Barrons AP Environmental Science

flooding.

Mining Mine wastes  (spoils)    are often   deposited   in  the

floodplain.

Oil exploration and

spills

See the Gulf    of  Mexico  Oil Spill   Case    Study.

Pumping

groundwater

Pumping large   quantities  of  water   from    springs

lowers  nearby  groundwater and can result  in  the

loss    of  wetland vegetation.

Recreation Boating, all-terrain vehicles,   etc.,   disturb

sediments,  which   affects breeding    grounds for

fish    and other   wildlife    and also    produces    noise

pollution,  which   affects wildlife    behavior.

Roads   and railroads Roads and railroads   narrow  the floodplain  and

increase    flooding.   They    create  low-quality

wetlands    upslope of  the roads   by  interrupting

surface water   and groundwater flows,  which

reduces sediment    renewal,    resulting   in  a   loss    of

nutrients   for native  vegetation. This    also    affects

higher  trophic levels. Lack    of  sediment    renewal

also    affects fish    nurseries   and bird    breeding

grounds.    Dumping fill    material    buries  hydric  soil

and lowers  the water   table   so  that    water-loving

plants  (hydrophytic)   cannot  compete with    upland

plants.

Major Environmental Threats

■ The   creation    of  dams    and water-diversion systems blocks  migration

routes  for fish    and wildlife    and disrupts    habitats.

■ Water withdrawal  for human   use shrinks and degrades    habitats.

■ Runoff    from    agricultural    and urban   areas   hurts   water   quality.

■ Overexploitation  and pollution   threaten    groundwater supplies.

■ An    invasion    of  exotic  species can harm    native  animals and plants.

SOLUTIONS