August 17,

1964

(cont.)

Gessel--completed work 8/138/64--this note represents a summary of observations; data analysis must await material processing.
1.

Bikini soils are potentially very productive--high
organic content after even severe disturbances.

2.

Present plant population is vigorous and generally shows
little evidence of deficiencies.

ve ¥ me

3.

Most of the island is in a secondary succession as coco-

Scaevola, Cordia now
6

dominant.

4.

Plant and soil insect life seem to be normal.

5.

One well produced adequate supply of potable water.
Fresh water lens is apparently a good one.

6.

Other factors being favorable,

Bikini Island could be

made into a productive island.

ays Aad ern B

Bonham--Observations on invertebrates were made in the lagoon
‘od

’

%
ee rrntaAnd x z ae ie es

a

nut and grass vegetation is gone.

and on the reef flat.

The ocean reef appeared almost devoid of

invertebrate life over a region 1/2 to 5/6 of the way from the
beach slope to surge channels.
Heliopora,

a few

dominated the

(about 1/1000

Coral heads with fringing growth of
£t*)

T.

crocea up to 6" long,

pre-

inner third of the reef flat where the water was

fe

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