Human Influences on Hamilton Ontario

Human Influences on Hamilton Ontario
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The area of Hamilton, Ontario has a humid continental climate that is moderate in comparison to many other areas of Canada. The area has different flora and fauna with the disparities being dependent on human settlement and proximity to Lake Ontario, whereas the glacial sediments and fragments from soil erosion limestone are the main soil derivatives. The Niagara escarpment divides Hamilton into upper and lower elevation zones. Around the escarpment the population density is low, whereby conifers and deciduous trees dominate the landscape. Hence the ecozone of Hamilton, Ontario is mixed wood plains and the area has extensive waterways, and the water changes often because it is located in the North America storm belt. Similarly, there are cool winters and warm to hot summers, the ecozone has squirrels, white tailed deer, black bear, eastern chipmunk, while birds include the red headed wood pecker, Baltimore oriole eastern bluebird, red shouldered hawk and the great blue heron (Oocities, 2009).
Human activities and settlement has affected the ecosystems and diversity Hamilton, Ontario. Around Lake Ontario, the accumulation of old and new pollutant has led to water pollution, whereas invasive species like lamprey and zebra mussels have caused unpredictable effects on the environment (Zerbisias, 2011). The area is heavily populated and the town's air quality has been one of the issues that has resulted from increased industrialization. It is environmental degradation that has mostly resulted to decline of biodiversity (Montgometry, n.d.). Air pollution is a big issue in Hamilton, Ontario because the industrialized city has compromised air quality from both vehicles and industries. Consequently, this has had a direct impact on both the environment and health of the inhabitants of Hamilton (Montgometry, n.d.). Even though, the area is primarily urban human disturbance has led to decline in the number of birds in the adjacent areas, and the other direct impact has degradation of wetlands and draining (Sandilands, 2005).
References
Montgomery, B. (n.d).Clean Air Hamilton- Our Partners and Community- Tackling Air and Clima...