The Baseline - Mining and the Environment: From Ore to Metal - page 380

Interpreting Data

Data interpretation is the process of asking questions to arrive at i ndings and conclusions.
Findings are objective observations about data. Conclusions are how we explain why data
look the way they do. For example, consider water quality monitoring conducted down-
stream from a proposed mine. Findings indicate high turbidity and limited water clarity.
Based on the spatial and temporal variations in these parameters, we can draw conclu-
sions as to whether or not turbidity is caused by exploration activities, logging, high rain-
fall event, or other natural or human events, and whether or not turbidity alone is the sole
cause of decreased water clarity.
Questions like the following help us to arrive at i ndings:

●

How do data compare with reference data (standards, control sites, quality goals, etc.)?

●

Are there seasonal differences in results?

●

Did natural events such as rainfall or wind affect results?

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Do results change in a consistent manner upstream or downstream?

●

Do changes in one parameter coincide with changes in another?

It is also helpful to consider data as part of the bigger scientii c picture by considering
how data i t the established and accepted ecological models ( Table 8.9 ). This approach
converts data into information by analyzing data in context. Data are analyzed holisti-
cally using one of many conceptual scientii c models, such as hydrological, biochemical or
demographic cycles. Accordingly, data and environmental components are not only ana-
lyzed according to their isolated attributes, but also in the context of their interactions.

It is helpful to consider data
as part of the bigger scientifi c
picture by considering how data
fi t the established and accepted
ecological models.

TABLE 8.9
Data and Ecological Models

Ecological model/cycle Description

Atmospheric energy cycle Balance of radiation, refl ection, and dispersion in the atmosphere, emission of long-wave energy, transfer of

sensitive heat (temperature) and latent heat (evaporation) to the atmosphere

Hydrological cycle Evaporation and evapotranspiration, atmospheric moisture (relative and absolute moisture, points and nuclei

of concentration), condensation (clouds, fogs, mists), precipitation (rainfall and solid forms), infi ltration, runoff,
and water storage (groundwater, snow, and glaciers)

Pollution cycle Emission of particles (total and breathable), transportation and diffusion by air-water or through the soil,

suspension in dry and liquid media, dry precipitation and rainfall (acid rain), emission or deposit
(concentration in the air, water, and soil)

Carbon, phosphate, nitrogen, or sulphates when passing through the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere,
and biosphere

Biogeochemical cycles or
element-transformation cycles

Trophic chains Primary, secondary, and tertiary productivity levels; trophic levels; prey-predator or

producer-consumer-reducer relationships

Demographic cycles Population dynamics, relationship between birth and mortality rates, levels of morbidity and risk for

populations, growth curves and rates, migratory balances

Economic growth rates, composition and evolution of the gross domestic product, main activities, occupation,
and labour productivity

Economic cycles

Social components indicating
accumulation in socioeconomic cycles

Society's values regarding the environment, educational levels, quality of housing, saving and investment rates,
added value levels, population per services