In+Naren+We+Trust

Welcome to, In Naren We Trust


 * Figure 1.1:** This picture shows our entire plot and demonstrates one of our major landmarks, the stump.


 * Figure 1.2:** This picture shows another landmark, our pine trees, as well as demonstrating what is seen to the north of our area.

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 * Figure 1.3:** This picture shows what is to the South of our plot while also showing another of our landmarks, the concrete slab.
 * Figure 1.4:** This picture shows what is to the East of our plot, while also showing another landmark, this dominant pine tree.


 * Figure 1.5**: This picture shows what is to the west of our area. It features a repeat of our concrete slab.

This table above demonstrates the averages for the entire 11 data plots in our sample. This means that in the 22 data plots we took, the average temperature across them was 12.36 degrees celsius.
 * Total Data Averages**
 * Temperature || 12.36 (C) ||
 * Light Intensity || 167.345 (Lux) ||
 * Dew Point || 9.518 (C) ||
 * Relative Humidity || 82.09 (%) ||
 * Absolute Humidity || 9.6045(g/m3) ||


 * Averages per Section**

This excel spreadsheet above demonstrates the averages from our two attempts for every zone and every set of data.

Question 1 - (Refer to pictures above as well)
The plot we chose is found next to the teachers parking lot at Great Valley High School. The plot is on the southern slope of a hill and is located just outside the science wings of the High School. The plot is approximately 100 yards away from the school, and is very close to the bus driveway. We chose this plot because of its proximity to the school which enables us to do more work as well as the fact that it has several areas that are optimal for testing. Our Plot was homogenous in the sense that it had similar organisms, but was different in the fact that it was on a gradient, which affects water and soil quality. Later on we will note on the distinctions between plots and what it means.

Question 2 - (Refer to charts above as well)
There were several abiotic factors that appeared in our plot. The first and most notable, was the stump located in D1. This dying stump was the landmark of our section and was the reason we chose the area. We have two tables above that have first, the averages of every piece of data based on the categories of Temperature, Light Intensity, Dew Point, Relative Humidity, and Absolute Humidity, while the second table has the averages of each individual section on two tries. These abiotic factors are indicative of several things that we wll discuss more later on.

Question 3 - (Refer to pictures below as well)
Our area had common vegetation in some areas, but lacked variety in most. Some of the most common forms of vegetation include Stinging Nettle, Pine Trees, and Thistle. Occasionally we found Honesuckle, but this was rare. In general however, since we chose a zone near the parking lot, the variety of plant life is not great, and the plants themselves do not appear as frequently as in other zones. However this plant life does have a significant affect on each of our zones, which we will touch on later in greater detail. We had limited forms of ant life in our areas. We found some ants in the Stump located in D1, as well as bees that swarmed our areas on the first day we collected data.

﻿[[image:stinging-nettle.jpg width="377" height="199"]]
﻿ Stinging Nettle: This is an example of stinging nettle, which was a plant commonly found around A1 area. ([]) Pine: These are the pine trees that were found on the pine trees located in the top areas of our plot. ([])

Identifying and Describing Microclimates
 This is our plot layout when facing the parking lot. (Note, the captions for each section were the captions we first used when marking down appropriate areas to study. We did not actually just think of E2 as "different shrubbery "
 * || A || B || C || D || E ||
 * 5 || Tree || Hole under tree ||  || Under tree || Bee ||
 * 4 || Low lying grass || Hole ||  ||   || Hole (E 3.5) ||
 * 3 ||  ||   || Dead Shrubbery ||   ||   ||
 * 2 ||  ||   ||   ||   || Different shrubbery ||
 * 1 || Misty shrubbery || Empty ground ||  || Stump ||   ||
 * Figure 2.1:** This picture above demonstrates where our plot is from Google Maps. It is in the exact middle of this picture. Including the second set of pine trees from the left and the pictures below it. (earth.google.com)

Note*: Human influence was not a factor in our plot since no human alters the area.

Question 1
**A1**: The first section we chose in our plot is located in the bottom left corner when we are facing the driveway. This area has a temperature that is 15.15 Celsius, which is above the norm. One reason for this could be because the plant life could be trapping heat in for its own growth. Speaking of this plant life, this area contained both Stinging Nettle and Thistle. However unlike the plant life, there was no significant animal life. The Light Intensity of this area was 96.13 which is well below the norm. This could be because during the times we measured the statistics, the sun was not up much, and when it was, it was blocked by the pine trees at the top of our section. The Dew Point was 9.1, which was again below the norm, and this, along with the below normal Relative Humidity (68.5%) and Absolute Humidity (9) could be attributed to the trees. Along with this, the Humidity would be greater because we took our samples in the morning, when it is usually wetter. This location is also at the bottom of a hill which means greater water runoff and higher soil degradation.
 * Figure 2.2**: This picture shows the A1 section of our plot, and specifically the Stinging Nettle.


 * B1: ** This section is immediately to the right of A1 when facing the parking lot. Similar to A1, it has a temperature that is above the norm (14.2). This here can be attributed to the fact that this area is open space in most direction and sun is more easily able to hit it. This is again evidenced by the higher light intensity (156.96), which though it is below the norm, is still higher than its neighbor A1. The Dew Point at (9.518), the Relative Humidity at (75%) and the Absolute Humidity at (9) are all below the norm. These can be attributed to the early morning time we went out and the fact that this area is at the bottom of a gradient. Along with the lower Humidity, the lower gradient also causes more eroded soil quality. This eroded soil quality is a factor in Grass being the only plant organism in this area, as well as no noticeable animal life.
 * Figure 2.3**: This picture demonstrates the B1 area, and here we see the grass on the floor and the higher light intensity.

**D1**: This section of our plot is on the same gradient as A1 and B1 (bottom of the hill), but is further right. It is characterized in similar ways in that the Temperature, (12.36), the Light Intensity, (124.965), the Dew Point (8.7), the Relative Humidity (78), and the Absolute Humidity (9.1) are all below the norm. These can be explained for similar reasons as A1 and B1. Since this is at the bottom of the hill, the Dew Point, Relative Humidity, and Absolute Humidity should all be below the norm. The Light Intensity is affected by the stump that is in the center of this area, and the Stump also has a negative effect on temperature. This area is home to honeysuckle despite the soil quality, but does not have any notable wildlife.
 * Figure 2.4**: This picture shows the D1 section of our plot, as well as our notable stump.


 * E2:** This area is as far right in our plot as it can go and is one level higher than the previous three areas. The effects of this are noticeable in the data as well as the plant life that is in the section. The Temperature of this section is already notably higher than in previous ones (14). This can be attributed to the higher gradient as well as the fact that when we did the testing, the sun shone first on the E sections. The Light Intensity is evidence for this as a startling outlier at 435.79 Lux. The Dew Point at 9, is still low, but since it is still low on the gradient this is expected. The Relative Humidity is just above the norm at 84.5 while the Absolute Humidity is just below at 9.35. Both of these are expected. Despite being on the second level of a gradient, Stinging Nettle grows in these areas. It probably also contributes to the increased temperature and most likely benefits from the water that runs down the hill, but it is not drowned by the water. There is no notable animal life.
 * Figure 2.5**: This picture shows fresh plant growth in the E2 section.

**C3**: This section of our plot is in the exact middle. This means that it is in the middle of the gradient as well being in the middle of the possible sunlight. These theories are proven in many ways through the data, but is not shown through the plant life, or the lack of plant life in this case. The only plant in this section is Grass, as the rest of the area was filled with dead plants. There were also no animal life in the area. The temperature is very close to the mean at 12.55. The Light Intensity is slightly higher at 235.14, but this can be expected since it is on a higher level in the gradient and is not as far away from the light as other zones. The Dew point is very close to the mean at 9.2, which again makes sense for a zone located in the middle. The Relative Humidity is also close at 84, and the Absolute Humidity is close at 9.4.
 * Figure 2.6**: This picture shows the dead shrubery of the C3 section of our plot.


 * E3.5**: This area is called as the Bee Hole because it is just that, a hole that is most likely inhabited by bees. That being said, since it is slightly underground, but still a higher gradient than anything so far, it produces some interesting results. First and most noticeably when looking at it, there is no plant life, which is a strong indication of strong erosions. The temperature is 11.45 which is below the norm. This makes sense because the hole is slightly underground which means that less sun hits it. This is reiterated by the Lower Light Intensity at 140.99. The Dew Point is above the norm, which makes sense for this are given its location. The Relative Humidity is just over the norm at 83%, and the Absolute Humidity is above the norm as well at 9.9 Both values make sense given again, the location of this plot as a hole.
 * Figure 2.7**: This picture shows the first hole in our section that occurred at the E3.5 section.

**A4**: This section of our plot is located on the leftmost side of our section and is in the row that is second highest from the top. The region has just below average temperature at 11.1 Celsius. One possible reason for this could be because this region is furthest away from where the sun rises. However this is unlikely given the areas high Light Intensity at 381.315. This high light Intensity is explained by how open this section is. Speaking of the open area, this area is open grass that is filled with Thistle. There are no significant forms of life. The Dew Point of this area is much higher than previous ones, and this can be explained by the higher elevation of this area. The soil quality here is also better than lower zones because there is less water runoff and erosion. The Relative Humidity and Absolute Humidity are also higher than normal at 84, and 9.9 respectively. These are also to be expected given the gradient of our plot.
 * Figure 2.8**: This picture shows our A4 section, one can see the low lying shrubbery here.


 * B4**: This region of our plot is directly right of A4, and is primarily characterized by the hole that is featured in this area. Given that it is a hole with no distinguishable animal life or plant life, it is expected that the values of Temperature and Light Intensity will be lower. This is the case as the temperature is 10.9, below the average, while the Light Intensity is 118.545, also below the average. The Dew Point at 9.518, the Relative Humidity at 85%, and the Absolute Humidity at 9.9 are all above average. Their values make sense given that this section is again in the second to highest level.
 * Figure 2.9**: This B4 section is the second of our three holes.


 * A5**: This section of our plot is known for the Pine Tree in the area. There is no noticeable animal life in the pine tree, but the pine tree itself has a huge impact in this section. The temperature of this area is 10.75 Celsius which is below the norm. This makes sense given the fact that the tree could be drawing in cold wind and therefore making this area colder. The Light Intensity is also exceptionally low at 6.42. This also makes sense given that there is much less light under the tree. The Dew Point of this area is above average at 9.9. Given that this section is in the row that is highest in our section this makes sense. Continuing with this theme, the Relative Humidity at 86% and the Absolute Humidity at 9.85 are also above the norm, which again makes sense given the elevation. The soil quality of this area is probably eroded since top soil would be drained downwards during pouring rains.

**﻿Figure 2.10**: This A5 Section shows the pine tree that we studied.


 * B5**: In this region of the plot, the primary area of focus is a hole under a pine tree. There are no distinguishable plants in the area since the place of study is the hole. There are also no significant forms of animal life. The Temperature and Light Intensity of this area both be lower because of the hole, while the Dew Point, Relative Humidity, and Absolute Humidity should all be higher given the elevation. Every one of these factors plays out as it should. The temperature is below normal at 10.8 while the Light Intensity is also below average at 137.785. The Dew Point is 10.25 which is above the average while the Relative Humidity is also above at 87%. The Absolute Humidity also finishes above the average at 10.3.
 * Figure 2.11**: This B5 Section shows the third of the holes in our area.

**D5**: This section of our plot is two columns over from B5, so it shares similarities in height. It is characterized as a section under the pine tree. So therefore there was no distinguishable plant life in the area since. (The tree was no featured.) and there was also no animal life. The temperature was below normal which is to be expected since there is less sun with the tree. (11.6) The Light Intensity was well below normal at 6.41. This low Light Intensity is a contributer to the lack of animal and plant life as well as the low temperature. The Dew Point is expectedly above the average given the height. (10.2) The same applies for the Relative Humidity at 88% and the Absolute Humidity at 9.95.
 * Figure 2.12**: This D5 area of study occurs under the pine tree.

Question 2
**A1**: This area is characterized by both the Stinging Nettle and Thistle along with no significant visible animal life. Stinging nettle is a** perennial weed that is perhaps most notably known for the skin irritation that this weed causes when contacted. The hairs and spines on the leaves and stems of this weed release formic acid when touched, which gives a burning or stinging sensation to humans. Stinging nettle is primarily a weed of landscapes, orchards, pastures, and roadsides. This weed reproduces by seed and rhizomes, which are underground stems that are capable or generating new plants. Stinging nettle is found throughout most of the United States. (Virginia Tech, 2008). Therefore, one reason for the abundance of the stinging nettle population is that it has no natural predators, and it is capable of spreading quickly through an area. Thistle also has adaptations and other factors that are a cause of its growth in this area. ** Prickles often occur all over the plant - on surfaces such as those of the stem and flat parts of leaves. These are an adaptation that protects the plant against herbivorous animals, discouraging them from feeding on the plant. Typically, an involucre with a clasping shape of a cup or urn subtends each of a thistle's flowerheads. (Thistle, 2010) With no predators and these adaptations, both Thistle and Stinging Nettle flourish in this area.


 * B1**: In this area there was no visible animal life, and the only plant life was the grass that was once planted here by the school workers. One reason for this lack of organisms and plants is twofold. First, the section does not have soil quality of the highest value, and since it is at the bottom of the hill, all the rain water does constant damage to its quality. The second is because it’s next to A1. Why you may be asking? The reason is because it is next to Stinging Nettle and Thistle. Both of these weeds constantly invade areas that it can. My prediction, a decade from now, this area will have those two plant species inhabiting it. Another key point is that this section along with many others, are affected by runoff from the school parking lot. The salt and other chemicals from this lot negatively affect this section and many others.

**D1**: This section of our plot has no visible animal life, but does contain the Honeysuckle plant near the famous stump. Honeysuckle is in this plot because of several reasons. First, Honeysuckle plants prefer full sun to partial shade. (About Honeysuckle, 2004) This is the case in this area given the Light Intensity and other statistics. Another important factor worth mentioning is that this plant grows above the ground because of the stump. The reason this is important is because the Honeysuckle is not affected by the pollution and runoff caused by being on a lower gradient as well as the parking lot salt and other contaminants.

**E2**: This area has no visible animal life but does feature the repeated Stinging Nettle. As discussed earlier, Stinging Nettle invades land that is hospitable to it. This area makes sense because of it’s location as well as the fact that it is hospitable for Stinging Nettle’s requirements. Another reason for its possible growth is because of the holes above it. These holes could be absorbing the chemicals and pollutants that wash down from the school parking lot. This allows stinging nettle to flourish.

**C3**: In the Overview of this section we called it “Dead Shrubery”. There is a reason for this. It is because there are no visible forms of animal life, as well as the fact that there are no plant species in the area other than the grass that was once planted that is now dying off. One reason for this deterioration could be the pollutants from the parking lot that could have washed down. Another could be the Stinging Nettle could be drawing nutrients away. Either way, this area is devoid of significant life.

**E3.5**: This area is characterized by the Bee Hole. While there may have been bees at one point, they were not visible after our first trip out since the whether got colder. The reason there is no plant life in this area is again twofold. The first is because the area is arid, and inhabitable by any organism short of a very determined weed. Secondly an a small mammal could live inside this hole and just not appear in the morning. More probable however, is that the runoff from the parking lot above caused more erosion and deterioration of the soil and land.

**A4**: This area features no visible animal life, while featuring some Thistle, though not as much the previous region. As described by Wikipedia, “Thistle is the common name of a group of flowering plants characterized by leaves with sharp prickles on the margins, mostly in the family Asteraceae. Prickles often occur all over the plant - on surfaces such as those of the stem and flat parts of leaves. These are an adaptation that protects the plant against herbivorous animals, discouraging them from feeding on the plant. Typically, an involucre with a clasping shape of a cup or urn subtends each of a thistle's flower heads.” (Thistle, 2010) These adaptations mentioned earlier, along with the hospitable environment that is featured in A4, allow for the development of this plant in this area at this time.

**B4**: This area is also characterized by a hole. It features no visible animal or plant life. This is for the same reasons as the previous hole. The land at the hole is eroded and degraded whether it be from water or pollution or a small mammal living in the hole. Any way you spin it, this hole is not an ideal place for plant growth.

**A5**: This area features the Pine trees in this area. The pine tree has an interesting affect on the area. First, it holds soil together near the top of the hill, which does prevent erosion in some ways, but it also loses top soil. Secondly, its needles release acid which make the soil around it more acidic than usual. This limits what organisms can grow around it, which can be harmful to the microclimate as a whole. The irony, the school planted the trees, as they would not natively grow here.

**B5**: This hole shares the same characteristics as the previous holes. It features no visible animal life, and no plant life. The reasons here are also similar. It could be the soil erosion and degradation that plagues the area, or it could be a small mammal, or it could be because of the pollution in the area.

**D5**: This area is the section of land that exists right under the tree. This is affected by the pine tree that lives over it. The pine trees’ needles drop down and make the soil more acidic. This area is also closest to the salt that is sprayed across the parking lot. These factors make the soil quality in the area poor and uninhabitable for other organisms and plants.


 * Figure 3.1**: This is the view of the field from as if one was standing at out plot.

__**Bibliography**__ "About Honeysuckle." About Garden Plants. N.p., 2004. Web. 19 Nov. 2010.  .

Tech, Virginia. " Stinging Nettle: Urtica dioica." Virginia Tech Weed  Identification Site. Virginia Tech, 2008. Web. 19 Nov. 2010.  .

"Thistle." Wikipedia. Wikipedia, 16 Nov. 2010. Web. 19 Nov. 2010.  .