Exam

what are the 3 categories activities done in outdoor environments are?

conservation
commercial
recreational

Conservation Activities

Conservation is the preservation, protection, management or restoration of the natural environment, inclusive of ecosystems, wildlife and natural resources, such as soil and water.

Conservation activities examples

Revegetation
Establishment of parks and reserves
Scientific investigation
Controlled burning
Community education
Management strategies

Positive impacts of Conservation

Preservation of sensitive vegetation due to zoning
Protection of areas of significant value due to the creation of reserves such as state and national parks
Reduction in areas of erosion, soil compaction and soil loss due to the creation of walkways
Smaller and more centralised impacts from human faeces due to composting toilets at campsites
Rehabilitation and revegetation due to seasonal track closures
Disease control due to implementation of boot cleaning stations and quarantine areas
Reduction of negative impacts overall due to group size restrictions and permit requirements
Reintroduction of species into areas they originally inhabited.

Negative impacts of Conservation

Vegetation modification due to controlled burning
Land clearing due to conservation infrastructure (eg walkways, composting toilets)
Environmental intrusion and fragmentation due to the creation of permanent structures in natural areas (fences, viewing platforms)
Incidental disruption of habitats

Commercial Activities

Are those that result in a profit or financial gain for an individual or group as a result of utilising the natural environment.

Commercial Activities Examples

Commercial activities include;
Tourism
Activities guided by a company or individual
Forestry & timber harvesting
Fishing
Farming
Mining & production of energy
Urbanisation & irrigation

Positive impacts of Commercial activities

Providing a platform to learn about ecosystems, biodiversity, flora, fauna and cultural and historical heritage
Large Scale Activities
Renewable energy such as solar and wind energy
Creation of jobs
Renewable resource of timber due to sustainable timber harvesting (trees replanted)

Negative impacts of Commercial activities

- Tourism
Overuse and redevelopment of a particular area
Increased waste
Facilities being created to cater to large groups and changing the landscape (such as car parks, stages, information centres etc.)
- Large Scale Commercial Activities
Forestry & Timber Harvesting
Land clearing due to clear felling (tree felling)
Habitat fragmentation due to removal of trees, roads etc.
Species endangerment and reduction in biodiversity
Salinity issues due to rising water table
Topsoil disturbance and erosion
Introduction of weed species and diseases

Recreational Activities

Recreation is an activity for enjoyment, amusement or pleasure, and is considered to be fun by the participants.

Recreational Activities Examples

Abseiling and Climbing.
Bushwalking.
Camping.
Caving.
Cycling, Cycle Touring and Mountain Biking.
Horse Riding.
Orienteering, Rogaining and Navigation.
Paddling.

Positive impacts of Recreational activities

A positive impact of recreational activities can include the benefits gained from experiential education.
Recreational users venture to outdoor environments and gain a better understanding for the environment they use and what effect they can have on it.
This can then lead to users gaining a greater respect for them leading to development of better practice and area conservation.

Negative impacts of Recreational activities

Introduction of weed species
Fire associated effects (scars, destruction of habitats)
Soil compaction
Erosion
Pollution from poor toileting and rubbish disposal methods
Wildlife dependency on humans
Domestic animals and increased noise disturbing wildlife
Landscape degradation due to facilities being built for campers.

Community Based Environmental Action

A community is a group of people who live, work and/or have businesses in a local area, share a common interest in their local environment, and work together to develop plans and goals in order to protect the environment.

Community-based environmental groups focus on

Ecological health of the environment
Social, economic and environmental conditions

Examples of Groups

Adopt a roadside program
Landcare
Land for Wildlife
Planet Ark
Clean Up Australia Day

Environmental Action

Environmental action to promote positive human impacts is any action people take to help the environment. Communities of people often band together to partake in community projects that might aim to Provide awareness and Encourage involvement in positive impacts. Can focus on prevention and direct action

Examples of Environmental Action

Tree planting
Litter removal
Counting native species
Refusing to use plastic shopping bags
Walking on designated tracks and boardwalks
Zoning within parks and reserves
Catch and size limits for recreational fishers
Conservation covenants
Minimal impact guidelines and codes of conduct
Revegetation, rehabilitation and restoration programs
Disposing of waste properly (recycling & green bins)
Integrated farming

Examples of Technology

Machinery - farming, agriculture, mining, forestry etc.
Transportations - cars, buses, planes, boats, snowmobile
Infrastructure - buildings, bridges, huts, trails
Communication - radios, mobile & smartphones, EPIRBs or PBLS (personal location beacon)
Navigational Devices - GPS & PND( personal navigation devices)
Specialised Equipment - canoes, mountain bikes, tents, PFD
Materials & Clothing - Gore-Tex, Dri-FIT, SmartWool etc.

Direct Impacts of Technology

Direct impacts from technology are those caused by the action itself.
They occur at the same time and place and are usually observable.

Direct Impacts of Technology Examples

The use of recreational vehicles - impact on the road/track, trample of flora, disturbing of fauna.
Snow making machinery - snow onto land, drop of temperature.

Indirect impacts of technology

Indirect impacts of technology

Urbanisation

Refers to the development and physical growth of towns and cities, including residential areas to support population growth

Urbanisation Examples

Construction of housing estates, roads, railways and other transport corridors
Provision of amenities such as running water, sewage treatment and disposal systems for household and industrial waste.
Increase in hard surfaces such as sealed roads, concrete footpaths and roofing.

Impacts on Waterways

Decline in riverine species
Disruption of ecosystems
Rising salt levels
Loss of streamside vegetation
Erosion of creeks and watercourses
Increased stormwater runoff

Impacts on Land

Habitat loss through timber harvesting, mining excavation and clearing of vegetation
Loss of old hollow trees
Introduction of weeds
Loss of topsoil
Decreased water absorption into the soil
Decrease in biodiversity levels

Changing Human Lifestyles

Advancements in Technology
- TV, radio, air travel, telephones, internet, social media, 4WDs
Occupational conditions (work conditions)
- Flexible working hours, job-sharing, increased leisure time
Media & lifestyle programs
- Increase awareness of and interest in outdoor environments
Composition of families & their residences
- Families occupying smaller lands and backyards, energy saving techniques

Friends of the leadbeater possum

Snowmaking machines

Artificial snow is made from water + compressed/pressurised air. The machinery is large, expensive and uses a large amount of energy and water.  Artificial snow is heavier, denser and takes longer to melt.   Water and energy are also used in the transportation of water for snowmaking machinery. 

Direct Impacts	Indirect Impacts
Large amounts of water are required to make artificial snow which negatively impacts water sources and the flora and fauna depending on it	A prolonged snow season allows people to stay longer in the snow which puts pressure on the power grid
Land clearing is required for trucks to access alpine areas	Large amounts of energy are required to produce artificial snow and fossil fuels are burnt which results in pollution of air, water systems and ecosystems

Fuel stoves

Description of Technology: Fuel camping stoves are lightweight stoves that burn liquid fuel such as butane, kerosene or petrol. Liquid fuel is mixed with air and channelled through the jet towards the burner
Direct Impacts	Indirect Impacts
Contributes to atmospheric pollution	Requires fuel that needs to be sourced and refined (Non-renewable resources)

biodiversity

number and variety of organisms found within a specified area

Factors affecting outdoor environments

• geology

• climate

• position and aspect

geology

• can be seen in an area by

  • the type of rock

  • soil characteristics

  • drainage

• soil changes occur through the parent rock, elements, plants and groundwater

• topography is important

Climate

• annual rainfall

• extremes in temperature

• average daylight hours

• wind patterns

• evaporation

• group temp

• frost frequency and snow cover

• In Australia, rainfall is seasonal and erratic producing extended periods of drought

Position and aspect

• aspect refers to the horizontal direction a mountain slope faces

• aspect includes temp

• aspect affects the angle of sun rays when they come in contact with the ground and therefore affects the concentration of the sun

• aspect can make very significant influences on local climate

• west facing slopes will be warmer than a sheltered east-facing slope

• In Australia, rainforests are almost always found on east-facing slopes

• southerly and easterly aspects receive

  • lower radiation levels

  • reduced water loss

  • fire protected

alpine environments

• any high mountain area

• above a certain altitude that regularly experiences snow and is treeless due to prolonged low temps

• distribution and example

  • victorian alps

    • approx 500,000 hectares of north-east and east of the state

    • extends along great dividing range

• Elevation and climate

  • mostly above 1300m

  • rainfall usually exceeds 1400mm per year

  • harsh climate

  • covering of snow for more than 1/3 of the year

• Biodiversity

  • have eroded over 500mill years to form rounded mountains and plateaus

  • typically vegetated by a range of health, herbs and grass species

  • snow gum is the predominant tree species

  • highest areas consist of heathlands, grasslands and alpine bog

  • Fauna include

    • baw baw frog

    • mountain pygmy possum

Marine environment

• wide variety of ecosystems including

  • sub-tidal and intertidal rocky reefs

  • seagrass beds

  • sponge gardens

  • open water

  • sandy plains

• Vic’s are among the most biologically diverse

• low levels of nutrients in water in vic

• Distribution

  • extend 3 nautical miles offshore

  • cover approx. 1000 square km

• Elevation and climate

  • most are shallow

  • extend to depths of 90m+

  • rainfall variable from 700-1200 mm per year

• Biodiversity

  • over 12000 marine animals and plants

  • important representations of species endemic to the southern ocean

  • wide variety of fishes, sponges and fauna

• EG Port Phillip Bay

Coastal environments

• areas linking the land and sea

• beaches, dune systems, woodlands, dry forests, rocky coastal cliffs

• constantly changing

• impacted by wind, rain, waves and salt

• Distribution

  • 200km of coastline

  • sheltered bays, inlets, rugged eroded cliffs

• Elevation and climate

  • flat landscape

  • low altitudes from 0-200 metres

  • rainfall between 700-1200mm per year

• Biodiversity

  • primary dunes are colonised by grass

  • coastal shrubs developed in less exposed areas

• EG: Great Ocean road

Wetland environments

• area that is wet on a semi-regular basis

• includes the area of marsh or water

• functions include

  • water purification

  • flood prevention

  • bushfire prevention

  • carbon storage

• Distribution

  • more than 17000 wetlands over 1 hectare in size in Vic

  • Covered by fresh or salt water

  • support diverse vegetation, birdlife and wildlife

• Elevation and climate

  • flat landscapes

  • below 200 metre altitudes

  • variable climate

  • rainfall between 300-1200 mm yearly

• biodiversity

  • many species inhabited wetland environments that cannot exist elsewhere

  • rely on ecosystems for breeding grounds

  • riparian vegetation beside rivers and wetlands

Grassland environments

• ecological communities where grass species dominate the area and there is less than 10% natural tree or shrub cover

• Distribution

  • found in patches in the northern and western parts of the state and gippsland

• Elevation and climate

  • flat to gently undulating landscapes

  • altitudes below 700m

  • rainfall between 400-1000mm per year

• Biodiversity

  • among most species rich plant communities

Dry Forest environments

• Landscapes dominated by a range of eucalypti trees

• trees separated allowing light to reach the ground enabling a variety of flora

• Distribution

  • stringy bark forests dominate western part

  • grassy woodlands scattered western district

  • box ironback cover west of stawell- east of wang

• Elevation and climate

  • 200-1000m above sea level

  • rainfall between 550-1000 mm per year

• Biodiversity

  • diverse and support a variety of plants and animals

Wet forests and rainforest environments

• thick, dense vegetation in areas of high rainfall

• tall trees grow close together forming a canopy that minimises light and vegetation at ground level

• Distribution

  • found in southern, central and north east regions

• Elevation and climate

  • found in sheltered gullies

  • altitudes ranging from 200-1200 metres

  • rainfall between 800 and 1500 mm per year

• Biodiversity

  • more species live in wet forests and rainforests

  • high in biodiversity

  • warm, humid climate

  • dense canopy

Arid environment (Mallee)

• severe lack of available water which hinders the growth and development of plant and animal life

• Distribution

  • interior of the continent

  • infertile soils, highly erratic rainfall, extremes of long dry periods and occasional flooding

  • high summer temps, low unreliable rainfall and relatively infertile soils

• Elevation and climate

  • annual rainfall of above 250-400 mm

  • altitude between 50 and 200m

• Biodiversity

  • dominated by low mallee scrub

  • small mallee eucalypts

  • deeper soils are home to heathland

  • diverse flora and fauna

  • wide range of native grasses and shrubs

Heathland environments

• One of oldest recognised ecosystems

• low and shrubby

• trees twisted and gnarled by dry winds

• nutrient poor sandy soils

• distribution

  • particularly prevalent near the coat and south west

• Elevation and climate

  • rainfall varies from 600-1100 mm yearly

  • altitudes between 50 and 300m

• Biodiversity

  • nutrient levels in soil and low and acidic

  • close interrelationship with fire

  • dominated by hard leaved plants

Recreational users understanding

• depends on what knowledge is required

• Depends on what experience they’ve had with an activity

• once involved in recreational activity, they develop a closer relationship

• must understand, plan and prepare for varying environments and conditions

• more likely to have safe and sustainable interactions if they have a deeper knowledge

Bushwalkers

• Knowledge of plant life and animals in the area

• how to read the weather

• knowledge of seasons

• temp variations in different environments/shelters

• understanding of plant life variations due to altitude and aspect

• grip of different terrains

• how to navigate in different areas

Cross country skiers

• understand alpine flora and fauna and how they interact

• Effects of ice on grip

• warmest periods of the day

• need to wear sunscreen

• when blizzards are likely to occur

• what times of the day the snow is likely to melt

Kayakers

• rain occurrence and effect on river levels

• effect of water temp on body

• understanding of aquatic flora and fauna

• speed of water flow on different sections of the river

• locating eddys and understanding the effect of them

• how the kayak is likely to behave in certain rapids or conditions

Rock Climbers

• understanding of ideal geological formations for climbing

• places vegetation can grow

• dew levels at different times of day

• strength and feel of sandstone vs granite

• weather reading

• how gravity will affect their body and rocks

Mountain bike riders

• Understand that rock surfaces are more stable than stable than sandy areas and are better for maintaining a fast and stable line on courses

• understand foliage of smaller bushes is more flexible

• Understand dew can affect amount of grip on wheels

Snorkellers

• Effect of tide

• Flora and fauna found in marine environments

• effect of temp

• clarity of water

Interrelationships of outdoor environments

• all ecosystems consist of a number of components that must interact in order to function well

• any change in one component will result in changes to other elements of the system

• Plants compete with one another for water, light and soil nutrients

• non-living components also affect the species within

Biotic

• living organisms

• Wallaby

• Funnel Web Spider

• Grass Tree

Abiotic

• non living organisms

• water

• sunshine

• oxygen

• granite

The Biosphere

• consists of 3 major regions of the earth

• Shell approx. 20km thick which surrounds the earth

Lithosphere

• the soil snd rocky crust of the earth

Hydrosphere

• All water on earth including vapour, rivers, oceans, ice caps etc

Atmosphere

A gaseous envelope of air surrounding the earth

Earths cycles

• different environments have varied cyclic processes

• enables nutrients to be reused

• each cycle relies upon biotic and abiotic components to function effectively

Water cycle

• All life depends on water for survival

• Suns energy powers the water through evaporation and precipitation

• continuous circulation of water within the earths hydrosphere and is driven by solar radiation

• as water moves through the cycle, it changes syaye

• moves from compartment to compartment by the physical processes of evaporation, precipitation, infiltration, run off and surface flow.

Surface runoff

Water flow that occurs when the soil is infiltrated to full capacity and excess water from rain, meltwater or other sources flows over the land

Transpiration

Release of water vapour from plants, soil and animals that goes into the air

Evaporation

Water is converted from its liquid form to its vapour form and thus transferred from land and water masses to the atmosphere

Condensation

Process of cloud formation. Water vapour condenses causing clouds to form

The Carbon-Oxygen Cycle

• during photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide into their leaves

• the carbon is then integrated into material such as glucose

• carbon then passes along the food chain

• process of respiration and decomposition eventually releases carbon back into the atmosphere

• carbon also found in fossil fuels and is released into the environment as CO2 when burnt

Food Chains

Series of links that show the consumption and transfer of nutrients, energy through feeding

Food webs

Series of food chains

Trophic levels

• Producers

• primary consumers

• secondary consumers

• tertiary consumers

• decomposers

Producers

• Autotrophs

• make their own food and use the sun’s energy through photosynthesis

Primary consumers

• Organisms that eat other living things

• Herbivores

• EG Kangaroos, mouses

Secondary consumers

• animals that eat the herbivores

• eg antenchius

Tertiary consumers

• animals on top of the food web and eat everything

• have no predators

• EG Dingo, snake

Decomposers

• Convert dead matter into gases such as carbon and nitrogen to be released back into the air, soil or water

• EG Fungi, bacteria

Changes to individual organisms

• individual plants and animals constantly grow, develop, reproduce, due and decompose

Changes to community

• community consists of a number of populations of different species living together

• one type of community can succeed another

• plants often have changes in their communities

Large scale changes

• Climate change and movement in the earths crust can cause large scale changes

• some abiotic factors can result in sudden change

• some large scale changes happen slowly over time

Short term effects

• Changes from day to night

• Solar influences = seasons

• Lunar influences = tides

• Fire

• Flood

• Drought

Long term effects

• migration

• primary and secondary succession

• climate change

Day to night

can affect

• temp

• changes in wind speed and direction

• Diurnal animals

• vegetation

Seasons

• Subjective

• western concepts are simple whilst indigenous are reliant on weather patterns and animal migrations

Seasons at lake mountain

Summer

• higher temps may cause drought or bushfires

• no snow cover meaning most animals are active

Winter

• Lower temps that cause snow cover for around 1/4 of the year

• marsupials and reptiles go into hibernation

• Vegetation goes into a dormant state

Spring

• Snow cover melts

• wildflowers bloom

• animals come out of hibernation

Tides

• Coastal areas in Aus generally experience two high tides and two low tides a day

• caused by gravitational attraction of the moon and sun

• different animals live in different areas of tidal zones

• humans have caused changes to intertidal zones

• can be used for renewable energies

Flood

• part of the natural water cycle

• retarding basins, storage areas and levee banks can impact on flooding frequency and volume

Fire

• short term impacts: loss of vegetation, reduced flora and fauna population

• some plants require fire to stimulate bud growth

• allows low lying plants to germinate from sun light

Drought

• prolonged, abnormally dry period when the amount of available water is insufficient to meet normal use

• effects

  • loss of livestock

  • toxic algae outbreaks

  • increased bushfire threats

  • erosion

  • loss of top soil

Migration

• one species moves from one location to another

• Can be due to

  • changes in habitat

  • food

  • breeding

  • weather

Succession

• Long term changes that occur in outdoor environments

• series of steps in which life comes back

Primary succession

• When a community is established where it has never been before

• no soil present

Secondary succession

• when a community that develops will be similar to the original community

• fire, drought and other natural occurrences can be a catalyst

• soil still present

Climate change

• temp changes

• sea levels rise

• warming of ocean temps

• more severe weather events

• less snow fall

Edge effect

The consequences on vegetation and wildlife occur as a result of one type of vegetation sharing a border with another.

Eg:

• Between a forest and open woodland

• Deforestation

• Urbanisation splitting forests or natural areas

• Open paddocks

Impact of edge effect on mount Hotham

When the road was constructed at Mount Hotham, the impact on the environment included habitat fragmentation, soil erosion, and disturbance to local flora and fauna. To overcome these barriers, mitigation measures were implemented, such as building wildlife crossings, stabilizing slopes, and replanting native vegetation. Additionally, strict construction guidelines were followed to minimize the road's ecological footprint and preserve the natural beauty of the area.

Microclimatic

Changes in solar radiation, temp and humidity, soil conditions and wind strength.

Different Inhabitants

Species that require a larger core area can be lost from areas when they develop more edge.

An increase in pest species

Feral species such as cats, dogs and foxes will use roads and tracks to move between areas and prey on native animals and birds.

Weed invasion

Weeds take advantage of disturbance to establish; wind, water, animal, vehicle and livestock movement all spread weeds

Impacts from adjacent land use

Chemical and fertiliser drift from adjacent farmland, trampling and grazing by stock, escaping the fire, littering and disturbance from recreation users are all threats to edges

Noise & movement

Roads and tracks result in an increase in activity and traffic; some species rely on undisturbed habitats in order to breed.

Ways areas are distinguished

• landform and catchment area

• vegetation areas

• public and private land

• types of parks and reserves

• use of managment zones

Landform

• vic has diversity of landforms influenced by

  • tectonic activity

  • marine, river and climate actions

• Land forming processes create delineations between areas

• delineations indicate the exact position of border or boundary

• Eg: Victorian Alps, Murray River