Which of the following is NOT a way Hurricane Harvey affected Houston's ecosystems?

The correct answer highlights that gale force winds picking up sand and sediment from the ocean and depositing it on shore is not a significant way Hurricane Harvey affected Houston's ecosystems. While hurricanes can indeed cause coastal erosion and sediment redistribution, the direct impact of Hurricane Harvey on Houston was more prominently related to flooding and the subsequent consequences for local wildlife and ecosystems.

Hurricane Harvey was primarily a rain event that resulted in catastrophic flooding in the Houston area, affecting freshwater ecosystems significantly due to the overwhelming volume of rainwater. This flooding resulted in habitat loss, where animals and plants could not adapt quickly enough to the sudden inundation of their habitats. Additionally, the hurricane's impact led to saltwater intrusion into freshwater systems due to the storm surge, affecting the delicate balance of freshwater ecosystems.

Contamination from debris is another major concern during and after such hurricanes, where chemicals and pollutants from urban areas can affect water quality and further harm the ecosystems in the vicinity. These aspects clearly demonstrate the severe ecological impacts Hurricane Harvey had on the region, setting them apart from the effects mentioned in the correct choice regarding the movement of ocean sediment.