Lesson One- The Great Barrier Reef- An Ecosystem at Risk.

Introduction

Welcome to a three-part online comparative study for the HSC Geography topic Ecosystems at Risk.

This is the first of four parts. In this part, you will be introduced to your first case study: The Great Barrier Reef. The second part will introduce another ecosystem, and the third part will form the comparative study between the two ecosystems at risk. Upon the completion of the online comparative study, you should have a strong understanding and application of geographical issues with relation to ecosystems at risk, as well as two case studies to support your knowledge.

Task

You have just been appointed to a new position as a senior research analyst for the Bureau of Environmental Research for Ecosystems at Risk. You will be required to complete a comparative study of the following two Ecosystems at Risk- The Great Barrier Reef and Stockton Bight Dunes. At the completion of your research, you will be required to write a 750 word report that analyses and evaluates the management strategies for both ecosystems. This report will need to be submitted to your supervisor. The report should specifically refer to the effectiveness and practicality of management strategies for each ecosystem, and any other recommendations you may have for improved or alternative strategies for the ecosystems. Your report will be used as part of a set of evidence and data which will be presented at the National Ecosystems at Risk 2017 Conference in Canberra.

Process

1. Open a Word document. You will complete most of the following activities in it.

Watch the following video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEWJAEkGeNk

Look at these pictures of the Great Barrier Reef: http://www.greatbarrierreef.org/images/greatbarrierreef_01.jpg

http://southasia.oneworld.net/ImageCatalog/great-barrierreef.jpg

2. Describe what coral is, and how it is made.

Watch the following video about the Great Barrier Reef:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbNeIn3vVKM

3. Use the following link, as an additional information site about the Great Barrier Reef.

http://www.mrstevennewman.com/geo/GBR/index.html

On the left side of the page is a table of contents. Select "1.1 Location and Latitude".
Using the information from the site and the video, on your word document describe the location of the Great Barrier Reef.
Open Google Earth. Locate the Great Barrier Reef, and save a screenshot of it

4. Skills: Lizard Island- The Great Barrier Reef (Precis Map)

Access this link and complete the ‘Precis Map’ activity:

http://lizardisland.virtualfieldsite.com/precis-map1.html

Satellite image of Great Barrier Reef:

Access the following link:

http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/jpeg/PIA03401.jpg

5. Answer the following questions:

What is the advantage of using satellite imagery in the study of geography?
How could you use this image to strength your final report?

Use the following link, and view the information and map presented.

http://www.coral-reef-info.com/where-are-coral-reefs-located.html

On your word document, complete the following two activities:

Analyse the global locations of coral reefs, and why coral reefs tend to be located there.
Evaluate how consistent the Great Barrier Reef is with the location trends for coral reefs in general.