Module 3 (1st year) Anthropogenic Disasters Flashcards
What are anthropogenic disasters?
Disasters that result from human activities or actions and have a significant and detrimental impact upon the environment,society or economy.
Mention 4 examples of anthropogenic disasters which have happened.
1) The nuclear disaster of Chernobyl (Ukraine) (26th April 1986)
The reactor nuclear power plant exploded which sent massive amounts of DDT and radiation in the atmosphere.
2) Bhopal (India) : pesticide leak which caused harmful effects upon the neighbourhood due to toxic metal gas escaping (methyl)
3) Pripyat (an example of rewilding) (Ukraine) The environment is actually taking over this area because of the high levels of radiation after the Chernobyl disaster.
4) Love Canal in Niagra falls; industrial toxic waste which was disposed irregularly. Caused an explosion and killed hundreds of people
Define bioaccumulation.
The introduction of harmful substances that will affect an entire ecosystem
Mention some other anthropogenic disasters or affects or irresponsibly disposed toxic waste.
The Exxon Valdez incident: (oil tanker disaster in Alaska)
10.8 million gallons of oil were spilled in the Alaskan pristine waters,which affected the entire ecosystem. Hundred of organsims perished.
The Minamata Disease:: Japan (Kyushu)
Toxic waste was being disposed irresponsibly which caused the coast to be polluted. Humans started to develop symptoms like convulsions or paralysis,due to ingesting fish which was loaded with high levels of mercury.
