Catastrophic Events

Predict the effect a volcanic eruption would have on the plants and animals in the environment.

Natural Catastrophic events can greatly affect the environment

A Volcanic eruption can fill the atmosphere with dust particles

• These dust particles can remain in the atmosphere for years

Volcanic dust in the atmosphere will block sunlight and reduce available energy.

The reduction in thermal energy can cause a decrease in temperature.

Plants won’t receive the energy necessary for photosynthesis.

Without plants to eat animals will be affected.

Dust in the atmosphere will also reduce the energy from the sun that drive the water cycle.

Change in Earth’s cycles can effect climates and ecosystems

In addition to volcanoes, large meteorite and asteroid impacts can fill the atmosphere with dust.

Hurricanes and other storms can cause massive beach erosion and kill plants and animals