Stuart Hayward introduces the 2008 BIOS Explorer series “On the Rock”. Drs. Andreas Andersson and Samantha de Putron discuss the concepts of ocean acidification, including the importance of carbonate ions and dissolution to coral growth. Meanwhile the BioNauts pump exhaust fumes into seawater to see what happens to its acidity (pH).
2008: On the Rock (Part 2)
With the help of coral researcher Kate Degnan, the BioNauts undertake an experiment to investigate the effects of ocean acidification on the growth rate of live coral. They also conduct a fish bite count while snorkelling on a local reef in order see just how much damage parrot fish do to the coral while feeding. Drs. Andersson and de Putron explain how corals reproduce, are ‘recruited’ onto a reef as juveniles and how this formative stage in the life cycle is crucial for the continued health of Bermuda’s reef ecosystem.
2008: On the Rock (Part 3)
BIOS Education Officer JP Skinner explains how Bermuda’s unique cave system has formed over millions of years and in doing so, chronicled changes in sea level as the caves have slowly flooded. Bermudian cave diver Bruce Williams talks to the BioNauts about the wonders (and dangers) of diving the Walsingham caves and the need to protect them for future generations. The BioNauts survey the local coastline for potential new caves systems and take water samples to monitor the levels of pollution.
2008: On the Rock (Part 4)
The BioNauts revisit the 2006 coastal restoration site at Cooper’s Island to check up on its progress, before heading off to a new site to begin the process all over again! Then Patrick Talbot from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo helps the BioNauts construct three Longtail nesting “igloos” to protect the breeding population during hurricane season.
2008: On the Rock (Part 5)
Deep sea explorer Nick Hutchings explains how Bermuda came to be the island we recognise today, from it’s humble beginnings as a bump at the bottom of the ocean to it’s close encounter with a meteor 33 million years ago! The BioNauts perform a depth sounding, just like the original Challenger expedition in the 1800’s and compare it to a modern technique currently being used to map the deep ocean around Bermuda. Finally, the BioNauts watch as BIOS’ remotely operated vehicle surveys the Bermuda sea mount at a depth of 363 metres.
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