APES unit four

principal greenhouse gases

carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and chlorofluorocarbons

reference point for comparison of greenhouse gases

carbon dioxide, with a GWP of 1

positive feedback loop

causes a system to change further in the same direction.

el nino impacts

drier conditions in austrailia, warmer adn wtter conditions in south america, warmer winter in canada and northern us.

filter

each layer acts as a...

transform boundaries create

earthquakes

solar radiation

energy from the sun

trophosphere

layer of Earth's amosphere closest to Earth's surface (where weather takes place and where most pollution occurs)

water

layers allow fresh...

matter

layers blocks particulate...

clay particle size

less than .002mm, smallest size

B, subsoil

mixture of sand, silt, or clay

convergent boundaries create

mountains, deep ocean trenches, volcanoes, earthquakes, island arcs

greenhouse effect

natural situation in which heat is retained in earth's atmosphere by carbon dioxide, methane, water vapor, and other gases

A, surface

organic is mixed with mineral matter

O, organic

organic matter

C, substratium

parent rock

el nino conditions

the current reverses, warm surface water driven to coast of South America, suppressing upwelling. fish no longer supported through food chain asssociated with nutrient rich upwelling.

solar radiation is highest at

the equator and and decreases toward the poles

due to the shape of the earth...

the latitude that is directly horizontal to the solar radiation receives the most intensity

the more clay the soil has

the less porous and permeable and have a greater water holding capability.

the more sand soil has

the more porosity, space between particles, and permeability, more water will move through it and not be retained.

the larger the GWP

the more that a given gas warms the earth compared to CO2 over that time period

global wind patterns result from

the most intense solar radiation arriving at the equator, resulting in density difference and coriolis effect

plate tectonics

the theory that pieces of Earth's lithosphere are in constant motion, driven by convection currents in the mantle.

porosity

the volume of open spaces in rock or soil

aquifers

the water in the layers return to...

angle of the rays

they determine the intensity of radiation

layers of the atmosphere

troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, exosphere

factors that affect the climate

uneven light intensity and heating from the sun solar insolation=solar energy per unit area the tilt of the earth

R, bedrock

unweathered parent material

silt particle size

.002-.05 mm, medium size

sand particle size

0.05-2mm, largest size

stratosphere

2nd layer of atmosphere; extends from 10 to 30 miles up; location of ozone layer; absorbs 95% of Ultraviolet radiation; temperature increases with altitude increase.

atmosphere makeup

78.1% nitrogen, 20.9% oxygen, 1% other

convergent boundary

A tectonic plate boundary where two plates collide, come together, or crash into each other.

C Increased phytoplankton concentrations

El Niño and La Niña are natural phenomena associated with changing water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. The occurrence of these events can result in changes in global weather and ocean circulation patterns. Which of the following changes in eastern Pacific Ocean food webs is typically associated with La Niña events? A Decreased populations of squid B Decreased populations of anchovies C Increased phytoplankton concentrations D Increased famine among sea lions and seals

C Fewer hurricanes forming in the Central Atlantic basin

El Niño and La Niña are natural phenomena associated with changing water temperatures in the Pacific Ocean. The occurrence of these events can result in changes in global weather and ocean circulation patterns. Which of the following is a positive effect likely to result from an El Niño event? A Increased droughts in Central and South America B Reduced chance of winter floods in California and the Pacific Northwest C Fewer hurricanes forming in the Central Atlantic basin D Fewer heat waves in Australia

D The damming of the Colorado River led to a change in stream flow, preventing river water and sediments from reaching the delta area.

Hoover Dam is the largest dam in the United States, built on the Colorado River to supply hydroelectric power and flood control. Which of the following best describes a downstream environmental effect of Hoover Dam on the Colorado River watershed? A The supply of inexpensive electricity led to population growth and industrial development in cities such as Phoenix and Los Angeles. B The Lake Mead Recreation Area, formed by the reservoir behind Hoover Dam, is a popular tourist attraction for fishing, swimming, and boating. C The drainage basin of the Colorado River includes 246,000 square miles and serves as a source of drinking water for over 40 million people. D The damming of the Colorado River led to a change in stream flow, preventing river water and sediments from reaching the delta area.

B Methane gas has a higher global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide does, so it can trap more heat in the atmosphere.

Sixty-five percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are made up of carbon dioxide, while only sixteen percent are made up of methane gas. Which of the following best explains why scientists are increasingly concerned about the effect of methane gas emissions on global climate if they are a relatively small percent of greenhouse gases released? A Methane gas is a synthetic compound released from anthropogenic sources, while carbon dioxide is naturally occurring. B Methane gas has a higher global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide does, so it can trap more heat in the atmosphere. C Methane gas has a longer average residence time (ART) than carbon dioxide does in the atmosphere. D Methane gas is a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can combine with ozone to produce photochemical smog, but carbon dioxide is not classified as a volatile organic compound.

D Turbidity, because a decrease in water clarity would indicate an increase in soil erosion.

Students want to determine the impact of soil erosion from the development of new housing. They plan to measure the density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of a river that flows through their town. The town is built in a heavily forested area, but a large area of trees along the river was recently clear-cut to allow for the construction of a new housing development, which has caused exposed soil to wash into the river. The river flows north to south through the town and is still forested both up- and downstream of the town. Which of the following explains the variable that would be the best for students to measure to determine the direct impact of soil erosion caused by the construction project on the river? A Water temperature, because a decrease in shading in the area would indicate an increase in soil erosion. B Nutrient levels, because a decrease in nitrogen and phosphorus would indicate an increase in soil erosion. C The pH level, because an increase in pH would indicate an increase in soil erosion. D Turbidity, because a decrease in water clarity would indicate an increase in soil erosion.

C The density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of the river

Students want to determine the impact of soil erosion from the development of new housing. They plan to measure the density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of a river that flows through their town. The town is built in a heavily forested area, but a large area of trees along the river was recently clear-cut to allow for the construction of a new housing development, which has caused exposed soil to wash into the river. The river flows north to south through the town and is still forested both up- and downstream of the town. Which of the following is the dependent variable in the study? A The tract of land that was clear-cut for the housing development B A tract of land in a heavily forested area outside of town C The density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of the river D The flow rate of the river from north to south

C A sample of water collected just downstream of the northern forest

Students want to determine the impact of soil erosion from the development of new housing. They plan to measure the density of a species of algae growing along the bottom of a river that flows through their town. The town is built in a heavily forested area, but a large area of trees along the river was recently clear-cut to allow for the construction of a new housing development, which has caused exposed soil to wash into the river. The river flows north to south through the town and is still forested both up- and downstream of the town. Which of the following would be the best control sample for the study? A A sample of water collected just downstream of the southern forest B A sample of water collected just downstream of the housing development C A sample of water collected just downstream of the northern forest D A sample of distilled water

D Greenhouse gases are emitted from human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels and agricultural practices.

Which of the following best describes the greenhouse effect on Earth? A Greenhouse gases trap heat near Earth's surface, keeping the average surface temperature constant. B Greenhouse gases create a relatively warm inversion layer, which traps pollutants near Earth's surface. C Greenhouse gases filter out UV-B and UV-C radiation, shielding living things from harmful solar radiation. D Greenhouse gases are emitted from human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels and agricultural practices.

D Surface water and stormwater runoff will drain downstream within the watershed boundaries, so it is important to understand the flow of water through the watershed.

Which of the following best describes why understanding a watershed and its boundaries is important in designing housing developments along a river? A The water contained in a watershed is more likely to become polluted if the soil has high permeability, so it is important to locate all point sources to reduce contamination. B Watersheds provide habitats for hundreds of marine species, so it is important to protect their feeding and nesting sites when designing housing for humans. C Watersheds provide space for cultivating land to produce food and other products, so it is important to avoid locating a housing development on the most fertile land. D Surface water and stormwater runoff will drain downstream within the watershed boundaries, so it is important to understand the flow of water through the watershed.

C Water vapor has a relatively short residence time in the atmosphere.

Which of the following best describes why water vapor, a greenhouse gas, is not considered a significant contributor to global climate change? A The concentration of water vapor is very low compared to the other gases. B Water vapor is inefficient at absorbing heat and does not absorb much of the infrared spectrum. C Water vapor has a relatively short residence time in the atmosphere. D Trees and other organisms naturally release water vapor during the process of decomposition.

C Wetter weather and cooler than average temperatures in the southeastern states and warmer temperatures in the Pacific Northwest

Which of the following is the most likely effect of a strong El Niño event on the weather patterns in the United States? A Wetter weather and cooler temperatures in the Pacific Northwest and warmer temperatures with more snow in the northeastern states B Drier weather in the western states and wetter weather in the eastern states C Wetter weather and cooler than average temperatures in the southeastern states and warmer temperatures in the Pacific Northwest D Overall warmer temperatures and drier conditions throughout the entire United States

C The land use upstream of the river and water quality indicators in streams that run downstream into the river

Which of the following should be included in a watershed map to best determine the non-point source of a pollutant, such as fertilizer, found in a river? A The total volume of groundwater in the aquifer B The total area and the average yearly precipitation of the watershed C The land use upstream of the river and water quality indicators in streams that run downstream into the river D The total volume of surface water of the river and the land use downstream of the river

la nina

a cooling of the ocean surface off the western coast of South America, occurring periodically every 4 to 12 years and affecting Pacific and other weather patterns.

locked fault

a fault that is not slipping because frictional resistance on the fault is greater than the shear stress across the fault (it is stuck). such faults may store strain for extended periods that is eventually released in an earthquake when frictional resistance is overcome.

global warming potential (GWP)

a number that represents the relative contribution of a molecule of the atmospheric gas to global warming

divergent boundary

a plate boundary where two plates move away from each other.

albedo

ability of a surface to reflect light. 100% = total reflection. 0% = total absorption

permeability

ability of rock or soil to allow water to flow through it

global wind patterns

air movements that are caused by pressure belts convection cells and earth's rotation. warm air rises from the equator to the poles then cools and sinks back to the equator

watersheds

an area or ridge of land that separates waters flowing to different rivers, basins, or seas.

el nino

an irregularly occurring and complex series of climatic changes affecting the equatorial Pacific region and beyond every few years, characterized by the appearance of unusually warm, nutrient-poor water off northern Peru and Ecuador, typically in late December.

soil composition

based on the amount of mineral material (clay, sand, silt), water, air, and organic matter. it will determine the various properties of the soil

weather and climate are affected

by not only the sun's energy but by geologist and geographic factors, such as mountains and ocean temperatures

during la nina...

enhanced normal conditions, stronger trade winds, more moisture driven by the atmosphere.

normal wind patterns blow

from east to west

el nino and la nina are influenced by

geological and geographic factors that can affect different location in different ways

el nino and la nina can cause

global changes to rainfall, wind, and ocean circulation patterns.

soils are categorized by

horizons based on their composition and organic material

characteristics of a given watershed

include its area, length, slope, soil, vegetation types, and divides with adjoining watersheds.

la nina conditions

same conditions as normal currents, but more intense. note the movement of the warm current closer to the australian shoreline. enhanced upwelling, larger fish population

divergent boundaries create

sea floor spreading, rift valleys, volcanoes

insolation is dependent on

season and latitude

soil texture triangle

shows the relationship between soil texture and percentage of clay, silt, and sand

layers of atmosphere are based on

temperature gradients

la nina impacts

wetter conditions in australia and indonesia. cooler and drier conditions in south america. colder winter in canada and northern us

how soil is formed

when parent material is weathered, transported, and deposited

transform boundaries

when plates slide past each other

earthquake occurs

when stress overcomes a locked fault, releasing stored energy

during el nino...

winds stall, may reverse to become westerlies, not change of location of clouds