Real-Life Communication
Limnologists deal with their own brand of jargon every day. But
often, they need help from non-scientists.
You are a limnologist. You
are preparing to speak to a government board that has the power to change
laws regarding the use of speedboats and fertilizers on and around a lake
that has experienced some problems.
You will have only a few minutes
to explain the problem, so you'll need to be both clear and concise.
And you'll need to speak in plain English so the lawmakers can understand.
In
limnological terms, the problem is:
A glut of chlorophyll
A is in the lake. This occurred because the copropel and detritus within the
lake are high in nitrogen. The presence of geosmin has led to gas bubble disease.
The problem is especially bad for herbivores.
In addition, the high
levels of geosmin have paved the way for the introduction of hydrilla, which
could strangle all other plant life out of the lake within a few years.
The
solutions to the problem include limiting gas-powered motors. You could also
require all landowners around the lake to file permit applications before
applying nitrogen-based fertilizer.
The definitions below
should help you translate this problem into language everyone can understand:
Hydrilla:
a noxious aquatic plant.
Chlorophyll A: the main pigment found
in blue-green algae. High amounts of this substance may indicate a high population
of algae, which can stifle wildlife.
Copropel: the mixture
of fine plant fragments, algal remains, grains of sand and other particles
found on the lake bottom.
Detritus: all dead and dissolved
organic material on the lake bottom.
Gas bubble disease: occurs
when aquatic organisms, especially fish, are exposed to water high in dissolved
gases (including oxygen).
Geosmin: blue-green algae that give
off a musty smell and can choke plant life.
Herbivore: an animal
that feeds exclusively on plants.