Many factors play an essential role in shaping the ongoing history. But things like water has been at the center of shaping humanity as we know it. More importantly, rivers have played an imperative role in supporting our needs unless we start talking about floods.
However, that is not to say that flood only causes devastation since certain floods are crucial in supporting the local ecosystem. This can confuse many about the true impact of floodwater on terrestrial ecosystems. If this question interests you, we should check out true facts to better understand the matter.
Different Impacts Of Floodwater On Terrestrial Ecosystems
As you might have already known, flood water has good and bad impacts on any terrestrial ecosystem while disrupting normalcy. However, there are also specific positive implications of floodwater in terms of supporting the ecosystem. Understanding both of these impacts is vital to uncovering the root of the issue, so let's get started.
Adverse Impact Of Floodwater On Terrestrial Ecosystems
Erosion And Sedimentation
Erosion and sedimentation are among the most common issues of floodwater altering the landscape. In multiple cases, it has been evident that excess floodwater results in riverbed erosion, ultimately leading to the collapse of those banks. This erosion further leads to sediments flowing into the river water, causing pollution. Besides that, floods can even contribute to algae growth, altering the balance in the terrestrial ecosystem.
The other concern here is the extra sediments into the river settle along riverbeds ahead, causing them to clog. This can have a trickle effect resulting in the = blockage of streams, causing more devastation in the ecosystem around. Ultimately, sedimentation and erosion can cause devastation to ecosystems that have already undergone extreme alteration.
Facilitate the Spread of Diseases
The natural terrestrial ecosystem is very fragile, with multiple organisms working in tandem to sustain the ecosystem naturally. Hence, it is not surprising that a specific terrestrial species might not always be immune to a foreign virus or disease. Generally, this does not make much of a difference, but things can change for the worse in cases of flooding events.
It is much easier to spread foreign diseases from a single fragile ecosystem to another in cases of floods. These diseases can easily cover vast distances hitching a ride with floodwater allowing them to acquire new targets without immunity, causing very severe impacts on any terrestrial ecosystem, especially those on the lower end of the food chain. Some can even travel up toward the food chain and cause more devastation.
Cause Harm To The Wildlife
Floodwater disrupting the existing terrestrial ecosystem is one of the most apparent consequences one can think of. You see, terrestrial wildlife has not yet adapted to survive with so much water, leading to widespread death among the terrestrial wildlife around unless they can find a way to dodge the flood.
It is almost an annual event where floods sweep across areas, causing animals to head for the higher ground. Unfortunately, many animals even lose their lives while making this commute, primarily because of their contact with human settlements and road accidents.
However, it is worth noting that local authorities are now using advanced flood detection tactics to mitigate these damages to the greatest extent. Besides that, local communities are also working together to address these issues with the limited resources they have at their disposal.
Positive Impacts of Floodwater On Terrestrial Ecosystems
Floodwater Can Recharge Groundwater And Solve Droughts
While floods can cause a great deal of tangible damage over the ground, they still play an important role in replenishing groundwater levels. Besides that, floodwater can come as a boon for terrestrial ecosystems living in harsh conditions such as droughts. These cases are very common in the African plains like the Savannah, where the terrestrial ecosystem relies heavily on annual rain and flood water.
Plus, the flood water can cover up the water lost in streams and rivers after the dry season. Since water plays a crucial role in sustaining almost every ecosystem, an increase in water levels can be great for both flora and fauna. The other great thing about this is that groundwater also serves as the only remaining water source for wildlife in any terrestrial ecosystem.
Floodwater Can Carry Nutrients
Another great thing about floodwater is that it can carry essential nutrients that further help support the ecosystem. Seasonal floods all across the world play a vital role in replenishing nutrients.
Floodwater has always been known for transporting essential nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and other organic materials. Every flood leaves behind sediments after the water recedes all along the floodplain. This acts as a very rich organic fertilizer that can help enhance the overall productivity of the entire terrestrial ecosystem.
Floodwater Triggers Migration And Breeding
Most species from varied locations around the globe rely on seasonal floods for breeding. This should not come as a major surprise since floods can trigger seasonal growth in flora and fauna, leaving extra nutrients for all. As a result, it becomes far easier for animals to raise their young and nurse them until they are old enough to care for themselves.
Besides that, flooding events also trigger large-scale migrations of different terrestrial species. This is also because nutrients are more abundant in areas with increased water levels. Hence some species migrate, covering great distances to make the most of this seasonal bloom.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts!
Floodwater has both adverse and good impacts on every terrestrial ecosystem out there. However, this is only true when flooding occurs due to natural causes. But this is becoming less of a case with climate change altering things extensively. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure humanity works towards embracing the positives of floodwater and mitigating damage in the other case.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of sciencetimes.com
