Environmental Impact of Hurricanes & Jellyfish

Hurricane Harvey's Impact

• Hurricane Harvey caused significant destruction in Texas, particularly in Port Aransas and Houston.
• Harvey's eye destroyed the University of Texas' Marine Science Institute, a critical facility for research.
• The hurricane caused widespread flooding, leading to numerous deaths by drowning.
• Chemical plant explosions and the release of toxic chemicals from Superfund sites further exacerbated the disaster.

Jellyfish and Climate Change

• The author uses jellyfish as a representation of the changes occurring in marine ecosystems due to climate change.
• Jellyfish thrive in warmer waters and are not as susceptible to pollution and low oxygen levels, giving them an advantage over fish.
• Increased jellyfish populations can disrupt ecosystems, impacting fish populations and harming coastal economies.

Increased Jellyfish Populations

• In the eastern Mediterranean, a jellyfish species from the Indian Ocean now flourishes due to warming waters.
• These jellyfish can cause pain to beachgoers and disrupt power plant operations.
• Rampant coastal development provides ideal habitat for jellyfish to reproduce.
• Polluted waters, created by humans, provide a favorable environment for jellyfish survival.
• Overfishing has led to a decrease in natural predators of jellyfish, allowing their populations to expand unchecked.

This quiz explores the devastating effects of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, including the destruction of critical research facilities and the environmental aftermath. It also examines the relationship between jellyfish populations and climate change, highlighting how warming waters affect marine ecosystems.