Channeling our Inner Scientists

2nd May 2013

Today our group was immersed into the wild, channeling our inner scientists. The main goal of my trip was to learn how scientists work in the field, and today, that goal was definitely met. Our instructor during the stay is Boris. He has a degree in biology and a master in environmental conservation and management. His knowledge is highly admirable, and was grateful enough to share his techniques with us. We all awoke at 6:30, had a savory breakfast, and then ventured out into the wilderness. There were so many things we learned out in the wilds, but I want to pinpoint just a few, mainly the field technique skills.

Boris, our Instructor

Sam Steele!

We began with a brief introduction to the forest area we are studying. The main environmental conditions determining the forest type are soil, temperature, and precipitation. The Chiquibul Forest has a neutral soil due to the limestone beneath the soil. Currently Belize is in the dry season, for that reason the canopy is less dense due to the little precipitation.

Alex ready to learn!

Following the knowledgeable introduction, we learned how to set an appropriate plot in accordance to the cardinal direction. The students, or I should say scientists, split into groups to make two different 20m by 50m plots. Everything inside that plot was our research region. Boris then explained to us how to calculate the height of a tree with clinometers. Not the most sophisticated equipment, and is subject to error, but in the field it works accurately and is reliable. One person would measure the diameter of a tree, 1.03 meters high. Then from that point we would measure 20m out. It is required to see the tree from that position at the base and the height of the tree. If those are not in view, then you measure another 10 meters out. After being able to see the treetop in the canopy, we would look into the clinometer. The right hand side showed the percentage. If standing from a hill the base percentage would be negative to compensate the extra height. Then we did the same for the height of the tree, mainly estimating at this point. After those recordings, we were able to determine the height. The formula is as follows:

 [(Top percent – base percent) divided by 100] X Distance from the Tree = Height in meters

Our group and the other group measured the same tree. Our group got the height of the quamed wood tree, an emergent pioneer species, at 43.5m and group two calculated the height at 31.2m. This is a great example showing that science does have errors, especially in the field. Then we headed back to our site to devour lunch. I do have to say the food here is delicious and I crave seconds every time. 

My wonderful, quite hilarious group!

Afterwards, we went back to our plot and measured Xcate; a species that is threatened for its beauty in floral arrangements. We measured the height, diameter, the amount of leaves, and the leaves that could be used for commercial use. The main species of Xcate we found in our plot were ologanbo, then more scarcely fish tail. With the lack of fish tail present, it showed that they were the most desired Xcate species. Our group in the middle of measuring reached a state of sun-induced deliria, cracking jokes, and laughing the whole time. I appreciate the dynamic of the people on this trip; we all mesh rather well. 

I am going to go ahead and wrap up this post. This day was invigorating, knowledgeable, and I cannot wait to sleep. Sweet dreams all!