Variables that identify the sample are (in this order): Creek Side Transect Habitat Date. These identifiers should all be entered in separate columns in the data set.
After that are the attributes of the sample – that is whatever it is you measured (temperature, chlorophyll, abundance of an organisms etc.).
If your measurement is not on a transect, use the approximate meter mark along the creek to locate the sample and then use an attribute column to indicate the distance away from the creek up in the platform.
Use Capital letters for all abbreviations.
The first two letters of the creek name identify Creeks.
Side is designated L (left) and R (right) when facing upstream of the confluence.
Transects are T#.
Habitat is a two or three letter abbreviation.
Date is in the 2-digit day, first 3 letters of month and two digit year format (e.g. 01 Jan 03).
For example, if you sample on the left side of Sweeny Creek at transect 3 in the mud flat on June 16, 2003 your label would be: SW L T3 MF 16 JUN 03.
Abbreviations
Creeks
CL - Clubhead
NE - Nelson
SW - Sweeney
WE - West
SA - Sand
SH – Shad
Branch
L - left
R- right
Transects
T1 - Transect 1
T2 - Transect 2
T3 - Transect 3
Habitat
CH - Channel
MF - Mud Flat (the
habitat formerly known as Slope)
FA - Filamentous Algae
TSA - Tall Spartina alterniflora
SP - Spartina patens
MD - Mosquito Ditch
JU- Juncus sp.
DS - Disticulus spicata
SSA - Short S. alterniflora-
PD -
Pond