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Aim

To investigate and examine the biological, geological and chemical characteristics of the environment. We conducted a series of studies of both the offshore and onshore environments; following the water from the Tamar through its estuary and out past the Plymouth breakwater.

The Study Area

The area of our studies is the border that separates Cornwall and Devon. The rivers, the Tavy and the Tamar also form a world heritage site due to their historic mining activities before feeding out into the Plymouth sound. The area is considered a site of special scientific interest forming the Tamar estuary nature reserve which was designated in 1991, by the Cornwall wildlife trust, for its biodiversity and varying habitats whilst also being considered for its marine biology.

Tamar river- 98km (61 mi), tributaries to the river include- the river Inny, Ottery, Kensey, Lynher and the river Deer. The river was made the boundary between Devon and Cornwall in 936 by king Athelstan. The Tamar valley covers around 195 km2  (75 square miles).

Plymouth sound – Northern limit is the Plymouth Hoe, has a north/south distance of 3 nautical miles (6 km), has 3 water inputs, the English Channel beyond the Plymouth breakwater and two freshwater inputs from the river Tamar and the river Plym. It also houses the Plymouth breakwater constructed in 1844 and standing 23.5 meters tall. It’s a 1560 metre stone breakwater designed to protect the Plymouth sound. At its peak it is 13 metres wide, and at the base 65 metres.

TamarValley Discovery Map, Accessed 09/06/3018, Sourced: www.tamarvalley.org.uk/about/maps/

Plymouth Fieldcourse Group 4

Meet the Team

Introduction

From July 3rd -13th we conducted an oceanographic investigation of the Tamar Estuary in Plymouth. Here we investigated various aspects of the environment ranging from the biology to the geology of the area. Whilst most of the research was focused around oceanography, including CTD sampling and water column analysis, there were aspects of marine biology such as deploying plankton nets and conducting video analysis of the seafloor. Most investigations contained a blend of the two sciences, and as a result our team consisted of a mix of both Oceanography and Marine Biology students. This was a test for everyone as it challenged us to working in a team of people with different skill sets, as we would on an independent expedition. This was useful as it gave us practice in identifying the strengths of ourselves and others, and how we could function best as a group.

Henry Oliver-Edwards

Rianna Collins

Hannah Flintham

Oran Ramage

George Allen

Kay Parker

Johnny Mitchell

Samantha Dickens

Christina Pyatt

The views and opinions expressed on this website are our own and are not affiliated with the University of Southampton. All pictures taken are property of group 4 unless otherwise referenced.

Click on the circles to be taken to the respective areas of interest