Calliostoma annulatum: Top snail–The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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Conical shell usually orange-yellow, dotted with brown and with a bright purple or violet band encircling the lower edge of each whorl, with 8 or 9 whorls; body of living animal orange, with brown dorsal spots. Size to 30 mm height.

Range: Alaska south to Baja California. They occur very rarely at Race Rocks. They are more common however on the islands to the West, Church Island and the Bedfords in Beecher bay, and as in the photo below , Secretary Island, outside of Sooke harbour.

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This photo was taken on Secretary Island, several kilometres west of Race Rocks where this species occurs more frequently than at Race Rocks. Chris Blondeau captured the snail grazing on a clump of Plumularia hydroid.

Conical shell usually orange-yellow, dotted with brown and with a bright purple or violet band encircling the lower edge of each whorl, with 8 or 9 whorls; body of living animal orange, with brown dorsal spots. Size to 30 mm height.

Range: Alaska south to Baja California. They occur very rarely at Race Rocks. They are more common however on the islands to the West, Church Island and the Bedfords in Beecher bay,and as in the above photo, Secretary Island , outside of Sooke harbour.

Habitat: on the open coast. Calliostoma annulatum reportedly moves up the kelp stipes to near the sea surface in ‘bright weather’ and descends under other conditions. These animals can move rapidly.

It’s an omnivore. In the spring the food is mainly the kelp itself; the snail prefers animal foods when these are available especially hydroids (e.g. Obelia sertularians) and encrusting bryozoans (Membranipora; Hippothoa), Detritus and some diatoms and copepods are taken, too.On the sea floor, they take some of the cnidarian Corynactis californica and scavenge on dead fish. In aquaria, the snails have been seen to eat hydroids, the anemone Epiactis prolifera, the stalked jellyfish Haliclystis, dead nudibranchs (Polycera atra), dead keyhole limpets (Diadora ), dead chitons, nudibranchs eggs, and other items, including even canned dog food. Although jaws are often poorly developed in the Trochidae, observations by Paron (1975) suggest that they play an important role here. Hydroids stems in the gut often appeared ‘neatly cut into short segments’. Further when attacking anemones, Calliostoma annulatum after initial contact, ‘would rear up on its metapodium, expand its lips, and suddenly lunge forward while bitting at one of the anemone’s tentacles. A dorid nudibranch was also attacked in this way.

The shell bears a layer of mucus which makes it slippery and not easily held by potential predators.

Reproduction: Males usually spawn first. Green eggs, each in clear envelopess and a gelatinous coat thick, are shed in a soft gelatinous coating. In the San Juan Archipelago, specimens collected June-August may spawn if placed in sea water at 18-22 C
Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mollusca
Class Gastropoda
Subclass Prosobranchia
Order Archaeogastropoda
Superfamily Trochacea
Family Trochidae
Genus Calliostoma
Species
annulatum
Common Name: Top snail or Top shell

References:

Harbo, R. 1997. Shells & Shellfish of the Pacific Northwest -A field guide.- -Pg. 75-. Harbour Publishing.
Kozloff, E. N. 1996. Marine Invertebrates of the Pacific Northwest Coast -Pg. 203-. University of Washington.
Morris, R.H., Abbott, D, and Haderlie. 1980. Intertididal Invertebrates of California. -Pg. 250-. Stanford University Press, Stanford California.
Strathmann, M. 1987. Reproduction and Development of Marine Invertebrates of the Northern Pacific Coast. Data and Methods for the Study of Eggs, Embryos, and Larvae. -Pg. 233-234-. University of Washington Press.
Other Members of the Phylum Mollusca at Race Rocks.

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams.

Feb. 2002 Maria Belen Seara PC yr 28

Calliostoma ligatum: Blue top snail–The Race Rocks taxonomy

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topsnail
Calliostoma ligatum surrounded by Epiactis or brooding anemone.

Size: To 1″(25mm)diameter

Screen Shot 2016-07-25 at 9.05.20 PM

Upper left is Caliostoma ligatum photo by Ryan Murphy

Range: Northern B.C. South to California. This species is very common subtidally and intertidally at Race Rocks. It is common in rocky areas and kelp beds to 100′(30m) and deeper, among algae and under rocks.

At RaceRocks it is frequently used as a dwelling by small hermit crabs.
Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mollusca
Class Gastropoda
Subclass Prosobranchia
Order Archaeogastropoda
Family Calliostomatidae
Genus Calliostoma
Species ligatum
Common Name: Blue top snail


Food: Omnivorous feeding on hydroids, bryozoans, detritus and diatoms.This common and abundant species also eats compound tuncates and sponges

Comments:. It exhibits an escape response to the ochre sea star Pisaster ochraceus .
Other Members of the Phylum Mollusca at Race Rocks.

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams.

 

Dec. 2002 Carmen Zana (PC yr29)

Fusitriton oregonensis: Hairy Oregon Triton–The Race Rocks Taxonomy

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General Description: The Hairy Oregon Triton is the largest intertidal snail on the west coast. Measuring from 100 – 150mm in length. Containing 5 -6 whorls the outside of the shell is covered with thick dark brown hairy periostracum. It was first discovered in 1848 by Redfield. The state of Oregon proclaimed the Hairy Oregon Triton its state shell because of its honourable heritage and its attractive shell.

Domain Eukarya
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Mollusca
Class Gastropoda
Order Mesigastropoda
Family Cymatiidae
Genus Fusitriton
Species oregonensis
Common Name: Hairy Oregon Triton

Reproduction: Each triton is one gender. Pairing of tritons occurs from spring to the end of July. After mating the female tritons lay the eggs on vertical surfaces and under rock ledges. The eggs are placed in rectangular capsules in a spiral pattern. Each capsule contains 1600- 2000 eggs. Eggs measure about 150 um (micrometres). Upon hatching, the veligers a form of planktonic larvae, take about 12 weeks before beginning to scavenge for themselves.

Habitat: The Hairy Oregon Triton lives in from the intertidal zone to 90m depth. Living from Alaska to as far south as San Diego, California. Primarily living on rocks, but will also live on sandy areas. The Hairy Oregon Triton lives in both areas of high wave exposure and sheltered areas.

Feeding: This predatory carnivorous snail eats primarily tunicates and ascidians but also chitons and sea urchins, some scientists suspect it maybe a carnivorous scavenger as well. Like many other whelks, this triton drills through the shell of its prey using its radula.

Predators: The main predator of the Hairy triton is the sea star. As it is a well defended snail with a thick shell and its operculum, most predators find it too difficult to kill.

Interesting Associations: The shell of the triton will often be occupied by large hermit crabs particularly the species after their death.
References Cited:

Edward F. Ricketts, Jack Calvin, and Joel W. Hedgpeth, Between Pacific Tides,1985

Eugene N. Kozloff, Marine Inverebrates of the Pacific Northwest, 1996

Megumi F. Strathmann, Reproduction and Development of Marine Invertebrates of the Northern Pacific Coast, 1987
Other Members of the Phylum Mollusca at Race Rocks.

taxonomyiconReturn to the Race Rocks Taxonomy
and Image File
pearsonlogo2_f2The Race Rocks taxonomy is a collaborative venture originally started with the Biology and Environmental Systems students of Lester Pearson College UWC. It now also has contributions added by Faculty, Staff, Volunteers and Observers on the remote control webcams.

 

Dec. 2001 Joshua Vanwyck, PC yr. 28

Derived Variables for Davis Weather Instrument

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DERIVED VARIABLES IN DAVIS WEATHER PRODUCTS
Application Note 28

Note: Not all formulae could be cut and pasted to this post so see the complete PDF for accurate formulae:

Derived Variable Calculations app note 28-1

The following parameters do not have any sensors or circuitry. They are calculated from measured variables. Any conditions that affect the functions of the measurements that are used to calculate these variables will affect the readings of these variables. This includes the Vantage Pro® and Vantage Pro2TM Setup Screen settings. In each case unless otherwise noted, the software uses the exact formula and the console uses a lookup table that closely approximates the formula.

WIND CHILL

Parameters Used: Outside Air Temperature and Wind Speed

What is it:
Wind chill takes into account how the speed of the wind affects our perception of the air temperature. Our bodies warm the surrounding air molecules by transferring heat from the skin. If there’s no air movement, this insulating layer of warm air molecules stays next to the body and offers some protection from cooler air molecules. However, wind sweeps that comfy warm air surrounding the body away. The faster the wind blows, the faster heat is carried away and the colder the environment feels.

The new formula was adopted by both Environment Canada and the U.S. National Weather Service to ensure a uniform wind chill standard in North America. The formula is supposed to more closely emulate the response of the human body when exposed to conditions of wind and cold than the old formula did.

Formulas:
Older versions of software (Versions 5.0 and earlier) and firmware (Vantage firmware revisions before Sept. 7, 2001 and all non-VantagePro products including Echo) are based on the following formula (Siple and Passel, 1945):

0.0817 * (3.71V0.5 + 5.81 – 0.25V) * (T – 91.4) + 91.4

where V is the wind speed in mph and T is the outside air temperature in °F. Wind speeds above 55 mph are set to 55 mph. For wind speeds below 5 mph or temperatures above 91.4°F, the wind chill is set equal to the air temperature.

Newer product revisions (WeatherLink version 5.1 through 5.5.1 and Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 consoles with Sept 7, 2001 firmware or later and Vantage Pro2 consoles with firmware before May 2005) are based on the following formula:

35.74 + 0.6215T – 35.75 * (V 0.16 ) + 0.4275T * (V 0.16 )

As with the old formula, any place where the result yields a wind chill temperature greater than the air temperature, the wind chill is set equal to the air temperature. This always occurs at wind speeds of 0 mph or temperatures above 76°F. This also occurs at lower wind speeds with temperatures between 0°F and 76°F.

The new formula takes into account the fact that wind speeds are measured “officially” at 10 meters (33 feet) above the ground, but the human is typically only 5 to 6 feet (2 meters) above the ground. So, anemometers still need to be mounted as high as possible (e.g., rooftop mast) to register comparable wind speed readings and wind chill values.

An even newer version of this formula is available in WeatherLink version 5.6 or later and Vantage Pro2 console firmware version and later. This newer version of the formula addresses the fact that the latest National Weather Service (NWS) formula was not designed for use above 40°F. The result of the straight NWS implementation was little or no chilling effect at mild temperatures. This updated version provides for reasonable chilling effect at mild temperatures based on the effects determined by Steadman (1979) (see THSW Index section), but as with the new NWS formula, no upper limit where chilling has no additional effect. The later version

28 – 2 Rev A 5/11/06

for the console table only differs in that whole degrees and less resolution in the table are used for code and memory space conservation. As with previous versions of the wind chill formula, any place where the result yields a wind chill temperature greater than the air temperature, the wind chill is set equal to the air temperature. This always occurs at wind speeds of 0 mph or temperatures at or above 93.2°F (34°C). This also occurs at lower wind speeds with temperatures between 0°F (-18°C) and 93.2°F (34°C). As per Steadman (1979), 93.2 F (34°C) is the average temperature of skin at mild temperatures, thus temperatures above this value will actually create an apparent warming effect (see THSW Index section).

The Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 console uses the “10-minute average wind speed” to determine wind chill, which is updated once per minute. When 10-minute of wind speed data is unavailable, it uses a running average until 10-minutes worth of data is collected. The WeatherLink® software uses the 10-minute average wind speed also. If it is unavailable, it uses the current wind speed (which updates every 2.5 to 3 seconds). All other products use the current wind speed to determine wind chill.

The reason an average wind speed is employed in the Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 to calculate wind chill is as follows: The human body has a high heat capacity, thus high wind speeds have no effect on the body’s thermal equilibrium. So, an average wind speed provides a more accurate representation of the body’s response than an instantaneous reading. Also, “official” weather reports (from which wind chill is calculated) provide average wind speed, so using an average wind speed more closely matches the results that are seen in weather reports.

REFERENCES

“Media Guide to NWS Products and Services”, National Weather Service Forecast Office, Monterey, CA, 1995.

“New Wind Chill Temperature Index”, Office of Climate, Water and Weather Services, Washington, DC, 2001.

Siple, P. and C. Passel, 1945. Measurements of Dry Atmospheric Cooling in Subfreezing Temperatures. Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc.

Steadman, R.G., 1979: The Assessment of Sultriness, Part I: A Temperature-Humidity Index Based on Human Physiology and Clothing Science. Journal of Applied Meteorology, July 1979

Rev A 5/11/06

28 – 3

HEAT INDEX

Parameters Used: Outside Air Temperature and Outside Humidity

What is it:
Heat Index uses temperature and relative humidity to determine how hot the air actually “feels.” When humidity is low, the apparent temperature will be lower than the air temperature, since perspiration evaporates rapidly to cool the body. However, when humidity is high (i.e., the air is saturated with water vapor) the apparent temperature “feels” higher than the actual air temperature, because perspiration evaporates more slowly.

Formulas:
Older versions of software and the display console using the following methodology. This formula is based upon the lookup table presented by Steadman (1979). The Davis implementation simply extends the range of use of this table to make it usable at temperatures beyond the scope of the table. Some of this extension is based on the table adapted by the US National Weather Service. The GroWeather and EnviroMonitor systems do not display a value beyond the scope of the Steadman table. All other products that display this value either:
Set values at temperatures below the scope of the table to the air temperature
Extend the readings using a best-curve fit above and below the air temperature
scope of the table. The low temperature cutoff is when the heat index for the given combination of temperature and humidity is 14°C or 57.2°F or below. This corresponds to a vapor pressure of 16 hPa. Heat Indices are set equal to the air temperature or 57.2°F, whichever is less, below these values. (The 14°C cutoff corresponds to the equivalent dewpoint at average testing laboratory conditions.)
WeatherLink software versions 5.2 or later and Vantage Pro2 console firmware versions of May 2005 revision or later use the above methodology with the following exceptions for values below an air temperature of 68°F:
The values use a variable baseline to which the Heat Index is either above or below the air temperature.
The values are loosely derived from the methodology outlined by Steadman in his 1998 paper (referenced below). Thus, air temperatures below 50°F follow this 1998 procedure. Air temperatures above 68°F follow his procedure outlined in 1979 (since the US NWS continues to use this). Davis has made a smooth transition between the two methods between 50°F and 68°F.

  1. The formula Davis uses is also used by the US National Weather Service. Heat Index can also be used to determine indoor comfort levels and as such is displayed in WeatherLink version 5.6.The latest version for the console table only differs in that whole degrees and less resolution in the table are used for code and memory space conservation.Note: Heat Index has also been referred to as “Temperature-Humidity Index” and “Thermal Index” in some Davis products.

28 – 4 Rev A 5/11/06

REFERENCES

Steadman, R.G., 1979: The Assessment of Sultriness, Part I: A Temperature-Humidity Index Based on Human Physiology and Clothing Science. Journal of Applied Meteorology, July 1979

“Media Guide to NWS Products and Services”, National Weather Service Forecast Office, Monterey, CA, 1995.

Quayle, R.G. and Steadman, R.G., 1998: The Steadman Wind Chill: An Improvement over Present Scales. Weather and Forecasting, December 1998

Rev A 5/11/06

28 – 5

DEWPOINT

Parameters Used: Outside Air Temperature and Outside Humidity

What is it:
Dewpoint is the temperature to which air must be cooled for saturation (100% relative humidity) to occur, providing there is no change in water content. The dewpoint is an important measurement used to predict the formation of dew, frost, and fog. If dewpoint and temperature are close together in the late afternoon when the air begins to turn colder, fog is likely during the night. Dewpoint is also a good indicator of the air’s actual water vapor content, unlike relative humidity, which is air temperature dependent. High dewpoint indicates high vapor content; low dewpoint indicates low vapor content. In addition a high dewpoint indicates a better chance of rain and severe thunderstorms. Dewpoint can be used to predict the minimum overnight temperature. Provided no new fronts are expected overnight and the afternoon Relative Humidity >=50%, the afternoon’s dewpoint gives an idea of what minimum temperature to expect overnight. Since condensation occurs when the air temperature reaches the dewpoint, and condensation releases heat into the air, reaching the dewpoint halts the cooling process.

Formula:
The following method is used to calculate dewpoint:

v = RH*0.01*6.112 * exp [(17.62*T)/(T + 243.12)],
this equation will provide the vapor pressure value (in pressure units) where T is the air

temperature in C and RH is the relative humidity. Now dewpoint, Td, can be found:
Numerator = 243.12*(ln v) – 440.1
Denominator = 19.43 – ln v

Td = Numerator/Denominator

This equation is an approximation of the Goff & Gratch equation, which is extremely complex. This equation is one recommended by the World Meteorological Organization for saturation of air with respect to water.

The Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 console uses a lookup table and it only differs from the formula in that whole degrees and less resolution in the table are used for code and memory space conservation.

REFERENCES

“Guide to Meteorological Instruments and Methods of Observation”. World Meteorological Organization, Geneva, Switzerland, 6th Ed. 1996.

“Smithsonian Meteorological Tables”. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington, DC, 4th Ed. 1968.

28 – 6 Rev A 5/11/06

THSW INDEX

Parameters Used: Temperature, Humidity, Solar Radiation, Wind Speed, Latitude & Longitude, Time and Date

What is it:
Like Heat Index, the THSW Index uses humidity and temperature to calculate an apparent temperature. In addition, THSW incorporates the heating effects of solar radiation and the cooling effects of wind (like wind chill) on our perception of temperature.

Formula:
The formula was developed by Steadman (1979). The following describes the series of formulas used to determine the THSW or Temperature-Humidity-Sun-Wind Index. Thus, this index indicates the level of thermal comfort including the effects of all these values.

This Index is calculated by adding a series of successive terms. Each term represents one of the three parameters: (Humidity, Sun & Wind). The humidity term serves as the base from which increments for sun and wind effects are added.

The Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 calculation is an improvement over the THSW Index in the Health EnviroMonitor because the Health system:

only calculates THSW Index when air temperature is at or above 68°F.

assumes the sky is clear.  assumes the elevation is sea level.

  1. HUMIDITY FACTORThe first term is humidity. This term is determined in the same manner as the Heat Index. This term serves as a base number to which increments of wind and sun are added to come up with the final THSW Index temperature.Note: Heat Index has also been referred to as “Temperature-Humidity Index” and “Thermal Index” in some Davis productsWIND FACTORThe second term is wind. Depending upon your version of firmware or software, this term is determined in part by a lookup table (for temperatures above 50°F) and in part by the wind chill calculation, or uses an integrated table that is used both for calculation of this term and for wind chill. With this in mind, the following criterion apply with later versions referring to Vantage Pro2 console firmware revision May 2005 or later or WeatherLink version 5.6 or later: At 0 mph, this term is equal to zero.  For temperatures at or above 68°F and wind speeds above 40 mph, the wind speed is set to

    40 mph. For later versions, there is no upper limit on wind speed.For temperatures at or above 130°F, this term is set equal to zero. For later versions of this algorithm: WeatherLink uses 144°F as the threshold; Vantage Pro2 console firmware 143°F. This is based on a best-fit regression of the Steadman 1979 wind table. The differences are reflective of the higher resolution used in the WeatherLink software.

  2. For temperatures below 50°F (later versions use the new wind chill formula result here (calculate the wind chill increment using the difference between the air temperature and wind chill)):
    For the earlier display console versions and WeatherLink version 5.0 or 5.1:use the wind chill calculation as the base temperature.
    For the WeatherLink software(versions5.2through5.5.1):use the new heatindex

    formula (as described in the heat index section) as the base temperature and calculate the wind chill increment using the difference between the air temperature and wind chill (which is always a negative number).

    The resulting value is the wind term, which will be added to the humidity term and subsequently the sun term as indicated below.
    Note: The WeatherLink software (version 5.2 through 5.5.1) offers a variable does not include the sun term in its calculation. It shows the result as the “THW Index” or Temperature-Humidity- Wind Index. This value indicates the “apparent” temperature in the shade due to these factors.

    SUN FACTOR

    The third term is sun. This term, Qg, is actually a combination of four terms (direct incoming solar, indirect incoming solar, terrestrial, and sky radiation). The term depends upon wind speed to determine how strong an effect it is. The value is limited to between

    For temperatures below 50°F (later versions use the new wind chill formula result here (calculate the wind chill increment using the difference between the air temperature and wind chill)):
    o FortheearlierdisplayconsoleversionsandWeatherLinkversion5.0or5.1:usethe

    wind chill calculation as the base temperature.
    o FortheWeatherLinksoftware(versions5.2through5.5.1):usethenewheatindex

    formula (as described in the heat index section) as the base temperature and calculate the wind chill increment using the difference between the air temperature and wind chill (which is always a negative number).

    The resulting value is the wind term, which will be added to the humidity term and subsequently the sun term as indicated below.
    Note: The WeatherLink software (version 5.2 through 5.5.1) offers a variable does not include the sun term in its calculation. It shows the result as the “THW Index” or Temperature-Humidity- Wind Index. This value indicates the “apparent” temperature in the shade due to these factors.

    SUN FACTOR

    The third term is sun. This term, Qg, is actually a combination of four terms (direct incoming solar, indirect incoming solar, terrestrial, and sky radiation). The term depends upon wind speed to determine how strong an effect it is. The value is limited to between 20 and +130 W/m2 in the Vantage Pro2 console firmware and WeatherLink software versions 5.6 or later.

    REFERENCES

    Steadman, R.G., 1979: The Assessment of Sultriness, Part II: Effects of Wind, Extra Radiation and Barometric Pressure on Apparent Temperature. Journal of Applied Meteorology, July 1979.

    “Media Guide to NWS Products and Services”, National Weather Service Forecast Office, Monterey, CA, 1995.

    Quayle, R.G. and Steadman, R.G., 1998: The Steadman Wind Chill: An Improvement over Present Scales. Weather and Forecasting, December 1998

    BAROMETRIC PRESSURE

    What is it:
    The weight of the air that makes up our atmosphere exerts a pressure on the surface of the earth. This pressure is known as atmospheric pressure. Generally, the more air above an area, the higher the atmospheric pressure, this, in turn, means that atmospheric pressure changes with altitude. For example, atmospheric pressure is greater at sea-level than on a mountaintop. To compensate for this difference and facilitate comparison between locations with different altitudes, atmospheric pressure is generally adjusted to the equivalent sea-level pressure. This adjusted pressure is known as barometric pressure. In reality, the Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 measures atmospheric pressure. When entering the location’s altitude in Setup Mode, the Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 calculates the necessary correction factor to consistently translate atmospheric pressure into barometric pressure.

    Barometric pressure also changes with local weather conditions, making barometric pressure an extremely important and useful weather forecasting tool. High pressure zones are generally associated with fair weather while low pressure zones are generally associated with poor weather. For forecasting purposes, however, the absolute barometric pressure value is generally less important than the change in barometric pressure. In general, rising pressure indicates improving weather conditions while falling pressure indicates deteriorating weather conditions.

    The following section applies to Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 systems only:
    Parameters Used: Outside Air Temperature, Outside Humidity, Elevation, Atmospheric Pressure

    Formula: Simply,

    PSL = PS * (R),
    where PSL is sea level pressure, PS is the unadjusted reading sensed by the Davis barometer,

    and R is the reduction ratio, which is determined as follows:

    First, Tv (virtual temperature in the “fictitious column of air” extending down to sea-level) can be determined as follows. The result is in degrees Rankine, which is similar to Kelvin except it uses a Fahrenheit scale divisions rather than Celsius scale divisions:

    Tv = T + 460 + L + C,

    where T is the average between the current outdoor temperature and the temperature 12 hours ago (in Fahrenheit) in whole degrees. L is the typical lapse rate, or decrease in temperature with height (of the “fictitious column of air”), as calculated by:

    L = 11 Z/8000,
    where L is a constant value with units in °F. Z is elevation, which must be entered in feet.

    The current dewpoint value and the station elevation are necessary to compute C. C is the correction for the humidity in the “fictitious column of air”. It is determined from a lookup table (provided in the attached table). The table consists of dewpoints in °F every 4°F and elevations

    in feet every 1500 feet. Linear interpolation is performed to obtain the correct reduced pressure value. For dewpoints below –76°F, C = 0; for dewpoints above 92°F, a dewpoint of 92°F is assumed.

    Now, Tv can be determined. From this, the following can be computed: Exponent = [Z/(122.8943111*Tv)]
    Once this exponent is computed, R can be computed from the following: R = 10^[Exponent].

    Thus, PSL = PS * (R) can be calculated. Pressure can be in any units (R is dimensionless) and still yield the correct value.

    This procedure is designed to produce the correct reduced sea-level pressure as displayed. This requires the user to know their elevation to at least plus or minus 10 ft. to be accurate to every 0.1 ” HG

    or plus or minus 3 feet to be accurate to every 0.1 mb/hPa.

    This is a simplified version of the official U.S. version in place now. The accepted method is to use lookup tables of ratio reduction values keyed to station temperature. These are based on station climatology. These values are unavailable for every possible location where a Davis user may have a station, thus this approach is not suitable.

    It should be noted that if a sensor’s pressure readings require adjustment, the user can adjust either the uncorrected or the final reading to match the user’s reference, as appropriate. If the user chooses to measure uncorrected atmospheric pressure or use another reduction method, they should set their elevation to zero. Subsequently, output data using the VantageLink can be read by or exported to another application and converted as desired.

    The calibration of the sensor is a separate one time function performed on the unit during the manufacturing process. It is a completely independent operation from the calculation the Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 console makes to display a reading corrected to sea-level. The calibration is done to ensure the sensor reads uncorrected or raw atmospheric pressure (not barometric pressure) properly. Any properly functioning unit will read the uncorrected atmospheric pressure within specifications. However, limits in the displayable range of the bar value may prevent the user from setting an incorrect elevation for their location. That is, a user at sea-level, may see a dashed reading if they set their unit to 5000′ elevation or vice-versa. So, the best way to tell if a unit is functioning properly, is:

    •  use a reference that has been adjusted to indicate sea-level pressure and setting the Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 console to the proper elevation or
    •   use a reference that is reading the raw, uncorrected atmospheric pressure and set the Vantage Pro and Vantage Pro2 console elevation to zero

      and verify that these readings are comparable.

      ALTIMETER SETTING and CWOP APRS

    The CWOP program in NOAA prefers to receive altimeter setting data rather than barometric pressure. This feature in WeatherLink 5.7 automatically calculates the correct altimeter setting using the user-specified elevation. Monitor II and Perception II users should set their barometer reading to match the altimeter setting of the nearest National Weather Service (NWS) weather station. Simply enter your zip code on the NWS home page to get the nearest observation. This is usually found at the “2 Day History” (detailed observation section) link under Current Conditions section. http://www.nws.noaa.gov/ . For users outside the United States, contact your country’s national meteorological service.

    Altimeter Formula, A:

Underwater testing of materials to be used in the Tidal current energy project

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Below: Installation of the Fouling Plates by Chris Blondeau and Pearson College Diving Students in July, 2005. This video shows the installation process for the research project carried out to determine which surfaces discouraged growth in the waters at Race Rocks.

 

 

In the spring of 2005, a set of plates made up of 5 different materials and coatings was deployed in the centre of the main channel, straight out from the docks at Race Rocks. This is the result on Nov 2005 results- (qualitative)

 

ONE YEAR LATER June 09, 2006

 

Alaria nana : Brown intertidal algae

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Alaria nana

Alaria nana dessiccating at low tide

Alaria nana dessiccating at low tide


Classification:
Empire Eukaryota
Kingdom Chromista
Phylum Ochrophyta
Class Phaeophyceae
Order Laminariales
Family Alariaceae
Genus Alaria
Species nana
Description: The plant is olive brown to yellowish-brown in colour with a conspicuous blade (eroded at maturity), stipe, and holdfast. The holdfast is made up of short, firm root-like structures and is 3-7 cm. long, 5-8 mm. in diameter, merging into a slightly compressed rachis 2-4 cm. long. The rachis in turn merges into the blade, which is linear, tapering gradually to the apex and abruptly to the rachis; the blade is 40-60 cm. long and 3-8 cm. wide with a conspicuous, solid percurrent midrib 4-6 mm. wide.
Habitat: On rocks in the middle and upper intertidal zones in exposed areas.. This species grows at or around zero tide level at Race Rocks. WHen battered by waves and swell it often gets a tattered appearance.
Pacific Coast Distribution: Alaska to California. –Robert Scagel, 1972

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Canada’s Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy, 2005

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Table of Contents

ExecutiveSummary ……………………………………………..3 Protecting Our Marine Environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 A Time for Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 BuildingaNetwork–AnInnovativeApproach ……………………………7 BenefitsofaMarineProtectedAreasNetwork ……………………………8 International Agreements and Commitments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Linkages to Federal Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Guiding Principles for Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Strategic Framework . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Appendix 1 – Federal Tools for Establishing and Managing
Marine Protected Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Appendix 2 – Roles and Responsibilities of Other Government
Departments in Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Establishment and Management. . . . 17

Appendix 3 – The Federal Approach to Building a Network
of Marine Protected Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

See the Full PDF :2005canadasmarineproareastrategy

Executive Summary

Around the world, marine protected areas are increasingly being endorsed as a valuable conserva- tion and protection tool. The benefits of a network of marine protected areas are numerous, diverse and include ecological, social, economic and cultural elements. The drive for a Federal Marine Protected Areas Strategy ensued from the need for a coopera- tive and collaborative approach to the development of a network of federal marine protected areas in Canada as a means to help address the declining health of our oceans. In 1997, the Oceans Act pro- vided Fisheries and Oceans Canada with a leading and coordinating role in this endeavor.

The intent of this Strategy is to clarify the roles and responsibilities of federal departments and agencies with marine protected area mandates, namely Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada

In support of this goal, this Strategy will aim to fulfill its objectives to:

• establish a more systematic approach to marine protected area planning and establishment;

• enhance collaboration for management and monitoring of marine protected areas;

• increase awareness, understanding and participa- tion of Canadians in the marine protected area network; and

• link Canada’s network of marine protected areas to continental and global networks.

These objectives, and the Strategy’s supporting activities, are a shared responsibility of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada and the Parks Canada Agency. Together, the departments and agencies will work towards meeting these objectives. To ensure that progress on the
network continues, the above mentioned federal departments and agencies will move forward in

and the Parks Canada Agency, and to describe how federal marine protected area programs can collectively be used to create a cohesive and com- plementary network of marine protected areas.

The establishment of a network of marine protected areas, established and managed within an integrated oceans management framework, that contributes to the health of Canada’s oceans and marine environments.

In support of this goal, this Strategy will aim to fulfill its objectives to:

• establish a more systematic approach to marine protected area planning and establishment;

• enhance collaboration for management and monitoring of marine protected areas;

• increase awareness, understanding and participa- tion of Canadians in the marine protected area network; and

• link Canada’s network of marine protected areas to continental and global networks.

These objectives, and the Strategy’s supporting

activities, are a shared responsibility of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environment Canada and the Parks Canada Agency. Together, the departments and agencies will work towards meeting these objectives. To ensure that progress on the
network continues, the above mentioned federal departments and agencies will move forward in establishing areas that have previously been identi-

fied as candidate sites. In addition, the Strategy outlines how collective planning efforts will be undertaken to identify a suite of sites that may

be added to the network in the future.

See the FULL PDF:

 

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Race Rocks Millenium Project 2002-2004

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A Bold Initiative: racerocks.com utilizes 21st century technology to maximum advantage to create a dynamic educational web experience utilizing the extraordinary marine eco-system at Race Rocks, Canada’s most southerly point in the Pacific.

Real time streaming video webcasts digital images of marine life from above the sea at Race Rocks and below the ocean when divers are on hand to do the live mobile webcasts. In addition, a complete environmental scan will be continually transmitted from the site using an array of data sensors in five ecosystems of the area.

The knowledge of the First Nations is being explored and explained as the Salish people share generations of experience in living in harmony with the abundance that once dominated this region and is now threatened.

Creative educators are developing internet-based curriculum to stimulate students and teachers to engage fully in the racerocks.com educational program. Researchers will share their studies and discoveries as we gain a new and deeper understanding of the ecosystem

The Place

For centuries, deep ocean currents and the great rivers of the Georgia Basin have converged in the Strait of Juan de Fuca between southern Vancouver Island and Washington State. Race Rocks reveals itself as nine rocky outcrops thrust from the ocean floor in the middle of the strait.

For generations the people of the Salish Nation prospered in this region at the entrance to the Salish Sea. The extraordinary richness of this diverse ecosystem represented by Race Rocks is valued today as it was then. Race Rocks has been an ecological reserve since 1980 and is becoming Canada’s first internationally recognized Marine Protected Area.

The small, rocky outcrops are home to seals, sea lions, elephant seals and birds, as well as the buildings and equipment of the Race Rocks Lighthouse. These outcrops are literally the tip of the ecosystem New leading-edge bathymetry reveals Race Rocks as a giant underwater mountain. The diversity of marine life is breathtaking and still not fully explored. The teachings of Salish elders merge with more recent science to explain the mysteries of nature at Race Rocks.

The Technology

Recent developments have made a complex real time streaming video site possible. Presently three and potentially up to seven digital cameras and an array of data sensors above and below the ocean at Race Rocks will collect information. The signal is compressed and transmitted by broad band radio from the top of the Race Rocks light tower direct to nearby Pearson College. From Pearson College, through high speed fiber links to the racerocks.com server, and then on to the AKAMAI network, the video and data will be available throughout the internet. Two-way interactive capability is being incorporated into the design to allow for specific educational programming.

The Partners

Lester B. Pearson College– is one of ten United World Colleges located around the world. Two hundred students from over 80 countries study the International Baccalaureate curriculum during their two years at Pearson College. Garry Fletcher, a faculty member teaching Environmental Systems and Biology at Pearson College, is the educational director of racerocks.com. Garry and his students will guide the educational content of the site. Pearson College operates the former Race Rocks light station facilities as a education centre under an agreement with BC Parks. Pearson College is the lead proponent and partner directing the racerocks.com project.


LGS Group Inc. – is one of Canada’s largest full service IT consulting firm with 2100 employees in 20 offices in Canada, Europe and the US. LGS is donating the time and resources to provide project management and web design services in the creation of racerocks.com. Along with their ability to capitalize on emerging Internet technologies to promote the project, LGS brings essential knowledge, skills, and expertise. 

Telus– a leading Canadian telecommunications company, is providing the bandwidth and server capability  to host racerocks.com. Skilled technical staff at Telus have assisted in the development and implementation of the project assuring high-speed delivery to the Internet and accessibility to a large audience. Telus is donating this component to racerocks.com.

Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre-a leading organization in marine research and public education on the West Coast of Canada. The Marine Science Centre has committed a significant contribution of funds and expertise to the project. In return it will gain a new window for aquarium visitors into an ecologically sensitive marine world at the South tip of Vancouver Island. The most recent contribution is a hydrophone which will be installed subtidally at Race Rocks.

Apple Computers (Canada)– The Computers that we use for the live video webcasts from Race Rocks are all made by APPLE COMPUTERS. In July of 2000, Apple Canada became a partner in the Millennium Partnership program with the donation of a Macintosh PowerBook G3. 500 MHz. It followed up with further support in April of 2001 with the donation of a G4 500 MHz portable computer. These new high speed computers have been essential in broadcasting the manually operated live programs from the islands.They have been a most valuable addition for our live video webcasting programs.

Apple and the Apple Learning Interchange:

The quicklime live video streams were hosted by the Apple Learning interchange over the Akamai Internet distribution network. In April of 2001, a set of three airport cards was provided by ALI in order to make all the cameras webcasting wirelessly from the island. Race Rocks support pages, learning activities, discussion forums, and scheduled chats.

Seapoint Sensors Inc. of Kingston New Hampshire has joined as a partner providing a turbidity meter for measuring turbidity or suspended solids and a Chlorophyll fluorometer for measuring chlorophyll a . Both are representative of a fine line of high performance oceanographic sensors. They are installed sub-tidaly in 8 meters of water off the docks on the North Side of Race Rocks .

CompuSmart of Victoria , B.C. has joined as a partner in providing the majority of the funds for the purchase of a new computer for the Database which is being produced to handle the  Phase 2 Environmental Data Sensors for Race Rocks.

Sorenson Media provided  software to assist in the production of the live streaming video and the improvement of the archived video on the website.

FRIENDS of ECOLOGICAL RESERVES-The “Friends” have been long time supporters of Race Rocks. They have given financial help for the purchase in 2000 of a camera for the project and in 2001, a SONY wireless microphone.

 

SONY of Canada Ltd.

joined as a partner in April of 2001, with the donation of a SONY Digital Video camera. This camera joins the three other SONY cameras that are used to provide the live streaming video from Race Rocks.

Government Agencies-racerocks.com has received assistance from the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in many aspects of the project development. BC Parks has provided the use of buildings and facilities at Race Rocks. Both levels of government are working cooperatively with local First Nations groups as well as other community groups to create the Race Rocks Marine Protected Area.

 

Millennium Partnership Fund– racerocks.com would not have been possible without major funding from the Canadian Millennium Partnership Fund of the Government of Canada. We are very grateful to the Federal Government and all those who assisted us in our application.

Graduate Students We are particularly fortunate to benefit from the services and support of a number of alumni of Lester B. Pearson College who have donated their time or have given direct financial assistance to racerocks.com

Ken Dunham ( PC year 9) has designed and implemented the advanced network at Pearson College, and recently
extended these facilities across the water to Race Rocks.

Giovanni Rosso (PC year 24) has provided the money for a digital camera which we use to document the project.

Jochen Kumm (PC year 10) has provided a computer for the Ecological Overview database and is assisting with the development of the Environmental Database for racerocks.com

Affiliated Organizations

  • Glentel

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Black Oystercatcher, (Haematopus bachmani) Nest

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These pictures were taken in June 2005 of a nest in the surge channel off the engine room. The images show how well the eggs are camouflaged.

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Black Oystercatcher nest photo by Garry Fletcher


Return to the black Oystercatcher taxonomy file