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Catastrophic Events and Their Impact on Ecosystems

Explore different catastrophic events like tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, droughts, and fires that negatively impact the ecosystem. Learn about their causes, impacts, and consequences on vegetation, structures, waterways, wildlife, and air quality.

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Catastrophic Events and Their Impact on Ecosystems

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  1. Catastrophic Events You may want to write these down

  2. Catastrophic Events • Any major event that impacts the ecosystem, usually in a negative way.

  3. Tornado • High winds generated by weather patterns (when warm air and colder air collide) • Funnel cloud formed that may or may not reach the ground • Impact: • Wind damage to vegetation and structures • Possibility of pollution from scattered debris

  4. Flood • High water that goes beyond its usual boundaries • May result from rain fall, snow/ice melt, or hurricanes (storm surge) • Impact: • Results in pollution of waterways as debris is swept into water • Damage to vegetation and structures • Drowning of animals or stranding marine animals on land after water recedes

  5. Earthquakes • Shifting of the Earth or ocean floor due to movement of tectonic plates along fault lines • Measured on a scale of 1-10 (Richter) • Impacts: • Damage to vegetation and structures • May result in Tsunamis if event happens near or under the ocean • Gas or sewage lines may rupture resulting in fires and/or pollution

  6. Tsunami • A large wall of water that forms as a result of an earthquake on the coast or under the ocean. • Impact: • Drowning and displacement of many organisms • Damage to coastal vegetation • Pollution of water ways due to debris

  7. Hurricane • Large storms resulting from warm water, high humidity, and changing wind patterns. • Forms over the water with an easily identified rotational pattern and heavy rain • Usually does not stay organized over land

  8. Hurricane continued • Impact: • Storm Surge – wall of water that is pushed onto land due to the pressure of the storm • Damage to coastal vegetation (due to exposure to salt water) • High winds cause damage to vegetation and structures • Increased coastal erosion and deposition

  9. Drought • Extended periods with no precipitation • Impact: • Death of vegetation and primary consumers • Decreased air quality due to lack of vegetation • Increased erosion due to lack of vegetation • Increased risk of fires due to lack of moisture

  10. Fire • Fire – natural (lightning, man) • Impact: • Destruction of vegetation and structures • Increased potential for erosion due to lack of vegetation • Creates air pollution • Returns nutrients to soil • Allow for new growth

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