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