Warm-Up3/31/15

What is a catastrophic event?

Give 3 examples of natural events and 3 examples of man-made events.

Destroys plants in the areaKills animals or their habitatsReleases contaminated materials from

buildingsSoil erosion, water pollutionDangerous emissions from burning debris

Effect on Ecosystem: Tornado

Effect on Ecosystem: Flood

Polluted runoff will be carried back into water Plants and animals may drown, throwing off

the food chain

Aquatic (water) Ecosystems: Mixing of salt and fresh water Polluted runoff goes back into the water

Terrestrial (land) Ecosystems: Soil erosion Kill mangrove forests; birds cannot rest there anymore Destroys sea grass beds

Effect on Ecosystem: Hurricane

Kills native plant species Allows opportunity for invasive plants to take over Increase carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere Increased soil erosion due to flash floods

Effect on Ecosystem: Wildfire