Case Study - Minnamurra Rain forest

Question 1

structure of rainforest - microclimates

Answer 1

• climate within area result of latitude, position of area and land forms.
• slope and proximity to coast creates microclimates which impact life.

Question 2

Structure of rainforest - layer of rainforest

Answer 2

1. Canopy
2. emergents
3. Sub-canopy and understory
4. Forest floor

Question 3

Geomorphic process: lithospheric

Answer 3

1. soil processes
2. sediment
3. climate
4. topography

Question 4

weathering, erosion, transportation and disposition

Answer 4

1. geomorphic and hydrologic processes highly important due to position on steep slopes, made of three rock sandstones, basalt and forms of volcanic rocks.
   - transportation of volcanic rocks and soils down river catchments
   - contributes to formation of soil.

Question 5

Biogeographic processes: invasion, succession, modification, resilience

Answer 5

1. Trees, balance of light and evaporation.
2. Fauna - birds
3. other fauna - mammals, reptiles and insect.
4. Vegetation
5. succession

Question 6

adjustments in response to natural stress

Answer 6

2004 wind storm - resulted in destruction of largest trees in forest, small-leaved fig, 0.20Ha of damage.
- creation of light gaps.
- succession and invasion of gap colonisers.

Question 7

nature and rate of change

Answer 7

1. Unchanged pre-colonial history, disturbed by the 1800s and then further by natural impacts by 1900-200s.
2. after mid-1900s colonial destruction saw take back control over land’s change with kiama council taking over.

Question 8

Human impacts (positive and negative) - Internal

Answer 8

Positive
- national parks and wildlife service management

• developing sustainable water and sewerage facilities.
• envirocycle.

negative
- recreational human use

• agricultural use
• tourism.

Question 8

Human impacts - external

Answer 8

positives
- howard judd’s intervention

negatives
- exploitation of resources, river systems.

Question 9

Traditional management strategies

Answer 9

1. subtle exploitation and use utilising forest edge.

Question 10

Contemporary/modern management

Answer 10

1. colonial era
   2 post colonial
2. national parks and wildlife service