kill them instead.
• renewable energy companies and tourists (Conservationists/bird watchers) - conflict


  upland areas are prime locations for renewable energies. wind turbines can be erected where there are stronger winds to turn the turbines. However, wind turbines are also linked to bird and bat deaths which is problematic for wildlife conservations.
• renewable energy companies and tourists (Conservationists/bird watchers) - solution

  slowing turbine blades at night is one solution put in place in a bid to reduce deaths of flying wildlife. Future wind farms may increasingly be placed at sea as bat's don't fly over oceans. Researchers are also placing radars on the turbines to stop bat's from coning near them.
• Renewable Energy Companies and Loch Users (Jet Skiers and fishermen) - conflict

  Upland areas are ideal for renewable energy due to their high rainfall and suitability for reservoirs. However, tourists often find these reservoirs unsightly, impacting local economies by reducing visitor numbers. Conflicts arise over the use of reservoirs for water supply and hydroelectric power versus tourist activities like fishing and water sports, leading to pollution and litter issues.
• Renewable Energy Companies and Loch Users (Jet Skiers and fishermen) - solution


  Renewable energy site development follows strict planning guidelines to minimize visual impact. Engineers use innovative methods like burying pipelines to further reduce visibility.

  Some reservoirs restrict tourist activities like boating to prevent water pollution. Fishing may require a license with specific restrictions. Signs remind visitors to take litter home and avoid illegal dumping.
• Forestry Commission and Tourists (Walkers/Bird Watchers) - conflict


  Forestry has an economic importance for countries. Trees can be used for many purposes such as building materials or to create paper. They also provide homes for wildlife and areas for tourists to take in the natural landscape or for hunting. Conservationists and hunters may be annoyed when forests are cut down as habitats are lost and food webs affected. Walkers may also be annoyed to find their pathways closed as deforestation occurs. 
• Forestry Commission and Tourists (Walkers/Bird Watchers) - solution

  Forests are usually cut down in sections, allowing time for animals to migrate. Replanting of saplings is often carried out to replace areas of forest that are cut. This means that in time habitats will be restored.

   

  Walkers can check online to see when deforestation is likely to occur so they can plan their trips accordingly. 
• what does SEPA do?

  SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) is responsible for protecting and improving Scotland's environment. They regulate activities that could impact the environment, monitor pollution levels, and work with businesses and communities to promote sustainable practices. SEPA also provides guidance, enforces environmental laws, and supports initiatives to tackle climate change and improve air and water quality across Scotland.
• what does nature scot do?


  • Nature Scot promotes, cares for and improves Scotlands nature and landscapes.
  • Nature Scot is the main public body responsible for advising Scottish ministers relating to the natural heritage.
• Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Scotland 

  Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) are those areas of land and water that we consider best represent our natural heritage in terms of their flora, fauna, geology, geomorphology and a mixture of these natural features.

  Scotland has 1,422 SSSIs, covering around 1,011,000 hectares, or 12.6% of Scotland’s land area. Sites range in size from the very small - at just under a hectare, to the vast Cairngorms SSSI, which extends to more than 29,000 hectares.
• Weathering

  The exposure and breaking down of rocks in situ at the Earth's surface over geological time due to interaction with the atmosphere
• Transportation

  The movement of rock fragments by water, wind, ice or gravity from the place where they were originally weathered
• Erosion

  The breaking down of rock fragments into smaller pieces and sediments due to collision with other rock fragments during transportation
• Deposition

  The settling out of rock fragments and sediments after transportation by water, wind, ice or gravity
• Igneous rock


  Rock that forms through the cooling of molten rock (magma) to a solid form in the upper crust or on the surface of the Earth
• Sedimentary rock


  Rock that is formed from weathered rock fragments and sediments that have been eroded, transported, deposited, compacted and cemented
• Metamorphic rock


  Rock that has been subjected to heat and/or pressure, permanently altering the minerals or internal structure
• Rock


  A solid mass made of one or more minerals
• Mineral


  An element or chemical compound formed as a result of rock cycle processes
• Ore


  A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be extracted profitably
• Porosity


  A measure of a rock's ability to hold fluid