The Alien River CloggersTeam: 79 School: Los Alamos Mid Area of Science: environmental/botany
Interim: Team Number: 079
School Name: Los Alamos Middle School
Problem Definition: In the 20th century the salt-cedar or Tamrix tree was put in New Mexico to stabilize stream banks and although they thought it was a good idea at the time today salt-cedars are draining New Mexico's rivers. The trees can consume up to 200 gallons of water a day.
Also, the salt-cedars are out-competing the native species including cottonwoods. The salt-cedar gets its name from its ability to put out salt to prevent other trees from growing neer it. The salt-cedars have a lot of advantages over these species. One is that the salt-cedar can make seeds on its first year of life.
Method: We will try to simulate the salt-cedar in its environment using Netlogo and Starlogo. We will then put in biological controls to see if they will work.
Progress: So far we have made basic models of the environment and are getting ready to put in the salt-cedar and a insect species that prefers to only eat salt-cedars.
Expected Results: We expect to find a few biological controls that will make the environment stable and healthy. We may not be able to get rid of the salt-cedars but we might be able to add a predator ( biological control ) that will stabilize the salt-cedar so can stay but not remain a threat
Sources:
Smith, RS. (2002). New mexico works to remove salt cedar. http://southwestfarmpress.com/mag/farming_new_mexico_works/
Barranco, AB. (2001). Invasive species summary projecr. http://www.columbiauniversity.org/itc/cerc/danoff-burg/invasion_bio/inv_spp_summ/Tamarix_ramosissima.html/
Muzika, RMM, & Swearingen, JMS. (2009). Salt cedar. http://www.nps.gov/plants/ALIEN/fact/tama1.htm
Harnel, KH. Non-native invasive freshwater plants. http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/plants/weeds/aqua013.html
Mason, JM. Cottonwood. http://www.gpnc.org/cottonwood.htm
Team Members: Jacob Holesinger
Kevin Tao
Sponsoring Teacher: Clara Vigil Mail the entire Team |
