Alaska is filled with extraordinary wildlife, as well as valuable natural resources.
Wild Chronicles travels to Bristol Bay, site of a proposed gold-mining pit, and the center of raging debate. Geologists claim there are billions of dollars worth of gold to be had, but biologists fear a devastating spill of toxic mining chemicals could threaten the wild sockeye salmon population.
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What are the benefits of a gold mine in Bristol Bay?
A gold mine would provide hundreds of jobs, improving the economy of the region.
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How large would Pebble Mine be?
Pebble Mine would be an open pit about two miles long and 528 meters (1,700 feet) deep.
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A leak or spill from Pebble Mine would endanger the local sockeye salmon population. What is another danger of such a spill?
A spill could contaminate freshwater resources. As Jack, a native of Bristol Bay, says, "Pure water is more precious than gold."
scientist who studies living organisms.
to argue or disagree in a formal setting.
person who studies the physical formations of the Earth.
valuable chemical element with the symbol Au.
process of extracting ore from the Earth.
a material that humans take from the natural environment to survive, to satisfy their needs, or to trade with others.
total number of people or organisms in a particular area.
poisonous.
worth a considerable amount of money or esteem.
organisms living in a natural environment.
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Human Modification of the Environment
For thousands of years, humans have modified the physical environment by clearing land for agriculture or damming streams to store and divert water. As we industrialized, we built factories and power plants. While these modifications directly impact the local environment, they also impact environments farther away due to the interconnectivity of Earth’s systems. For example, when a dam is built, less water flows downstream. This impacts the communities and wildlife located downstream who might depend on that water. Use these resources to teach your students how humans modify the physical environment and the compounding impacts those changes have.
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Human Modification of the Environment
For thousands of years, humans have modified the physical environment by clearing land for agriculture or damming streams to store and divert water. As we industrialized, we built factories and power plants. While these modifications directly impact the local environment, they also impact environments farther away due to the interconnectivity of Earth’s systems. For example, when a dam is built, less water flows downstream. This impacts the communities and wildlife located downstream who might depend on that water. Use these resources to teach your students how humans modify the physical environment and the compounding impacts those changes have.