T- Topic Sentence: The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami had devastating environmental impacts that disrupted ecosystems, altered coastal landscapes, and led to significant loss of biodiversity across affected regions.
E- Evidence: One of the most notable effects was the extensive destruction of coastal habitats, particularly mangroves and coral reefs, which were vital for ecosystem health. Reports indicated that up to 80% of the mangrove forests in certain areas were severely damaged or completely destroyed, while coral reefs suffered from physical destruction and increased sedimentation.
E- Explain the Evidence: The loss of mangroves, which serve as natural barriers against storm surges and erosion, has made coastal areas more vulnerable to future flooding and erosion. These ecosystems also play a crucial role in filtering pollutants and providing nursery habitats for fish and other marine life. The damage to coral reefs, critical for marine biodiversity, not only affected the fish populations that depend on these habitats but also had economic repercussions for communities that relied on fishing and tourism. As a result, the ecological balance was significantly disrupted, leading to long-term consequences for species diversity and habitat stability.
L- Link: Overall, the ecological consequences of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami exemplify how natural disasters can dramatically reshape environments, highlighting the importance of preserving coastal ecosystems to mitigate the impacts of such events in the future.
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