Sources of Curiosity
Questions from September 16 walk
Why are the water levels so low in the marsh?
A review of rainfall from the past five years shows us that the period from June through August 2025 have been abnormally dry. In addition, the Maine Drought Monitor website reveals that August was the 9th driest on record and that Knox County is experiencing severe drought
Why are the minnows in the marsh suffering and dying?
Through discussion, we identified several possible causes of stress on the minnow populations in the marsh, including:
High water temperatures brought on by low water levels
Low oxygen levels brought on by high water temperatures
High salinity levels brought on by tidal influx
As it happens, Mrs. Palmer and her class measured the salinity of the marsh water and found readings from 15 parts per thousand (PPT) to 35 PPT. The salinity of seawater is about 35 PPT, so tidal influx is definitely affecting the lower marsh. We have not yet found a device to measure dissolved oxygen.