User:Tan-brooks-/Effects of the Chernobyl disaster

Red Forest
The Red Forest is a 400-hectare section of forest directly west of the explosion location. The area received its name from the effects shown by radiation exposure in the area. The level of of radiation caused the normally green pine needles to become red in color before the eventual death of 90% of the trees in the area. The Red Forest is believed to be one of the most affected areas of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

Plant Life
The explosions of the Chernobyl Reactor Explosions released 400 times more radiation into the atmosphere and soil than the detonation of atomic bombs at Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The affected area regrew with deciduous tree species that are more resistant to radiation the the previously present conifers of the the area.

Wildlife
Reports showed at the time showed negative effects of the high levels of nuclear radiation on local wildlife. A report conducted on the rodent population in the Red Forest indicated high levels of genetic change in mice.

Plant Life
Efforts were made to replant the lost trees in the affected area. The saplings planted grew without a central leading stem, which caused the trees to experience diminished height and girth. This caused the trees to resemble bushes rather than pine trees.

The soil quality has also remained irradiated long after the initial meltdown. As of 2001, 90% of the documented strontium had moved to the first 10cm of soil

Wildlife
The Red Forest has had its wildlife return and has become a diverse habitat of a number of species, namely 200 different bird species, brown bears, lynx, bison, wolves, and Przewalski horses.

There are also signs present that species have adapted to the new levels of radiation. Frogs in the area are a darker color than their counterparts from non- irradiated areas.