Transepts are laid down at pre-determined sites. The number of transepts used are determined by the size of the bay. Ideally the transepts shall traverse the whole length of the bay from the fore shore (mean sea-level) to the more developed dune system (if present) further up shore.
The transepts are divided into three sub-zones:
1. Wet zone – intertidal, between low tide and high tide limits;
2. Dry zone – eulittoral, from high tide marks to the base of the fore dune;
3. Dune zone (where present).
Samples and readings are taken at 5m intervals for each transept. Quadrats are used where necessary. In the case of sand collection, the top few cm of sand are brushed away manually to prevent sampling lately shifted sand.
The quantitative sampling is supplemented by more general sampling including the use of pitfall traps and general searches.
Physical parameters to be measured on sand:
Species analysis
Only species which are larger than 1 mm are collected.
Two methods are employed
Standard search
Analysis of macrofauna (sieving)
Analysis of macroflora
Ultimo aggiornamento
28.09.2020