Vehicle for field research

野外研究用车辆

• 批准号: 389522-2010
• 负责人: Scheibling, Robert
• 金额: $ 3.71万
• 依托单位: Dalhousie University
• 依托单位国家: 加拿大
• 项目类别: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)
• 财政年份: 2009
• 资助国家: 加拿大
• 起止时间: 2009-01-01 至 2010-12-31
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ase-oro/Details-Detailles_eng.asp?id=442943
• 关键词: Vehicle; field; research

We are requesting a field vehicle to continue our longstanding research programs along the coast of Nova Scotia, supported by NSERC Discovery Grants. Scheibling's research examines large-scale changes in the organization and functioning of marine ecosystems that are caused by major shifts in abundance of sea urchins (the dominant grazers) and invasive species. Primary objectives of his research are to 1) investigate biological and environmental factors that govern these shifts, 2) assess the ecological impact of invasive species on ecosystem structure and dynamics, and 3) develop predictive mathematical models that aid in conserving natural resources and native biodiversity. Metaxas' research evaluates factors that regulate population dynamics of bottom-dwelling invertebrates, particularly the supply of planktonic larvae and recruitment of new individuals. Primary objectives of her research are to measure effects of physical and biological habitat characteristics on 1) larval behaviour, 2) spatial and temporal patterns of larval abundance, settlement and recruitment of invasive species, 3) interactions between early life history stages of native and invasive species, and 4) larval dispersal and connections among spatially distinct populations. We request funds to purchase a 4WD truck with the capability to 1) trailer our 7.2 m, 4 t research vessel throughout the year to various field sites separated by 100s of km; 2) launch and retrieve this vessel on steeply graded slipways or rough terrain; 3) provide secure and reliable transport for 5 field personnel, sensitive and expensive oceanographic equipment, and marine organisms. Leasing or renting a vehicle is not possible since diving safety regulations require that we secure scuba tanks (we carry up to 18 tanks at a time) in a metal box mounted to the frame. This requires structural modification of the vehicle and coating the inner floor panel to protect against seawater corrosion. Because our research is field based and involves diving from our boat or from shore, a vehicle is our most fundamental and essential item of research equipment.

我们正在申请一辆野外车辆，以继续我们沿着新斯科舍省海岸的长期研究计划，该计划由NSERC发现赠款支持。Scheibling的研究考察了海洋生态系统的组织和功能的大规模变化，这些变化是由海胆（占主导地位的食草动物）和入侵物种丰度的重大变化引起的。他的研究的主要目标是1）调查生物和环境因素，这些变化，2）评估入侵物种对生态系统结构和动态的生态影响，3）开发预测数学模型，帮助保护自然资源和本地生物多样性。Metaxas的研究评估了调节底栖无脊椎动物种群动态的因素，特别是浮游幼虫的供应和新个体的招募。她的研究的主要目标是测量物理和生物栖息地特征对1）幼虫行为的影响，2）幼虫丰度的空间和时间模式，入侵物种的定居和招募，3）本地和入侵物种的早期生活史阶段之间的相互作用，以及4）空间不同种群之间的幼虫扩散和连接。我们申请资金购买一辆四轮驱动卡车，该卡车能够：1）全年将我们的7.2米，4吨研究船拖到相隔100公里的各个现场; 2）在陡峭的滑道或崎岖的地形上发射和收回该船; 3）为5名现场人员，敏感和昂贵的海洋设备和海洋生物提供安全可靠的运输。由于潜水安全法规要求我们将水肺氧气瓶（我们一次最多携带18个氧气瓶）固定在安装在框架上的金属盒中，因此无法租赁或租用车辆。这需要对车辆进行结构改造，并对内部地板进行涂层，以防止海水腐蚀。因为我们的研究是基于实地的，涉及从我们的船或从海岸潜水，车辆是我们最基本和最重要的研究设备。