Tag Archives: Osa Peninsula

Rio Camarones Oraganic Matter input

I study decomposition in aquatic systems, and most research in this area focuses on leaves as the major source of outside input of organic matter into these systems.  However, in tropical systems, flower and fruit material can make up a substantial portion of OM input in streams, as discuss in Tropical Steam Ecology and evidenced in this photograph.

While sampling, flower parts rained into Rio Camarones in Sirena, completely covering the surface.  And, just like in Ohio, the stream was filled with abundant crustaceans, probably acting as shredders!

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Living quarters

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We stayed at what I think is the old Sirena station for a few days.  The roof and bed pads were great luxury, but the mice created a bit of stress. The station was set back a bit from the new station, which was filled with tourist coming in and out.  The three of us were on our own for most of our stay, but another researcher, whom we had incidentally met in Palo Verde, shared the station the last couple of nights. OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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