The purpose of this module is to demonstrate the instruments and field techniques used to collect data on the physical parameters of lakes and oceans. Characteristics that were measured included turbidity, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, current speed and direction, wind speed and direction, pH, and bottom sediment characteristics.
     Lab exercise ideas are provided, but actual lab activities will depend on the frequency, time period, and quality of data collected. A lab exercise is provided to show how the collected field data were imported into Excel spreadsheet format and mapped. Techniques for using the collected field data to prepare spatial maps of water characteristics are also provided.