Conceptual models

Conceptual models are concise and visually-stimulating illustrations that use symbols or drawings to depict the important features, processes and management challenges in a particular environment, such as coastal waterways. This is accomplished using the most current knowledge or understanding of that particular environment and is presented in a way that is easy to understand. More introduction ...

Coastal wetland classification

Many wetland classification systems are in use within Australia. Most are hierarchical and based on biophysical or physicochemical features. More ...

Estuarine typology

The broad diversity of Australian estuaries means that it is often necessary to divide them into 'groups' or 'types' which are more closely related to one another. This may be done for a number of reasons, including the identification of estuaries for uniqueness within a catchment or conservation estate, for the identification of monitoring needs, for management purposes, etc. More...

Estuarine science models

Geomorphic models: Embayments and drowned river valleys, Wave-dominated estuaries, Wave-dominated deltas, Coastal lagoons and strandplains, Tide-dominated estuaries, Tide-dominated deltas, and Tidal creeks
Process models: Hydrological processes, Sediment trapping and stabilisation, Physical habitat, Food webs, and Nutrient cycling
Threat models: Dredging, and Draining and Infill

Stressor models

ph conceptual model View new conceptual models illustrating 13 important stressors affecting your waterways:
pH (changed from natural), Aquatic sediments (changed from natural), Biota removal/disturbance, Connectivity (changed from natural), Nutrients (changed from natural), Freshwater flow regime (changed from natural) , Habitat removal/disturbance, Hydrodynamics (changed from natural), Litter, Organic matter (changed from natural), Bacteria/pathogens, Pest (plant, animal) species and Toxicants.

Build your own conceptual models

Build a conceptual model depicting estuary condition and catchment pressures/stressors using estuary templates and drop and drag icons.
Conceptual model templates for the seven different types of estuaries and coastal waterways have been developed. You can use these templates and the drop and drag icons provided to build conceptual models representing causal pressures in your catchment and the stressors that impact upon your waterway.