TURTLE DATE LAT(N) LONG(W) 1111 Feb. 06 8.859 87.688 1111 Feb. 06 6.757 88.703 1111 Feb. 07 6.929 86.908 1111 Feb. 07 6.985 87.022 1111 Feb. 09 6.248 87.124 1111 Feb. 09 6.194 87.223
1112 Feb. 07 9.471 90.807
"With some turtles we get two locations on the same day. This makes it easier to eliminate poor quality satellite data because we know turtles can't move vast distances in only a few hours."
Ed
What Would You Do in the Scientist's Shoes?
Having returned from his study site in Costa Rica, Dr. Standora now receives these satellite readings on his computer in Buffalo, New York. Just think, his observations of leatherback migration rely solely on the satellite technology he is using. His knowledge of sea turtle behavior helps him interpret these observations, but he must constantly keep the limitations of this technology in mind as he conducts his research.
These are the kinds of questions he thinks about. Ask yourself the same questions and see what conclusions you can draw:
1) Why are there so few readings from turtle #1112?
2) How many days of travel do the 6 readings from turtle #1111 cover?
3) Which readings are accurate for each day and which are of poor quality?
4) Are any of the readings so impossible that I can throw them out?
5) Does this turtle seem to be going in a specific direction or just wandering about in the ocean?
Plot all 6 data points from turtle #1111 on your map to help you visualize the route the turtle is most likely to have taken. But remember, nobody knows the answer!
Over the next few months you will be watching for patterns of behavior just as Dr. Standora and his colleagues are. Analyze the information very carefully, eliminate readings that you're SURE are impossible, but be careful not to make assumptions that may lead you to false conclusions.
Watch for updates on this migration to be posted every Friday. Reports will be provided until the batteries on the turtles transmitters run out of energy, probably at the end of March.
ASK THE EXPERT Send your questions about leatherback sea turtles to Dr. Standora before Wednesday, February 15th. Please send them to:
You will have a second opportunity to interview Dr. Standora. The deadline for the second round of questions is March 29, 1995.
HOME ALONE!!!! (SEND YOUR ANSWER ANY TIME!!!) When leatherback hatchlings emerge from their eggs sixty days after their mothers came ashore to lay them, their moms are long gone, far out to sea.
Predict how far away our leatherbacks mothers will be when their eggs hatch, and their latitude and longitude at the time. Send your guess by March 1st to: jnorth@informns.k12.mn.us
Copyright Journey North, 1995. All Rights Reserved.