Hobbies And Interests
Earthquakes
An earthquake is the sudden release of energy accumulated in the earth's crust in the form of seismic waves. Earthquakes can vary in severity; smaller tremors happen almost daily in various parts of the world. Severe earthquakes, however, can cause widespread damage, especially in the areas close to fault lines. Earthquakes can cause entire buildings and trees to fall downtown. This accumulation of detritus and loss of habitats affects local terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems. Additionally, earthquakes can cause tsunamis which effect oceanic ecosystems.
Floods and Droughts
Floods and droughts are two types of extreme disturbances on opposite ends of the spectrum that can affect ecosystems. Floods are caused when bodies of water overfill due to excessive rainfall or snow melt. When this happens, river currents tend to increase, stirring up more silt at the bottom of these bodies of water, making it harder for bottom-feeders to find food. However, many areas that experience frequent flooding have organisms that have adapted to this. Droughts are caused by long periods of high temperatures and a lower levels of rainfall, leading to a water shortage. This evaporation can cause fish to become trapped in separated bodies of water, while animals that rely on the water for sustenance can become dehydrated.
Tsunamis and Hurricanes
Tsunamis and hurricanes both affect coastal terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. Tsunamis are large waves or wave trains caused by an event causing a displacement of water, such as an earthquake. Tsunamis can be devastating to coastal terrestrial and especially oceanic ecosystems as they cause a physical change in the ecosystems, killing and displacing the living and non-living organisms of the region, while increasing the toxicity and changing the chemical make up of the water. Hurricanes are storms caused by low pressure systems that create high winds and rainstorms. The effects of hurricanes on ecosystems are similar to that of tsunamis.
Human Distrubances
There are many man-made disturbances that can also affect ecosystems. For instance, forests are often affected negatively by human disturbances, such as forest fires and clear cutting or deforestation. When large expanses of the forest are cleared in this manner, the habitats of area flora and fauna are removed, making it harder for these organisms to survive. Additionally, deforestation can cause landslides, which also negatively affect ecosystems.