Tute #20 – Group 1: Bellina Nguyen, Glenn Sy, Nhi Vuong. I) Background Research Report 1. Location From Figure 1, there are both human and natural landmarks in the park located just around the border of Kew. Human landmarks consist of the asphalt road, which is within the blue box. In addition, a sandy path has been made towards Dights Falls, which is marked by the yellow box. Natural landmarks consist of vegetation, which is indicated by the trees within the red box and river flow indicated by a white line. 2. Geology From the figure 2, it is evident that the landscape has Silurian rocks due to the grey area. These Silurian rocks are specifically mudstones and sandstone (MCMC, n.d.). According to UCMP (2011), the Silurian period experienced a rise in sea level 443.7 to 416.0 million years ago. As a result, it could be inferred that Studley Park used to be part of the sea or possibly a huge river system during the Silurian period. According to Interpraevent (n.d), during the process of weathering on a rock, clay minerals and quartz silt are both moved towards the sea where it is deposited as mud sediment. Through compaction and cementation of clay materials and quartz silts over time, mudstone and siltstone forms. Igneous rocks such as dykes are also located in the park made by older volcanoes, which is underneath the Silurian rocks (Emelbourne 2010). As a result, it could be inferred that the water body, at some point, surrounded the volcanic area. However, the map does not show this and can be insinuated that these are extinct for a long time and Silurian rocks cover the landscape. Figure 1: UTM coordinates of Studley Park (Google Maps, 2013) Sla: Massive siltstones, interbedded with thin sandstones. Occasional bunches of massive, laminated and current bedded greywackers, conglomerates, and clast beds. m: Metamorphic phase: Hornfels. Sand ridges and Sand Hills Figure 2: Geology map of Studley park (DPI, 2013)
Transcript
Tute #20 – Group 1: Bellina Nguyen, Glenn Sy, Nhi Vuong.
I) Background Research Report
1. Location
From Figure 1, there are both human and natural landmarks in the park located just around the border of Kew. Human landmarks consist of the asphalt road, which is within the blue box. In addition, a sandy path has been made towards Dights Falls, which is marked by the yellow box. Natural landmarks consist of vegetation, which is indicated by the trees within the red box and river flow indicated by a white line.
2. Geology
From the figure 2, it is evident that the landscape has Silurian rocks due to the grey area. These Silurian rocks are specifically mudstones and sandstone (MCMC, n.d.). According to UCMP (2011), the Silurian period experienced a rise in sea level 443.7 to 416.0 million years ago. As a result, it could be inferred that Studley Park used to be part of the sea or possibly a huge river system during the Silurian period. According to Interpraevent (n.d), during the process of weathering on a rock, clay minerals and quartz silt are both moved towards the sea where it is deposited as mud sediment. Through compaction and cementation of clay materials and quartz silts over time, mudstone and siltstone forms. Igneous rocks such as dykes are also located in the park made by older volcanoes, which is underneath the Silurian rocks (Emelbourne 2010). As a result, it could be inferred that the water body, at some point, surrounded the volcanic area. However, the map does not show this and can be insinuated that these are extinct for a long time and Silurian rocks cover the landscape.
Figure 1: UTM coordinates of Studley Park (Google Maps, 2013)
Sla: Massive siltstones, interbedded with thin sandstones. Occasional bunches of massive, laminated and current bedded greywackers, conglomerates, and
clast beds. m: Metamorphic phase: Hornfels.
Sand ridges and Sand Hills
Figure 2: Geology map of Studley park (DPI, 2013)
3. Landscape
As Studley Park is situated along the Yarra River
that serpentines its way around many suburbs, the park has identifiable physical features of a shallow river valley bounded by basalt soils – isolated from the urban context. The slope distribution of Studley Park varies (Map 1), with characteristics of sand ridges and sand hills (Geology Map – refer to legend). There are anticline and syncline which could be seen through the geological of the Silurian rocks displayed on the cliffs (MCM, 1989). Along the Yarra Riverbanks are embodiment of sandstones interblended mudstones created by the lava flows poured into the Merri Creek and Darebin Creek valleys about 2.2 million years ago (MCM, 1989). Dight Falls – natural cascades crosses a thick ancient seabed with the oldest sediments showing folds and faults, layering and ripple beds (MCM, 1989). Studley Park is at the convergence of two volcanic plains, Victorian Volcanic and Gippsland, there are three types of landforms existed within the park: Alluvial Plain, Volcanic Plain, and Wetland (Parkweb, 2002). Yarra Boulevard runs through Studley Park, curving through the steep landforms and providing view across the Studley Park and along the Yarra River.
soils – Dark grey sand over clay and Light grey loams over clay (DEPI, 2011). They can roughly be classified Kurosols and Sodosols according to the Australian Soil Classification characteristics (Figure 2) (UOW, 2012).
Figure 4: pH level soil distribution (ASRIS, 2001)
Kurosols contain a dark surface layer (layer O) with distinctive A1 and A2 layers overlaying red/brown layers (layer B) of clay (UOW, 2012).
Kurosols are very acidic (pH between 4-‐5) with the clay layers impeding water drainage. In addition, the topsoil layer is flexible to work with (under any conditions and with a wide range of vegetation) (DEPI, 2011).
Sodosols, in contrast, are often influenced by the excessive amount of sodium in the soils. There is less evident division between the layers,
however, these tend to have a light brown/yellow colour of sand with gravel and rock fragments (DEPI, 2011). They have low capacity of water storage and are relatively less flexible than Kurosols (under balance-‐moisturised conditions and better with native vegetation that requires less water in summer), with a pH level range between 5.5 and 6.5 (DEPI, 2011).
Neither soil, overall, is nutritious – subsequently they need fertiliser and even lime to balance the existing extremity in their soils.
5. Climate
Three elements are investigated in this section: Annual Rainfall, Temperature and Solar Exposure.
5.1. Annual Rainfall and Temperature
La trobe university in Bundoora was the closest therefore it was used to generate the statistics for temperature. Prahran (como house) was the closest weather station therefore it was used to measure average monthly rainfall.
Figure 6 reveals that there are different average maximum temperature and average precipitation occurrences for each month in the year, which is reflected on different seasonal changes. The highest average temperature is 30.5 degrees Celsius on February 2013 while the lowest average temperature is 14.6 degrees Celsius on July 2012. On the other hand the maximum average precipitation is 88.2mm June 2013 while the lowest average precipitation is 3.4 mm on January 2013.
Figure 5: average precipitation and maximum temperature (BOM 1 and BOM 2, 2013)
Figure 6: Climograph based on previous data (BOM 1 and BOM 2, 2013)
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Average Maximum Temperature (°C)
5.2. Solar Exposure
Figure 7: Solar Exposure (BOM, 2013)
Solar exposure is taken from Prahran (Como house), which is the closest to Studley Park. Through the data the lowest solar exposure is on May 2012 with 6.6 while the highest is on November 2012 with 29.0 (BOM, 2013).
6. Hydrology
Two major boundaries of the park are Lower section of Yarra River and its stream Merri Creek.
The shape of Yarra River poses a clear
indication of a fully developed river with meanders and a meander neck located near the Studley Park Boathouse. Many cliffs and bluffs are formed due to the extensive water flow of both rivers, while deep depression in this area suggests entrenched meanders as potential rejuvenation in the past of this particular section (MCMC, 1989) (Figure 3).
Figure 8: Heights of Yarra River at St George Street (BOW, 2013).
Due to its proximity to Melbourne CBD, the fluvial system has undergone major changes – construction of Dights Falls and installation of
extensive drainage network. The drainage network in Kew has “emergency relief structure” connected to the Eastern Treatment Plant allowing diluted sewage to overflow in extreme cases (Melbourne Water, 2013). During dry seasons, recorded river heights show a relatively shallow river
stream (Figure 8). The closest Hydrologic Reference Station is Aldermans Creek (Upper Yarra Reservoir), therefore this was used as an indication of annual stream flow (Figure 9).
Figure 9: Average Annual Streamflow of Aldermans Creek (BOW, 2009).
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Streamilow difference from average (GL) Streamilow (GL)
7. Vegetation Type (Flora) Detailed distribution of flora in Studley Park was incorporated with the statistics found in Yarra Bend park, and therefore this section would be dedicated to the overall compound of the area. A large area of Yarra Bend Park is covered in indigenous vegetation. There is enormous diversity upon which the three types of landforms exist within the Park. Two main Broad Vegetation Types (BVT), however, are Plains Grassy Woodland – consists of trees, sparse shrubs over some rich species grassy and herbaceous ground layer (DSE 1, 2004); and Valley Grassy Forest -‐ consist of species which need more moist and fertile conditions over sparse shrubs cover (DSE 2, 2004) (Table 1).
Figure 10: Vegetation Communities of Studley Park (Parkweb, 2002)
BVT % of the area in the park and reserves Park total area (Ha)
Plains Grassy woodland 11% 80 Valley Grassy Forest 16% 80
Table 1: Area (Ha) of BTVs found in Yarra Bend Park (Parkweb, 2001)
According to the Ecological Vegetation Classes (hierarchy of levels of vegetation in Victoria), only six vegetation communities have been found in the park (Table 2). Approximately 320 indigenous plants are found in the park (Parkweb, 2001), in which some extinct due to the destruction of nature and human impact. Only about 240 species still exist with many on the verge of extinction (home, 2003).
Table 2: Yarra Bend Park’s Vegetation Community (Parkweb, 2001)
8. Fauna
The combination of two different river streams (Merri Creek/Lower Yarra system), as well as the expanded area of bushland is expected to offer diverse ecological opportunities for both native and migrant fauna. The reality, however, is that most of water fauna previously found in the area has been decreasing dramatically post-‐1990s due to Dights Falls’ artificial elevation (DSE, 2003) – with the exception of frogs.
There is collectively (with Yarra Bend Park) 185 native
species, of which 11 are freshwater fish, 125 birds, 10 mammals, 19 reptiles, 15 butterflies and 5 amphibians (Parkweb, 2001). Several threatened species are also found in the park, varying from birds to lizards (table 3).
Table 3: Endangered Species and their distribution (Parkweb, 2001).
9. Human Impact
Many urban dwellers enjoy spending time with nature gather here for many activities such as cycling, canoeing, fishing, BBQ, picnicking, dog walking (Parkweb, 2010). Alteration, as the result, has significant impacts on the area. The emergence of roads, wild landscapes being modified as fields like Golf Course, trails, picnicking areas fells natural bushlands as well as grasslands (Figure 11). Soil becomes loose and crumply due to deforestation to build trails, with severe erosion due to rainfall (Parkweb, 1999).
The occupation of Aborigines implies rich
resources of foods, water as well as the diversity of plant and animals in Studley (Parkweb, 2001). However, the drastic decrease of fauna and flora proved that human activities had negative impacts on the site’s ecosystem such as human’s noises, dogs disturbing animals and birds. Biking also caused soil erosion prone on steep slopes with fragile soil and put significant impacts on flora (Parkweb, 1999).
With surrounding pervious areas, stormwater carried chemicals and other toxins from the urban surrounding and the roads entered into the park, harmed the ecosystem. Human gaining access to the riverbanks has also caused the damage to the vegetation (Parkweb, 1999).
Figure 11: Trails at Studley Park. (Parkweb, 2010)
II) EH&S Risk Assessment
Destination: Studley Park. Date: From 21 September to 6 October. Reason(s) for travel: Site Visit for the Presentation.
Distance from CBD: 6 km (Melway reference: 44-‐G3) Transportation: Bus 201 to Yarra Bend/Studley Park Rd, Kew.
Observation points: Various locations along the Yarra River such
as Kanes Bridge and Dight’s Falls (Figure 12). The map on the right indicated the potential observation spots along the area.
Major aspects we plan to observe: Geology, Landscape, Hydrology,
Flora, Human Impact. Potential aspects we might be able to observe: Climate, Fauna (if
animals are spotted).
Figure 12: Observation locations at Studley Park (UOM, 2013)
Base on our background research report, we expect to see diversity in the rock types presented at these locations, such as Dykes (unlikely
since it’s underneath the Silurian rocks), Mudstones, Sandstones, and potentially other Igneous rocks; in addition the impact of weathering processes on the area (sedimentation and compaction). The topographical map suggests a relatively steep landscape area, offering us the opportunities to define not only different landform characteristics, but also the woodland area itself. This could be achieved through the method of estimation with angle of elevation (via a clinometer) in different directions (using a compass and GPS), calculations of reliefs and modal slopes, which could then be classified based on the National Committee for Soils and Terrain (NCST)’s standard. Moreover, by simply observing the folio coverage of vegetation (both for bushes and trees) from either below or above, height estimation (with measuring tapes) and Structural Classification of Vegetation (SCV)’s standards, further conclusion of woodland categories would be clearly identified.
Since the area is evidently a fluvial landform region, we could narrow down our Landform Patterns into two major categories: Alluvial and
Erosion landforms, hence deriving relevant (both typical and common) landform elements through the Glossary included in the study guide. Using these results we could finally deduce what weathering processes the area has gone through and perhaps confirming our theories of “Underwater Landscapes” and “Rejuvenated Yarra River”. The incorporation of infrastructure along the observation path and the ratio of imperviousness would be utilised as indications of human impacts on this site. Along with the EC meter and plastic vials, we could also determine the salinisation in both the river streams and soils, indicating the rate of degradation cause by human settlement. If feasible, historical remarks of the park (such as traces of earlier settlement) would also be included in the presentation. Chances of being able to observe the Fauna is limited, however fish and amphibians could simply be encountered during our visit along the Yarra River.
IV) Bibliography
1. Location
Google Maps 2013, Studley Park, Studley park with UTM coordinates, Google Maps, viewed 2 September 2013, <https://maps.google.com>
2. Geology
Department of Primary Industries 2013, Ringwood 1:63 360 geological map, Department of Primary Industries, Australia viewed 2 September 2013, <http://dpistore.efirst.com.au/product.asp?pID=384&cID=33&c=41539> Emelbourne 2010, University of Melbourne, Parkville, viewed 2 September 2013,
<http://www.mcmc.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150&Itemid=247> Interpraevent n.d., Interpraevent, n.l., viewed on 2 September 2013, <www.interpraevent.at/palm-‐cms/upload_files/.../2006_2_467.pdf> Merri Creek Management Committee n.d., Merri Creek Management Committee, East Brunswick, viewed 2 September 2013,
<http://www.mcmc.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150&Itemid=247> UCMP 2011, University of California Museum of Paleontology, California, viewed on 2 September 2013,
3. Landscape Land channel 2013, Land channel, Victoria viewed 04 September 2013, <http://www.land.vic.gov.au/> Merri Creek Management Committee 1989, Merri Creek Management Committee, Brunswick viewed 4 September 2013
<http://www.mcmc.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150&Itemid=247> Parks Victoria 2002, Parks Victoria, Victoria viewed 31 August 2013,
Australian Soil Resource Information System 2001, CISRO, Australia viewed 24 August 2013, <http://www.asris.csiro.au/mapping/viewer.htm> Department of Environment and Primary Industry 2011, State Government of Victoria, Victoria viewed 24 August 2013,
<http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/agriculture/farming-‐management/soil-‐water/soil/melbourne-‐soils> University of Wollongong 2012, University of Wollongong, New South Wales viewed 24 August 2013,
5. Climate Bureau of Meteorology 1 2013, Bureau of Meteorology, Australia viewed 2 September 2013,
<http://www.bom.gov.au/jsp/ncc/cdio/weatherData/av?p_nccObsCode=139&p_display_type=dataFile&p_startYear=&p_c=&p_stn_num=086095> Bureau of Meteorology 2 2013, Bureau of Meteorology, Australia viewed 2 September 2013,
Bureau of Meteorology 2009, Bureau of Meteorology, Australia viewed 4 September 2013, <http://www.bom.gov.au/water/hrs/#id=229650A&panel=snapshot> Bureau of Meteorology 2013, Bureau of Meteorology, Australia viewed 4 September 2013,
<http://www.bom.gov.au/fwo/IDV67204/IDV67204.586177.plt.shtml> Melbourne Water 2013, Melbourne Water, Melbourne viewed 4 September 2013,
<http://www.melbournewater.com.au/aboutus/news/Pages/River-‐health-‐alert-‐due-‐to-‐heavy-‐rain-‐2013.aspx> Merri Creek Management Committee 1989, Merri Creek Management Committee, Brunswick viewed 24 August 2013,
<http://www.mcmc.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=150&Itemid=247> Parks Victoria 2000, Parks Victoria, Victoria viewed 24 August 2013, <http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/yarra-‐bend-‐park/things-‐to-‐
do/dights-‐falls>
7. Vegetation Type (Flora)
Department of Sustainability and Environment 1 2004, Victorian Government, Victoria viewed 5 September 2013, <http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/98229/EGL_0055.pdf> Department of Sustainability and Environment 2 2004, Victorian Government, Victoria viewed 5 September 2013,
<http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/98526/HFE_0047.pdf> Department of Sustainability and Environment 3 2004, Victorian Government, Victoria viewed 5 September 2013,
<http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/98427/Gold0056.pdf> Department of Sustainability and Environment 4 2004, Victorian Government, Victoria viewed 5 September 2013,
<http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/99152/Wim_0028.pdf> Parks Victoria 2001, Parks Victoria, Victoria viewed 31 August 2013,
<http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/313462/Yarra-‐Bend-‐Park-‐Environmental-‐Action-‐Plan-‐2001.pdf> Studley Park Modern 2003, Studley Park Modern, Melbourne viewed 31 August 2013,
<http://home.vicnet.net.au/~studlypk/studley-‐park-‐flora.htm> Parks Victoria 2002, Parks Victoria, Victoria viewed 31 August 2013,
Department of Sustainability and Development 2003, Department of Sustainability and Development, Victoria viewed 24 August 2013 <http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/112507/Assessmentoftherock-‐rampfishwayatDightsFalls2003.pdf>
Parks Victoria 2001, Parks Victoria, Victoria viewed 3 September 2013,
9. Human Impact Parks Victoria 1999, Parks Victoria, Victoria viewed 31 August 2013,
<http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/313464/Yarra-‐Bend-‐Park-‐Trails-‐Strategy-‐Master-‐Plan.pdf> Parks Victoria 2010, Parks Victoria, Victoria viewed 31 August 2013,
<http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/315626/Park-‐note-‐Yarra-‐Bend-‐Park.pdf> Parks Victoria 2001, Parks Victoria, Victoria viewed 31 August 2013,
<http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/313462/Yarra-‐Bend-‐Park-‐Environmental-‐Action-‐Plan-‐2001.pdf> Parks Victoria 2010, Parks Victoria, Victoria viewed 31 August 2013,
<http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/315624/Park-‐note-‐Yarra-‐Bend-‐Park-‐Dog-‐Friendly-‐Park.pdf> Parks Victoria 1999, Parks Victoria, Victoria viewed 31 August 2013,
University of Melbourne 2013, University of Melbourne, Melbourne viewed 3 August 2013, < http://203.5.69.59/fmi/iwp/data.jpg?-‐containerfield&-‐recid=5&-‐field=42(1).5>
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