Olympic National Park - Park Research and Intensive Monitoring of Ecosystems Network (PRIMENet)

Frequently-anticipated questions:


What does this data set describe?

Title:
Olympic National Park - Park Research and Intensive Monitoring of Ecosystems Network (PRIMENet)
Abstract:
The dataset is a Microsoft Access database and results from a two year study (1999-2000) of amphibians in Olympic National Park. Ponds and lakes were surveyed for the presence of amphibians, fish and insects. Multiple habitat variables were also recorded.
Supplemental_Information:
Science Information System Project # 70103 Accession # 5003810
  1. How should this data set be cited?

    Adams, Michael J. , 2000, Olympic National Park - Park Research and Intensive Monitoring of Ecosystems Network (PRIMENet).

  2. What geographic area does the data set cover?

    West_Bounding_Coordinate: -123.89
    East_Bounding_Coordinate: -123.34
    North_Bounding_Coordinate: 47.95
    South_Bounding_Coordinate: 47.86
    Description_of_Geographic_Extent:
    Olympic National Park, Washington. More specifically, in the Sol Duc and Bogachiel drainages of ONP.

  3. What does it look like?

  4. Does the data set describe conditions during a particular time period?

    Beginning_Date: 1999
    Ending_Date: 2000
    Currentness_Reference: ground condition

  5. What is the general form of this data set?

    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: Database

  6. How does the data set represent geographic features?

    1. How are geographic features stored in the data set?

    2. What coordinate system is used to represent geographic features?

  7. How does the data set describe geographic features?

    PrimeNet - tblObservations
    Microsoft Access relational database table - detailing observations that were collected. (Source: Software Generated)

    AIR_TEMP
    wetland air temperature in Celsius

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:no limit
    Units:degrees Celsius

    CLUSTER
    2-letter wetlands cluster identification code, each cluster is a group of wetlands in one area (similar elevation; same drainage)

    ValueDefinition
    MDMink/Deer
    SLSeven Lakes
    GLGrand Lakes

    CONDUCTIVITY
    wetland conductivity value

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:no limit
    Units:microSiemens

    CREW
    initials of surveyors

    list of initials

    DATE
    date of survey

    date field (mm/dd/yy; hh/mm)

    DRAINAGE
    name of each drainage that the wetland is in.

    list of drainage basins

    E_COORDINATE
    corrected East UTM coordinate of wetland from GPS. (Source: FIPS)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:1,000,000
    Units:meters

    END_TIME
    end time of field survey in military time.

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:2400
    Units:hours

    ENTER_BY
    initials of person entering the data into the database.

    list of initials

    ENTER_DATE_TIME
    date/time stamp of entry completion.

    date format (mm/dd/yy; hh/mm)

    ERROR_MEASURE
    Scale used for error measure

    ValueDefinition
    PDOP# 
    Other 

    ERROR_VALUE
    error measurement from GPS (PDOP#)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:no limit

    EST_PCT_SHADING
    visually estimated percent of site that is shaded

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent

    FISH_PRESENT
    indicates if fish were seen at the wetland.

    ValueDefinition
    Nno fish present, box not checked
    Yyes fish present, box checked

    FROG_UV_FLAG
    indicates whether the record is an amphibian or UV survey.

    ValueDefinition
    Ffrog/amphibian record
    UUltraviolet radiation record

    GPS_FILE
    GPS file name

    list of file names

    N_COORDINATE
    corrected North UTM coordinate of wetland from GPS. (Source: FIPS)

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:no limit
    Units:meters

    NOTES
    general notes for this record if needed.

    text field

    OBS_ID
    unique number for records in the master table and each survey.

    list of integers

    PARK_ID
    4-letter national park identification code.

    ValueDefinition
    OLYMOlympic National Park

    PH_OBS
    wetland pH value

    Range of values
    Minimum:1
    Maximum:14

    PHOTO_FRAME_NO
    frame numbers used to document the wetland.

    list of integer values

    PHOTO_ROLL_NO
    begins with a number followed by a letter

    film number used to document the wetland

    QA_BY
    initials of person QAing the record

    list of initials

    QA_COMPLETED
    indicates QA'd records

    ValueDefinition
    Yrecord QA'd, box checked
    Nrecord not QA'd, box not checked

    QA_DATE_TIME
    date/time stamp of QA completion.

    date format (mm/dd/yy; hh/mm)

    RECORD_COMPLETED
    indicates completed records.

    ValueDefinition
    Yrecord is complete, box checked
    Nrecord is not complete, box not checked

    SITE_ID
    name begins with a CLUSTER code followed by numbers and/or letters.

    unique name for each surveyed wetland

    START_TIME
    start time of field survey in military time.

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:2400
    Units:hours

    UTM_ZONE
    geographical UTM zone

    ValueDefinition
    10 

    VISIT_NO
    sequential number system (1-6) indicating order of visit to the site this record represents

    ValueDefinition
    1first
    2second
    3third
    4fourth
    5fifth
    6sixth

    WATER_SMPL_120
    indicates if 120 ml water sample was collected from the wetland.

    ValueDefinition
    yes 
    no 

    WATER_SMPL_240
    indicates if 240 ml water sample was collected from the wetland

    ValueDefinition
    yes 
    no 

    WATER_SMPL_60
    indicates if 60 ml water sample was collected from the wetland.

    ValueDefinition
    yes 
    no 

    WATER_TEMP
    wetland water temperature in Celsius

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:no limit
    Units:degrees Celsius

    WETLAND_COMMON_NAME
    common name for wetlands if known.

    list of common names

    WETLAND_LENGTH
    visually estimated length of wetland in meters

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:no limit
    Units:meters

    WETLAND_MAX_DEPTH
    visually estimated range of maximum depth of wetland in meters.

    ValueDefinition
    <1mmax depth is less than one meter
    1-2mmax depth is between one and two meters
    >2mmax depth is greater than two meters

    WETLAND_WIDTH
    visually estimated width of wetland in meters

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:no limit
    Units:meters

    PrimeNet- tblAmphibians
    Microsoft Access relational database table - detailing amphibian surveys (Source: Software Generated)

    COMMENTS
    comments regarding the amphibian record.

    text field

    COUNT
    number or range of numbers of each species observed at each life stage

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:no limit

    LIFE_STAGE
    code indicating life stage of species observed

    ValueDefinition
    Eegg
    Llarvae
    Jjuvenile
    Aadult

    OBS_ID
    unique number for each survey.

    list of integers

    OCCURANCE_ID
    unique number for each amphibian occurance.

    list of integers

    SPECIES
    code representing species observed

    list of species

    VOUCHER
    indicates if voucher specimen was collected.

    ValueDefinition
    Yyes, checked box
    Nno, unchecked box

    PrimeNet-tblAttenuations
    Microsoft Access relational database table - detailing light attenuation information (Source: Software Generated)

    DEPTH
    depth in centimeters at which measurement was taken

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:no limit
    Units:centimeters

    END_TIME
    time the UV run ended

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:2400
    Units:hours

    LIGHT_TYPE
    code indicating light type

    ValueDefinition
    UV-A 
    UV-B 
    Visible 

    OBS_ID
    unique number for each survey.

    list of integers

    RUN_NO
    run number of trial for each light type/depth

    ValueDefinition
    1 
    2 
    3 

    START_TIME
    time the UV run started

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:2400
    Units:hours

    VALUE
    UV attenuation value

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:no limit
    Units:watts/m^2

    PrimeNet - tblClouds
    Microsoft Access relational database table - detailing cloud information (Source: Software Generated)

    OBS_ID
    unique number for each survey.

    list of integers

    OTHER_DESC
    notes of cloud cover.

    text field

    PCT_COVER
    visually estimated percent of sky covered by this cloud type

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent

    TYPE
    type of cloud observed

    list of cloud types

    PrimeNet - tblFish
    Microsoft Access relational database table - detailing fish information (Source: Software Generated)

    OBS_ID
    unique number for each survey.

    list of integers

    SPECIES
    species name of fish observed at the wetland if known

    list of species, no codes or abbreviations used

    PrimeNet - tblInclinations
    Microsoft Access relational database table - detailing heading inclination information (Source: Software Generated)

    HEADING
    degree compass headings at which inclination readings were taken

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:360
    Units:degrees

    INCLINATION
    degree of angle from pond to horizon at set compass heading

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:90
    Units:degrees

    OBS_ID
    unique number for each survey.

    list of integers

    PrimeNet- tblSpeciesLookup
    Microsoft Access relational database table - taxonomic codes (Source: Software Generated)

    CLASS
    scientific class name

    list of class names

    CODE
    4-letter code for identifying animal species

    list of text codes, corresponds to SPECIES_NAME

    FAMILY
    scientific family name

    list of family names

    ORDER
    scientific order name

    list of order names

    SPECIES_NAME
    scientific species name

    list of species names

    PrimeNet - tblSubstrates
    Microsoft Access relational database table - detailing substrate information (Source: Software Generated)

    OBS_ID
    unique number for each survey.

    list of integers

    SUBSTRATE
    type of substrate observed in the wetland survey designated by the OBS_ID number.

    ValueDefinition
    Bbedrock
    Dboulder
    Ccobble
    Ggravel
    Ssand
    Msilt/organic muck
    Lleaves
    Wdowned wood

    TRANSECT_ID
    unique number for each substrate observation.

    list of integers

    PrimeNet - tblVegCover
    Microsoft Access relational database table - detailing vegetation cover information (Source: Software Generated)

    OBS_ID
    unique number for each survey.

    list of integers

    PCT_COVER
    percent of vegetation cover at the various transects observed

    Range of values
    Minimum:0
    Maximum:100
    Units:percent

    TRANSECT_ID
    unique number for each vegetation observation.

    list of integers

  8. What biological taxa does this data set concern?

    Taxonomy:
    Keywords/Taxon:
    Taxonomic_Keyword_Thesaurus: none
    Taxonomic_Keywords: amphibians
    Taxonomic_Keywords: fish
    Taxonomic_Keywords: insects
    Taxonomic_System:
    Classification_System/Authority:
    Classification_System_Citation:
    Citation_Information:
    Originator: Nussbaum, R.A. , E.D. Brodie, and R.M. Storm
    Publication_Date: 1983
    Title: Amphibians and Reptiles of the Pacific Northwest
    Edition: First
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book
    Publication_Information:
    Publication_Place: Moscow, Idaho
    Publisher: University of Idaho Press
    Other_Citation_Details: pg. 332
    Identification_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
    Originator: Corkran, C.C and C. Thoms
    Publication_Date: 1996
    Title: Amphibians of Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book
    Publication_Information:
    Publication_Place: Edmonton, Alberta
    Publisher: Lone Pine Publishing
    Other_Citation_Details: pg. 175
    Identification_Reference:
    Citation_Information:
    Originator:
    Leonard, W.P., H.A. Brown, L.L.C. Jones, K.R. McAllister, and R.M. Storm
    Publication_Date: 1993
    Title: Amphibians of Washington and Oregon
    Geospatial_Data_Presentation_Form: book
    Publication_Information:
    Publication_Place: Seattle, Washington
    Publisher: Seattle Audubon Society
    Other_Citation_Details: pg. 168
    Taxonomic_Procedures:
    The principal investigator is a professional biologist capable of identifying the amphibians potentially occurring in the park. Technicians were taught to identify the embryonic, larval, and metamorphic forms of wetland breeding amphibians that occur within the area where they are working. Voucher specimens were collected at 10% of the sites to ensure that species identifications are accurate.
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Kingdom
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Animalia
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Phylum
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Chordata
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Class
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Amphibia
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Sub Class
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Apsidospondyli
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Anura
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Ranidae
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Rana
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
    Taxon_Rank_Value: aurora
    Applicable_Common_Name: red-legged frog
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Hylidae
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Hyla
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
    Taxon_Rank_Value: regilla
    Applicable_Common_Name: Pacific tree frog
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Bufonidae
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Bufo
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
    Taxon_Rank_Value: boreas
    Applicable_Common_Name: Western toad
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Order
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Caudata
    Applicable_Common_Name: salamanders
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Ambystomatidae
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Ambystoma
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
    Taxon_Rank_Value: gracile
    Applicable_Common_Name: Northwestern salamander
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
    Taxon_Rank_Value: macrodactylum
    Applicable_Common_Name: long-toed salamander
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Family
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Salamandridae
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Genus
    Taxon_Rank_Value: Taricha
    Taxonomic_Classification:
    Taxon_Rank_Name: Species
    Taxon_Rank_Value: granulose
    Applicable_Common_Name: rough-skinned newt


Who produced the data set?

  1. Who are the originators of the data set? (may include formal authors, digital compilers, and editors)

  2. Who also contributed to the data set?

    The following agencies and people contributed significantly towards the data collection and analysis: Environmental Protection Agency - Steve Diamond, Pete Trenham, Olympic National Park - Patti Happe.

  3. To whom should users address questions about the data?

    Michael J. Adams
    US Geological Survey Forest & Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
    Wildlife Biologist
    3200 SW Jefferson Way
    Corvallis, Oregon 97331
    USA

    541-754-4718 (voice)


Why was the data set created?

The study investigated the affects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on the distribution of pond-breeding amphibians.


How was the data set created?

  1. What methods were used to collect the data?

    Method 0 of 1
    Type: Field

    Each patch of wetland habitat was visited at least once during the summer months when aquatic life stages of native amphibians were likely to be present and detectable. Each wetland was sampled for amphibians, a variety of habitat variables measured, and water samples collected for later analysis. Record site ID (name), drainage name, date, start time, and the last names of all observers present. Sketch a map of the perimeter of the wetland. Visually estimate the length, width, and max depth category (<1, 1-2, or >2 m) of the wetland. Record the UTM Zone, Easting, and Northing. Use UTM (NAD27) coordinates. Enter the Error Estimate reported by the unit (e.g., estimated error in meters or PDOP#). Visually estimate the distance around the perimeter of the wetland, and determine the appropriate spacing to achieve 20 equally spaced sampling stations - fewer stations can be used if the size of the wetland does not allow for at least 10 m between stations. Walk the entire margin of the wetland, stopping at the evenly spaced stations along the shoreline to look for egg masses, larval and adult amphibians, and fish. One dipnet sweep should be made at each station to capture larvae. Release identified specimens at the point of capture. Identify any embryos or larvae to species, or if not possible preserve a voucher specimen in a labeled vial of 10% buffered formalin. For each species detected, record the species name (or a standardized code), stage(s) detected, and any notes that might be helpful in interpreting your observations (e.g., one individual or hundreds, dead animals encountered, etc.). Record if a voucher specimen was collected. At 10% of the wetlands sampled at least one voucher specimen of each species detected will be collected. These specimens are necessary as a means to assure the accuracy of species identifications made in the field. These animals will be preserved in 10% buffered formalin in labeled vials. Sufficient information will be recorded on the labels and data sheets such that it can be determined where the sample was collected and what species are represented. Characterize vegetation and substrate also at up to 20 evenly spaced stations around the perimeter of the wetland. At each station visualize a 2m wide quadrat extending from the shoreline to 3m into the wetland. Visually estimate the % of the quadrat area with either emergent vegetation that reaches the water's surface, or terrestrial vegetation that overhangs the surface. Determine which of the following substrate categories covers the largest portion of the bottom within the quadrat. Categories: Bedrock; Boulder (>300 mm); Cobble (75-300 mm); Gravel (2-75 mm); Sand (<2 mm); Silt; Leaves; Logs. Using the thermometer, measure the air temperature in the shade, and the water temperature 10 cm beneath the water's surface in a sunny area. Record air and water temperatures. pH measurements will be made in the field using Cole-Parmer "Waterproof pH Tester 2" field meters. Conductivity measurements will be made in the field using Cole-Parmer "Waterproof TDS Tester" field meters. Calibrate both meters according to manufacturers instructions at the beginning of each day. Calibrate pH meter using pH 4 and 7 stock buffers and the conductivity meter to 1413 microSiemens calibration packet. 120-ml water samples for DOC spectral scans will be collected at all wetlands. One 60-ml sample for DOC concentration analysis will be collected and filtered at 10% of wetlands, and one 250 ml sample (NOT filtered) for pH and ANC (acid-neutralizing capacity) will be collected at 10% of wetlands. The elevation of the local horizon and potentially shading vegetation surrounding each wetland and will be measured and mapped. Take measurements from either the center of the wetland (if the wetland is shallow) or from the northern most point on the perimeter of the wetland. Use a clinometer to measure the elevation angle, in degrees, to the top of geological or vegetative structures. Using a compass, take angle measurements starting at 70 degrees true-north and at every 20 degree intervals up to 290 degrees. Record elevations only for objects that significantly shade the wetland (i.e., shade at least 20% of the wetland surface for more than 2 hours. Take one to several photos of each wetland so that the aquatic area and some of the surrounding landscape can be viewed. Record information about the wetlands and the data collection operations that don't fit into any of the more standardized reporting spaces in the "Notes" section of the datasheet. Notes on local abundance of species, their behavior, or any other interesting observations should be reported here. General descriptions of the wetland and surrounding habitats may also be useful. Record the time at which sampling activities were completed in the "End Time" box. Prior to leaving each site an assigned crew leader should check the data sheets for completeness, accuracy, and legibility.

  2. From what previous works were the data drawn?

  3. How were the data generated, processed, and modified?

    Date: Unknown (process 1 of 1)
    original data - no processing

  4. What similar or related data should the user be aware of?


How reliable are the data; what problems remain in the data set?

  1. How well have the observations been checked?

    Field data were entered into a PC database. All data entries were reviewed to ensure that the data were accurately entered. Estimates of the accuracy of survey and measurement techniques were made by having 5 easily accessible wetlands (Index Sites) where teams will conduct 5 repeated samplings each during the summer. Before leaving each sampling site the assigned crew leader reviewed the data sheets. Data sheets were checked for 1) legibility; 2) completeness; and 3) accuracy. All records are in easily readable print; rewrite entries that could be confusing. Any conspicuously empty data fields have been explained or filled. All data entries were also checked for plausibility, and surprising entries checked with the other team members to make sure they are not typos.

  2. How accurate are the geographic locations?

  3. How accurate are the heights or depths?

  4. Where are the gaps in the data? What is missing?

    Ephemeral ponds were excluded from surveys if they were judged to become dry before the end of the larval development period (i.e. ponds would not hold water long enough to be considered potential amphibian breeding habitat).

  5. How consistent are the relationships among the observations, including topology?

    Refer to Attribute Accuracy Report


How can someone get a copy of the data set?

Are there legal restrictions on access or use of the data?

Access_Constraints:
data will be available after research results have been published
Use_Constraints: none


Who wrote the metadata?

Dates:
Last modified: 15-Feb-2001
Last Reviewed: 01-Mar-2001
Metadata author:
Metadata Coordinator
U.S. Geological Survey Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
3200 SW Jefferson Way
Corvallis, OR 97331

541-750-7343 (voice)
541-758-7761 (FAX)
george_lienkaemper@usgs.gov

Metadata standard:
FGDC Biological Data Profile of the Content Standard for Digital Geospatial Metadata (FGDC-STD-001.1-1999)


Generated by mp version 2.8.10 on Wed Apr 12 13:16:14 2006