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Catastrophic Events. You may want to write these down. Catastrophic Events. Any major event that impacts the ecosystem, usually in a negative way. 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
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Catastrophic Events You may want to write these down
Catastrophic Events • Any major event that impacts the ecosystem, usually in a negative way.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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