ScienceAsia 32 Supplement 1 (2006): 043-049 |doi: 10.2306/scienceasia1513-1874.2006.32(s1).043

Inexpensive Water Motion Measurement Devices and Techniques and Their Utility in Macroalgal Ecology: A Review

Sophie D. Boizard^* and Robert E. DeWreede

 
ABSTRACT: Water motion and wave impact are, together, major determinants of the abundance and distribution of benthic intertidal marine organisms. Relatively simple techniques and devices that measure water motion and wave impact exist, and range from qualitative approaches (e.g. measurements of fetch), to integrative measures (dissimilar metals), to one-time maximum wave impact devices (drogues). We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of these devices and techniques, and provide examples of their use in marine benthic ecology. More complex devices such as arrays of electronic sensors that measure wave height and water motion continuously over very short time intervals are more expensive and are not discussed in detail.

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Department of Botany, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V6T 1Z4.

* Corresponding author, E-mail: boizard@interchange.ubc.ca