Issue Within the Tundra Biome
KEEP YOUR ECOSYSTEMS SAFEF!!!
Tundra
The tundra is the coldest of all biomes, and is known frost-molded landscapes, extremely low temperatures, little precipitation, poor nutrients, and short growing seasons. Characteristics of the tundra include:
- Extremely cold climate
- Low biotic diversity
- Simple vegetation structure
- Limitation of drainage
- Short season of growth and reproduction
- Energy and nutrients in the form of dead organic material
- Large population oscillations
Tundra biomes can be found in the Northern Hemisphere as well as located on mountains throughout the world at high altitude.
March 4th 1989
On March 4th 1989 a little after midnight, a very regretful event occurred. The oil tanker Exxon Valdez struck Bligh reef in William Sound, Alaska. A dreadful eleven million gallons of crude oil was spilled into the ocean, and was recorded as one of the largest spills in U.S. history. Because of the size of the spill and the relatively remote location it complicated the clean up process and challenged existing plans in dealing with such situations.
Cleaning the Mess
Even with the many difficulties three main methods were tried in the effort to clean the mess including; burning, mechanical cleanup, and chemical dispersants.
The spill posed threats to the delicate food chain. Many species were threatened including ten million migratory birds and Waterfowls, hundreds of sea otters, and dozens of other species (Harbor porpoises, sea lions and whales). The ecosystem suffered, and in the long run was a downside for society.
Solution To The Problem
There are many possible solutions to this problem, however the one that we are focusing on is the use of air and land transportation. If we were to transport dangerous liquids such as oil by land and air instead of by boat, then we would be eliminating many potential threats. It could mean no more oil spills an as a result a healthy and clean ocean. A positive impact of this solution is that it could offer more jobs and in turn reducing unemployment. As well as giving us as a country more time to clean the ocean from previous accidents and other issues, making our earth healthier in the long run.