Pollution
What is pollution?
Pollution is when harmful substances are added to the environment, making it dirty or unsafe.
What is runoff?
Runoff is water that flows over the ground, often carrying pollutants into rivers or oceans.
What is a natural disaster?
A natural disaster is a destructive event caused by nature, such as an earthquake, flood, or hurricane.
What is an algae bloom?
An algae bloom is when there is a rapid growth of algae in water, often turning the water green or brown.
What is coastal erosion?
Coastal erosion is the process of the shoreline being worn away by the action of waves, tides, and weather.
What is an example of air pollution?
Car exhaust, factory smoke, or burning fossil fuels.
Where does runoff water usually come from?
Rain, melting snow, or irrigation water.
What causes a tsunami?
A tsunami is usually caused by an underwater earthquake or volcanic eruption.
What causes algae blooms in water?
Algae blooms are often caused by excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers or pollution.
Why is coastal erosion harmful?
Coastal erosion can damage homes, roads, and buildings near the shore, destroy habitats for wildlife, and lead to the loss of beaches and important coastal features.
Which type of pollution affects water and can harm fish?
Water pollution, caused by chemicals, trash, or waste in rivers and oceans.
Why is runoff dangerous to rivers and lakes?
It can carry pollution, like chemicals or trash, into the water, harming the environment.
What is the name of a storm that forms over warm ocean water and has strong winds?
A hurricane (or typhoon/cyclone, depending on the region)
Why are algae blooms harmful to fish and other animals?
Algae blooms can deplete oxygen in the water, which harms or kills fish and other creatures.
What are some causes of coastal erosion?
Causes of coastal erosion include natural factors like storms, rising sea levels, and strong waves, as well as human activities like construction and sand mining.
How does plastic pollution affect animals in the ocean?
Animals like turtles or fish can get caught in plastic or mistake it for food, which can harm or kill them.
What is one way to reduce runoff pollution?
Planting trees or grass to absorb water and prevent it from running off into streets or rivers.
What should you do if there is a tornado warning?
Go to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor away from windows.
What can be done to prevent harmful algae blooms?
Reducing pollution from farms and factories, and treating wastewater can help prevent blooms.
What is one way to prevent or reduce coastal erosion?
One way to reduce coastal erosion is by building protective structures like sea walls, groins, or breakwaters, which help absorb the energy of waves and protect the shore.
What is one way people can reduce pollution?
Recycle, use less plastic, or use cleaner energy like solar power.
How do urban areas contribute to runoff problems?
With more concrete and asphalt, water cannot soak into the ground, and it flows into storm drains, carrying pollutants.
What is an earthquake, and how can it affect people?
An earthquake is the shaking of the ground due to the movement of the Earth’s tectonic plates, and it can cause buildings to collapse and landslides.
What is one way algae blooms affect humans?
Algae blooms can produce toxins that contaminate drinking water, making it unsafe for humans.
What is a barrier that can help reduce coastal erosion by absorbing wave energy?
Coral reef, mangrove forests, sand dunes.