Practice 9_Climate and Aquatic Systems

Climate and Aquatic Systems

Wetland Importance

• Wetlands in Texas are vital for ecological balance and biodiversity.

• They provide essential services:

  • Flood control and water regulation: Wetlands help absorb excess water during floods.

  • Water filtration and Quality improvements: They filter pollutants from water, improving overall water quality.

  • Habitat for wildlife: Support diverse species, maintaining ecosystems.

  • Support fisheries and economy: Act as breeding grounds and provide economic resources for fishing communities.

Climate Change

• Definition: Refers to long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, primarily due to human activities.

• Causes:

  • Burning fossil fuels.

  • Deforestation.

  • Industrial processes that increase greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations, such as CO₂ and methane.

• Increased GHGs trap heat in the atmosphere, causing global temperatures to rise.

Changes in Hydrology

• Increased Droughts:

  • Rising temperatures and reduced rainfall lower water levels in rivers, reservoirs, and wetlands.

• Altered Flow Patterns:

  • Increased droughts disrupt natural water cycles, affecting fish populations and aquatic plant life.

• Greater Water Demand:

  • Increased evaporation and human demand for water will further reduce available freshwater resources.

Flood Control

• Stronger Hurricanes and Heavy Rainfall Events:

  • More intense storms can overwhelm wetlands and rivers, causing flash floods and damage.

• Rapid Runoff & Erosion:

  • Intense rainfall causes quick runoff rather than absorption, reducing wetland effectiveness.

• Drought & Development:

  • Prolonged droughts and urban expansion will reduce wetland size, lowering water storage capacity.

• Deforestation & Land Use Changes:

  • Increased temperatures and development lead to loss of vegetation, worsening flood impacts.

Increased Temperature

• Warmer Atmosphere, Warmer Water:

  • Rising air temperatures increase water body temperatures, disrupting aquatic life.

• More Frequent Droughts:

  • Higher evaporation rates lead to reduced freshwater availability in rivers and streams.

• Destruction of Riparian Buffers:

  • Loss of trees and vegetation that maintain stable water temperatures increases heat stress.

Sea-Level Rising

• Increased Salinity in Rivers and Wetlands:

  • Inland seawater intrusion affects freshwater species' survival in sources like the Rio Grande.

• Drowning of Wetlands:

  • Coastal marshes may become submerged, reducing habitats for essential marine species.

• More Frequent Coastal Flooding:

  • Increased storm surges will flood ecosystems and human settlements.

Invasive Species and Habitat Shifts

• Warmer Temperatures Favor Invasive Species:

  • Invaders thrive in warmer climates, changing ecosystem dynamics.

• Shrinking Wetlands:

  • Drought and water extraction lead to loss of wetland areas.

• Forest Composition Changes:

  • Native species struggle, while drought-resistant trees expand their range.

Carbon Sequestration

• Plant Absorption:

  • Wetland vegetation absorbs CO₂ during photosynthesis.

• Carbon Storage in Biomass:

  • Some captured carbon remains stored in plant structures.

• Soil Carbon Storage:

  • Organic matter decomposes slowly in wetland soil, allowing long-term carbon storage.

Wetland Methane Emissions

• Texas wetlands play a dual role in carbon sequestration and methane emissions.

• Climate change conditions may increase methane output due to:

  • Rising temperatures.

  • Changes in water levels.

  • Increased organic decomposition.

• Ebullition: Release of methane bubbles from wetland sediments.

Conservation

• Various organizations work to protect and restore wetlands:

  • Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

  • U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

  • Local conservation groups.

• Restoration Projects: Help maintain wetland ecosystems.

• Laws like the Clean Water Act: Provide some regulatory measures, though enforcement and challenges persist.