Catastrophic Events Predictions (H, T, V, EQ)

• What path is this representing?

  Tornado

  
• How would animals, such as cows or horses, be impacted by a tornado that goes through the field where they are grazing (eating on the land)?


  They can die or be injured when hit by flying debris.
• What could happen if a tornado goes through a set of power lines?

  Forest fires can be started due to this. 
• Would burrowing or grazing animals be at a greater threat from a tornado? Why?

  Grazing animals would be at a greater risk because they would be directly exposed to a tornado. Burrowing animals could burrow themselves below ground and stay safe.
• A hurricane's storm surge can drive animals out of their natural habitats into neighborhoods. Why is this an issue?

  Animals and humans can have a negative interaction causing harm to one or both of them. Example: crocodiles and humans do not mix very well…
• What often happens to the mosquito populations after a hurricane?

  Mosquitoes thrive after rainfall because they lay their eggs in standing water. The population would increase.
• What might happen to migratory birds if they encounter a hurricane with high winds while flying over the Gulf of Mexico?

  Migratory birds will have to fly through high winds. Birds are typically not strong enough to do this and will die from being unable to fly anymore before making it to land. 
• What often happens to hillsides when they get too saturated by rainfall?

  A landslide may occur. This is where the dirt/mud on the hill falls down to the base of the hill. 
• Why do so many plants die after a hurricane?

  The saltwater that is washed onto coastal areas decreases the turgor pressure in the plant causing the plant to die. 
• Why do so many plants die after a hurricane?


  Plants inland can be swept away from flood waters and can die from receiving too much water. 
• Why is it beneficial to live at an island's higher elevation when a hurricane comes?

  Living in an area of higher elevation is beneficial because you are less likely to experience flooding. 
• How does flooding impact vegetation? 

  Trees, just like other plants, can be uprooted or die from too much water. Soil can be washed away. 
• How does flooding impact vegetation? 

  Debris can take up much of the landscape blocking plants from growing until the debris is cleaned up.
• How can an earthquake impact the environment? 

  Damage to structures that can cause harm to organisms nearby. Cracks will be created in the ground.
• Volcanoes can produce ash clouds in the sky. What negative things can a cloud of ash cause?


  Clouds of ash can change the climate to be cooler by blocking out the sun. This in turn will cause a lower growth of plants in the area.
• Why are fires positive and sometimes get set on purpose by park rangers?

  • It clears the forest floor to increase the amount of light reaching it. This can cause new growth. 
• Why are fires positive and sometimes get set on purpose by park rangers?

  • Gives nutrients to the soil. 
• Why are fires positive and sometimes get set on purpose by park rangers?

  • Germination of seeds that need heat to complete a plant's life cycle.
• What biome experiences the most wildfires by lightning?

  Grasslands/Prairies
•  What often happens to freshwater (rivers, lakes, streams) during floods?

  There will be an increase in runoff of toxins and fertilizers into the waterways such as streams and rivers.