My first Publication 1 | Page 14

14

Effects of Climate Change on Natural Habitats

Salt Marshes

Salt marshes survive in a delicate balance between their own growth and changing sea levels. If sea levels rise or coastal habitats erode too rapidly, Large areas of marshland can be eliminated.

Beaches and Barrier Islands

Low lying coastal beaches, like those that line much of New England's shore, may be some of the most vulnerable habitats to climate change.Warmer water temperatures are disrupting food webs while sea level rise and stronger storms are flooding and eroding areas critical to people and wildlife.

Vernal Pools

Vernal pools are isolated, temporary bodies of water that eventually dry out each year. Precipitation changes, earlier snow melts, and more frequent summer droughts mean that many vernal pools in Massachusetts will be severely disrupted or may cease to exist altogether.

EDIT BY MANJING ZHANG