Question

Make two bar graphs (for granite and andesite) comparing the mean amounts of each element weathered from rocks in the control and experimental microcosms. (Hint: For an experimental microcosm, what sum represents the total amount weathered from rocks?)

Short answer

To assess mineral discharge from rocks, the researchers put up experimental and control microcosms. They began by placing volcanic rock fragments (granite or andesite) into little glass vessels.

They then mixed water with macerated (chopped and crushed) Physcomitrella patens moss, and the combination was added to the experimental microcosms. They filtered out the moss and only introduced water to the control microcosms.

They assessed the levels of various minerals (calcium, magnesium, and potassium) in the control and experimental microcosms after 130 days and recorded the data.

Step-by-step solution

Outline of the experiment

To assess mineral discharge from rocks, the researchers put up experimental and control microcosms. They began by placing volcanic rock fragments (granite or andesite) into little glass vessels.

They then mixed water with macerated (chopped and crushed) Physcomitrella patens moss, and the combination was added to the experimental microcosms. They filtered out the moss and only introduced water to the control microcosms.

They assessed the levels of various minerals (calcium, magnesium, and potassium) in the control and experimental microcosms after 130 days and recorded the data.

Bar graph for granite

The elements released from the granite were plotted on the graph's x-axis, whereas the mean weathered amount in micromole (µmol) was plotted on the y-axis. The graph contains two rectangular bars for each element, one bar for control and the other for experimental microsomes.

Bar graph for andesite

The elements released from the andesite were plotted on the graph's x-axis, whereas the mean weathered amount in micromole (µmol) was plotted on the y-axis. The graph contains two rectangular bars for each element, one bar for control and the other for experimental microsomes.