Sample interview questions: How do you assess and monitor the impacts of urban development on the connectivity of freshwater habitats?
Sample answer:
Assessing and Monitoring Urban Development Impacts on Connectivity
Habitat Mapping and Characterization:
- Delineate freshwater habitats (e.g., rivers, lakes, wetlands) within the urban landscape using GIS or remote sensing.
- Characterize habitat connectivity attributes (e.g., width, length, vegetation cover, physical barriers) using field surveys and modeling.
Flow and Water Quality Monitoring:
- Monitor surface water flows and velocity to identify potential flow barriers or restrictions.
- Assess water quality parameters (e.g., dissolved oxygen, nutrients, sediment) to evaluate habitat suitability and connectivity.
Biological Surveys:
- Conduct fish, macroinvertebrate, and riparian vegetation surveys along interconnected habitats to determine species movement and distribution.
- Identify potential ecological barriers (e.g., culverts, dams) that impede movement between habitats.
Hydrologic Modeling:
- Develop hydrologic models (e.g., HEC-RAS, SWMM) to simulate flow patterns and identify areas of potential dis… Read full answer