Increased snow cover on a water body can lead to 1. Sudden spurt in p...
Increased snow cover on a water body can have various impacts on the ecosystem. The correct answer is option 'B', i.e., 3 only, which means that the increased snow cover can lead to a condition of winterkill causing large scale death of fishes and organisms. Let's understand this in detail:
Winterkill:
Winterkill is a condition that occurs when a water body becomes covered with ice and snow for an extended period. As a result, the water body becomes deprived of oxygen, and the carbon dioxide level increases, leading to the death of fishes and other organisms. The following are the reasons for winterkill:
- Reduced light penetration: The ice and snow cover reduce the amount of light that can penetrate the water body, leading to a decrease in photosynthesis by aquatic plants.
- Reduced oxygen supply: As the ice and snow cover the surface of the water, there is limited exchange of gases between the atmosphere and the water body. This leads to a decrease in oxygen supply to the aquatic organisms.
- Increased carbon dioxide level: The respiration of aquatic organisms leads to an increase in the carbon dioxide level in the water body. As there is limited exchange of gases, the carbon dioxide level can increase to toxic levels, leading to the death of fishes and other organisms.
- Nutrient accumulation: The nutrient recycling in the water body is reduced due to limited exchange of gases, leading to the accumulation of nutrients that can promote the growth of algae and other aquatic plants. The decay of these plants can further reduce the oxygen supply, leading to winterkill.
Conclusion:
Increased snow cover on a water body can lead to winterkill, causing large scale death of fishes and organisms. This happens due to reduced light penetration, reduced oxygen supply, increased carbon dioxide level, and nutrient accumulation. Therefore, it is essential to monitor the snow cover and take necessary measures to prevent winterkill.
Increased snow cover on a water body can lead to 1. Sudden spurt in p...
- Phytoplankton float on the top surface of water bodies and require sunlight to thrive. Ice cover will reduce their breeding grounds and population.
- The cover blocks exchange of nutrients and oxygen from the atmosphere, however, the same may continue within the water stream. But, it is worse than before.
- Snow cover of ice on the water body can effectively cut off the light, plunging the waters into darkness.