Background

http://www.mbari.org/education/EARTH/Pelagics/pelagics.htm

Pelagic refers to the ecological realm that includes the entire ocean water column. The pelagic zone has the largest volume (1,370,000,000 cubic kilometres), and the greatest vertical range (11,000 meters) of all the inhabited environments on Earth¹.  Populating this expansive environment is a wide variety of large predators, such as sharks, seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins and sea birds.  These predators travel vast distances in search of feeding areas and breeding grounds, although many of their migration routes and reasons are unknown.  Scientists are currently working with evolving satellite technology in order to follow these animals along their journeys, so that we may better understand their behaviours and life histories.

During this unit, students will use evolving satellite technology to follow open-ocean animals along their migration routes and examine the connections between physical and biological requirements and animal behaviours.

1 “Pelagic Zone.” Encyclopædia Britannica. 2004.  Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service.
25 Aug 2004,  <http://www.britannica.com/eb/article?eu=60463>.

Student Tracking

This activity allows students to become familiar with satellite tracking procedures, relevant questions, data sources and organization.  Students will use various tracking techniques to find out where they go on a daily basis, what the environmental conditions are where they are travelling and what activities they are participating in during their “migrations.” Scientists who study organisms such as pelagic predators in the wild are unable to talk with their target organisms, and must find alternate means of obtaining information.  This activity will help students understand why satellite tracking is useful and how it works.

 http://www.mbari.org/education/earth/