. Ecuador, Perú : Cuyabeno-Güeppí. Natural history; Natural history. and Inventory Sites. I observed and described landform variability at each site, using a barometric altimeter and GPS (Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx). I measured river and lake bottom depths using a handheld sonar device (Speedtech Instruments). I evaluated soils with hundreds of spot samples (to a depth of -20 cm) and 21 full soil descriptions (to a depth of ~ m), using a Dutch auger. Each field description included determination of soil horizon, soil color (Munsell Color Book), hand texture, and soil structure (NRCS 2005). Soil da
. Ecuador, Perú : Cuyabeno-Güeppí. Natural history; Natural history. and Inventory Sites. I observed and described landform variability at each site, using a barometric altimeter and GPS (Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx). I measured river and lake bottom depths using a handheld sonar device (Speedtech Instruments). I evaluated soils with hundreds of spot samples (to a depth of -20 cm) and 21 full soil descriptions (to a depth of ~ m), using a Dutch auger. Each field description included determination of soil horizon, soil color (Munsell Color Book), hand texture, and soil structure (NRCS 2005). Soil data are presented in Appendix 1. Hydrology and water quality I evaluated the physical and chemical properties of water in streams, lakes, rivers, wetlands, and rain, including temperature and dissolved oxygen (using a YSI 85; YSI Incorporated) and pH plus electrical conductivity (with an ExStick II; Extech Instruments). All instruments were calibrated regularly in the field using standard solutions and manufacturer protocols. These data, plus the general characteristics of each body of water, are available in Appendix 2. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Landscape properties Regional and local geology Geological processes (rock formation/deformation, large-scale sediment deposition, and faulting/uplift) and geomorphological processes (erosion and sediment redistribution in terrestrial and aquatic systems) determine the template on which soil and the overlying environment form. Underlying the Cuyabeno-Güeppí region, perhaps tens to thousands of meters underground, are vast expanses of marine clays deposited over 13 million years ago (MYA) before the Andes began to rise (Wessenlingh et al. 2006a, 2006b). As the Andes began to rise, an inland estuary formed, eventually giving way to a system of freshwater lakes and slow-moving, meandering streams as the mountain range grew. This progression of landscape changes produced the sedimentary sequence found today: marine clays overlain by clays
Size: 1809px × 1382px
Photo credit: © The Book Worm / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: ., bookauthorfieldmuseumofnaturalhistor, booksubjectnaturalhistory
