Outdoor Ed by Mason Sorenson

Biosphere

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:16:16 UTC

The biosphere is a shell that is approximately 20km wide that contains all living things on earth and their interactions. It reaches the tallest mountain on earth (Mt Everest) and the lowest point in the ocean (Mariana Trench).

Biotic vs Abiotic

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:19:05 UTC

Biotic components of an ecosystem are considered living, they are anything that requires oxygen and such as trees.

Abiotic components of an ecosystem are not considered living and do not require oxygen, such as rocks and dirt.

Photosynthesis in an Ecosystem

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:25:52 UTC

Photosynthesis allows light energy from the sun to be turned into chemical energy for the organism to use. A tree can uses this chemical energy to grow, other organisms that can't photosynthesise can then eat this tree helping to sustain the ecosystem.

Chain vs Web

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:26:58 UTC

A food chain shows the direct transfer of energy from one organism to another, whereas a food web shows the different interactions between food chains in an ecosystem.

Abiotic

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:27:47 UTC

Dirt
Water
Oxygen
Boardwalk
Sand

Biotic

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:28:13 UTC

Possum
Moss
Leaves
Snow Gums
Lichen

Succession

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:36:02 UTC

The concept of succession is how an environment rebuilds after a disaster, it can be primary or secondary. After a primary succession, where the whole ecosystem is destroyed the first things that will start to come back are lichens and mosses.

El Nino' vs La Nina

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:40:42 UTC

El Nino' is when warm water in the pacific has moved away from the east coast of Australia to the west coast of South America. It results in higher temperatures as well as lower rainfall and possible drought.

La Nina is when that warm water has moved back to the east coast of Australia, this results in colder temperatures and higher rainfall.

Migration

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:47:41 UTC

Migration is the seasonal movement of animals from one region to another. For example the Short-Tailed Shearwater migrates from the south eastern coast of Australia, along the pacific ocean into the northern hemisphere before returning back home.

Traditional Owners and Their Perspectives

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:55:19 UTC

The tradition owners of this area are the Boonwurrung people, they perceive the outdoor environment not as something to be owned but as something to be looked after and cared for. They act as custodians to the land, and in turn it provides resources back to them.

Indigenous Land Managment

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-16 23:58:28 UTC

Indigenous people historically participated in cultural burns to help the environment flourish. The burs helped to protect from larger fires and provided open land for animals such as kangaroos to graze. Now the knowledge of these burns passed down can help the CFA do controlled burns which similarly protect from larger and more damaging fires.

Vocational Pathway 1

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-17 00:02:20 UTC

Cemetery Groundskeeper:

Horticulture
Environment seen as a storehouse
Involves keeping the grounds mowed, trees pruned, etc.
Previous experience landscaping required

Vocational Pathway 2

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-17 00:07:50 UTC

Expedition Leader

Tourism
Environment seen as a gymnasium
Involves leading a group through an outdoor environment and making sure they are safe
Strong leadership skills, first aid ticket, etc.

Snow Layering

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-17 00:10:26 UTC

When at the snow you should aim to have warm base and mid layers as well as a protective and waterproof outer layer. With this setup you are able to effectively regulate how cold/warm you are protecting against hypothermia/hyperthermia.

Importance of Understanding Outdoor Environments

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-17 00:17:47 UTC

Understanding specific environments can help you stay safe as you know things like what the weather is like, if there are natural water sources, if there are safe places to camp, etc. It also aids in protecting the environment itself, as people who understand it are more likely to know the significance of animals and plants. Understanding Wilsons Prom allowed me to be mindful when I was hiking about the rules to protect the environment.

Bluebird

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-17 00:20:14 UTC

Bluebirds can pose a risk of sunburn and eye damage because unlike most places, the snow can reflect sunlight back off the ground. Wearing goggles/sunnies and sunscreen can help protect against.

Whiteout

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-17 00:24:43 UTC

Whiteout's severely limit visibility, increasing the risk of getting lost or possible crashing into someone/something. Making sure you have good knowledge of the mountain can help prevent you from getting lost and slowing down/stopping if visibility is poor will reduce your chances of crashing into someone/something.

Lost/Separated on the Mountain

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-17 00:35:27 UTC

I have become lost and separated on the mountain because of poor visibility. The first thing I should do is call my group leader to let them know I was separated. Then should look to see if there are any active ski lifts nearby to ask the operator where I am. If there aren't any in sight/nearby I can call ski patrol. Understanding the mountain and knowing landmarks could help avoid this kind of incident as even if you do get separated you are still able to find your way back down to the town center.

Natural/Human Induced Changes

masonsorenson0 — 2024-09-17 00:41:30 UTC

At Wilsons Prom animals that are usually there could have migrated effecting my outdoor experience as I couldn't see them.

When driving up to Mt Buller there were trees damaged by fire on the way.