The Ultimate APES Study Guide

1972

DDT was banned in the US

Abysll

Dark and very cold little do/little npp, good amount of decomposers

open ocean

Deep ocean water, located away from the shoreline where sunlight can no longer reach the ocean bottom

denitrification

Denitrification is the process by which nitrates are reduced to gaseous nitrogen (N2) and lost to the atmosphere. This process occurs by facultative anaerobes in anaerobic environments. Farmers with waterlogged fields and soils that have high clay content are especially vulnerable to nitrogen losses due to denitrification.

Contrast the effects of density-dependent and density-independent factors on population growth

Density-dependent factors influence an individual's probability of survival and reproduction in a manner that is related to the since of the population. Density-independent factors have the same effect on an individual's probability of survival and reproduction in populations of any size

Mesotrophic

Describes a lake with a moderate level of productivity

Bathyll

Dimly lit middle zone gets little sunlight low do / low npp

health effects of Dioxin (source, health, remediation)

Dioxin Location: Soil;water Dioxin Source: Group of similar chemical compounds. Not produced intentionally; naturally produced in forest fires; anthropogenic sources included incineration; chlorine bleaching at paper mills; ETS most toxic is TCDD. Human exposure in fish ingested from contaminated waterways; ingestion of animal fat Dioxin Environmental Impact: Bioaccumulates in fat. Animal toxicity-liver toxicity; affects endocrine, immune, nervous, and reproductive systems. Highly persistent Dioxin Human Health Effects: Acute-Chloracne, skin rashes, skin discoloration. Bioaccumulates in fat Chronic-liver damage, teratogen, immunotoxic, likely human carcinogen Dioxin Prevention/Remediation: Prevent- government regulatory action, use chemicals other than chlorine to bleach or sterilize. Remove plastics containing chlorine prior to was incineration, pollution control devices to remove dioxins after incineration Remediate-bioremediation; chemical remediation; physical removal of contaminated soil.

Disease Agents Location: Water

Disease Agents Source: Animal and human wastes indicated by increased levels of fecal coliforms. Which may indicate presence of human pathogens. Disease Agents environmental impacts: Includes bacteria that cause cholera,typhoid, dysentery, and viruses like hepatitis A. May also include cryptosporidium and Giardia, protozoal parasites, that cause gastrointestinal disease Disease Agents human health effects: Causes human disease including diarrhea, nausea, and so on. Disease Agents Prevention/remediation: Prevent- ensure wastes are treated prior to discharge into surface water or groundwater. Chlorination, government regulatory action Remediate- treat water to kill organisms

Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) Location: Air (indoor)

ETS Source: Cigarette smoking ETS Environmental impacts: human health effects ETS Human health effects: lung cancer, respiratory disease, heart disease ETS Prevention/remediation: Prevent- improve ventilation; prevent smoking indoors; government regulatory action Remediate-ventilate; clean area thoroughly

Impact of stratospheric arose and how it reflects sunlight

Each surface has a specific effect on the Earth's temperature. Snow and ice reflect a lot of the sun's energy back into space. The darker oceans absorb energy, which warms the water. Oceans help keep the Earth warm because they absorb a lot of heat (approximately 90%). This warming increases water vapour, which acts as a greenhouse gas and helps to keep temperatures within ranges humans have largely taken for granted for millennia.

describe how Earth's tilt affects seasonal differences in temperatures

Earth's central axis is tilted at 23.5 degrees, which causes seasonal changes in that latitudes that receive the most intense light

distinguish among various forms of energy and understand how they are measured

Energy can take various forms, including energy that is stored (potential energy) and the energy of motion (kinetic energy). Joules and calories are two important energy units

1978

Federal ban on chlorofluorocarbons

Formaldehyde location: Air (indoor)

Formaldehyde source: released from building material such as plywood, textiles, furniture stuffing, carpets Formaldehyde Environmental impact: human health effects Formaldehyde human health effects: Acute/chronic-dizziness, rash, breathing problems, headaches, and nausea formaldehyde prevention/remediation: prevent-use other materials to manufacture materials, use other materials that do not contain formaldehyde remediate-improve ventilation

Rock cycle

Geological cycle governing the constant formation, alteration, and destruction of rock material at hat results from tectonics, weathering, and erosion, among other processes.

Example of the tragedy of commons

Grand Banks fisheries The Grand Banks are fishing grounds off the coast of Newfoundland. For centuries, explorers and fishermen described this region as home to an endless supply of cod fish. In the 1960s and 1970s, advances in fishing technology allowed huge catches of cod. Following a few dramatically large seasons, the fish populations dropped, forcing Canadian fishermen to sail farther to maintain large catch sizes each season. By the 1990s, cod populations were so low that the Grand Banks fishing industry collapsed. It was too late for regulation and management; the cod stocks had been irreparably damaged. Since then, the cod populations have remained low, and some scientists doubt the Grand Banks ecosystem will ever recover.

1978-Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement

Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) The Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement is a commitment between the United States and Canada to restore and protect the waters of the Great Lakes. The Agreement provides a framework for identifying binational priorities and implementing actions that improve water quality.

Infectious disease: Emergent

HIV/AIDS : - spreads through sex, drug users - likely from chimps EBOLA: disease with high death rates, primarily in Africa - likely from fruit bats MAD COW DISEASE - disease where Prions (proteins from brain) mutates into pathogens - from eating infectious catlle SWINE AND BIRD FLU - Viruses that jump from pigs (H1N1) and birds (H5N1) - prominent in Asia SEVERE ACUTE RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (SARS) - type of flu caused by a coronavirus WEST NILE VIRUS - Transmitted among birds by mosquitos and then humans

Leading risks to health

High-income nations: - Tobacco, High blood Pressure, obesity Low-income nations: - Underweight, high blood pressure, unsafe sex

8 elements in earths crust

(1) Oxygen - 47% (2) silicon - 30% (3) Aluminum - 8% (4) Iron - 5% (5) Calcium - 4% (6) sodium - 3% (7) Potassium -3% (8) Magnesium - 2%

CTL

(coal to liquid) process of converting solid coal into liquid fuel

Species abundance

- number or individuals of each species

Organic

- production of crops without synthetic chemicals - Now regulated by US organic foods protection act

control Rods

- regulate the number of neutrons in the core of a nuclear reactor and control the rate of reaction

atmospheric levels

-thermosphere - Mesosphere - stratosphere (contains protective ozone)

Ocean has a low npp everywhere it only comes from natural upwellings of nutrients

...

24. What causes leaching?

24. Leaching removes nutrients from soil

Amensalism

=( + =l One species in negatively effected while the other is not effected

carnivore

A consumer that eats other consumers

Septic tank

A large container that recives wastewater from a house as part of a septic system

Commensalism

A relationship between two organisms in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected

Dike

A structure built to prevent ocean waters from flooding adjacent land.

Element

A substance composed of atoms that cannot be broken down into smaller, simpler components

Base

A substance that contributes hydroxide ions to a solution

mangrove Swamp

A swamp that occurs along tropical and subtropical coats, and contains salt tolerant trees with roots submerged in water

Cultural eutrophication

An increase in fertility in a body of water, in resilt of anthropogenic inputs of nutrients

Fitness

An individual's ability to survive and reproduce

Saltwater Intrusion

An infiltration of salt water in an area where groundwater pressure has been reduced from extensive drilling wells

Isotopes

Atoms of the same element with different numbers of neutrons

Carbonate formation in the ocean

Ca2+ + 2HCO3- --> CO2 + H20 + CaCO3

1975

Congress set national tailpipe emissions standards to prevent automotive air pollution

polar cells

Convection currents formed by air that rises at 60°N and S and sinks at the poles(90°N and S).

Eutrophic

Describes a lake with a high level of productivity

Transit-oriented development (TOD)

Development that attempts to focus dense residential and retail development around stops for public transportation, a component of smart growth

El Nino (ENSO)

El Niño Southern Oscillation -A warm current of water; a disruption of the ocean-atmospheric system in the tropical Pacific having important consequences in weather around the world

hydroelectricity

Electricity generated by the kinetic energy of moving water

Identify process of genetic diversity

Every individual has a genotype that, in combination with the environment, determines its phenotype. In a population, generic diversity is produced by the process of mutation and recombination

Phytoplankton

Floating algae

GPP

Gross Primary Product - rate plants capture and fix a given amount of chemical energy

Dead zone

In a body of water, an are with extremly low oxygen concentration and very little life

ammonification

Mineralization is performed by bacteria to convert organic nitrogen to ammonia. Nitrification can then occur to convert the ammonium to nitrite and nitrate.

Natural ozone accumulation (day)

NO2 --> NO + O --> O +O2 --> O3 (ozone)

What part of the world has 24 hours of daylight on December 21st?

North pole region

Costal zone

Ocean/ shore lots of sun

leading producers of CO2

On road Vehicles Non-road equipment fires

the three R's

Reduce, reuse, recycle A popular phrase promoting the idea of diverting materials from the waste stream.

preservation

Remaining wilderness on public lands should be left untouched

secondary pollutant example

SO3 H2SO4 O3 H2O2 HNO3 most NO3- and SO2-

Sludge

Solid waste material from wastewater

environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The U.S organization that oversees all governmental efforts related to the environment, including science, research, assessment, and education.

Water footprint

The daily per capita use of fresh water

Seafloor spreading

The formation of new ocean crust as a result of magma pushing upward and outward from Earths mantle to the surface.

sympatric speciation

The formation of new species in populations that live in the same geographic area without geographic isolation

Recombination

The genetic process by which one chromosome breaks off and attaches to another chromosome during reproductive division

hydrologic cycle

The movement of water through the biosphere

Radioactive decay

The spontaneous release of material from the nucleus of radioactive isotopes.

water pollution

Thr contamination of streams, rivers, lakes, oceans. Or groundwater with substances through human activities

Contaminated water

Wastewater from toilets, kitchen sinks, ans disbwasher

fault

a fracture in rock caused by the movement of the Earths crust

output

a loss to a system

Salt Marsh

a marsh containing nonwoody emergent vegetation, found along the coast in temperate climates.

algal bloom

a rapid increase or accumulation in the algal population of a waterway

carbon neutral

activity that does not change atmospheric CO2 conditions

How to make soil more basic

add limestone/ eggshells

input

an addition to a system

smart grid

an efficient, self-regulating electricity distribution network that accepts any source of electricity and distributes it automatically to end users

Total MSW generation has

been rising since the 1960's

environmental indicators

biological diversity, food production, average global temperature and co2 concentration, human population, resource depletion.

global change

change that occurs in the biological, chemical, and physical properties of the planet

Global Climate Change

changes in the average weather that occurs in an area over a period of times or decades

cap-and-trade policies

control CO2 emissions

Rangeland

dry, open grassland

metal

element with certain properties that let it conduct energy, and other important functions

aquaculture

farming aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and seaweeds

organic fertilizer

fertilizer composed of inorganic matter from plant and animals

nuclear fuels

fuel from radioactive materials that give off energy

accuracy

how close a measured value is to the actual or true value.

Biofuel

liquid fuel created from processed or refined biomass

biotic

living

Emigration

movement of people out of a country or region

Exajoule =__ watts

one times ten to the 18th

chemical energy

potential energy stored in chemical bonds

tempweature

the measure of the average kinetic energy of a substance

Cellular respiration

the process by which cells unlock the energy of chemical compounds

global warming

warming of ocean, land masses, and atmosphere of the Earth

market failure

when the economic system does not account for all costs

Crude birth rate (CBR)

# of births per 1,000 a year

Geographic distribution

(1) colonization and establishment (2) localized extinction (3) colonized extinction

Three largest composition of waste

(1) paper - 30% (2) Food Scraps - 15% (3) yard waste - 13% (3) Plastic - 13%

producer

(AKA Autotroph) An organism that uses the energy of the sun to produce usable forms of energy

What can lead to elevated Nitrates in the groundwater

- application of fertilizers * - improper sealing of feedlots - improper construction or maintenance of animal waste in lagoons

Industrial agriculture for agribusiness

- applies techniques of sanderdization and mechanization

what is the greatest threat to biodiversity?

- deforestation

physical mechanisms that remove plastics from the liquid component of wastewater

- screens/sieves -settling - nets - skimmers - filter - manual removal

Gross Primary Productivity

- total energy fixed by photosynthesis

Chemical studies of health risks

-LD50: lethal dose that kills 50% of the organism population - ED50: Dose that causes 50% of organisms to display harmful effects - Pose-response studies: expose organisms to a chemical to look for responses/ death - 10% of LD50 considered safe for animals -LD50 Divided by 1000 for humans is the same level - Retrospective studies: Monitor people who have been exposed to a chemical - prospective studies: monitor people who might expose future effects - synergistic reactions: two risks together that increase the risk as a whole -Bioaccumulation: concentration rises in a single biorganism - Biomagnification: rise in concentration and move up the food chasin

two affects that ingesting microbeeds has on aquatic organisms

-Microbeads fill or block the digestive tracts - organisms accumulate toxic chemicals (PCB, dioxins) from microbeads leading to long-term health effects

1 (G) gigawatt = __ watts

1 billion = 1 times ten to the 9th

1 (M) megawatt = ___ watts

1 million = 1 time ten to the 6th

a MSW mass-burning waste-to-energy incinerator

1) waste is dumped into a refuse bunker 2) crane moves material from bunker to hopper 3) waste is burned in incineration chamber 4) A bag-house filter helps clean air before it is released through the chimney 5) Ash is collected and removed from the plant 6) heat energy can used to generate electricity

17. Have we been successful in increasing crop yields and decreasing starvation?

17. Yes we have been successful in increasing crop yields and decreasing starvation.

1 curie =

37 billion decays per second

4. Explain how poor farming techniques and erosion can be used as an example of a destructive positive feedback loop.

4. Poor farming techniques like over tilling the soil can cause severe erosion which can lead to soil degradation. If soil lacks top soil and nutrients more tilling is required which leads to more erosion.

Groundwater recharge

A process by which water percolates through the soil and works its way into an aquifer .

tropical rain forest

A warm and wet biome found between 20N and 20S of the equator, with little seasonal variation and high presentation

Artesian Well

A well created by drilling a hole into confined aquifer .

multi-use zoning

A zoning classification that allows retail and high-density residential development to coexist in the same area

industrial agriculture

AKA Agribusiness agriculture that applies the techniques of mechanization and the standardization.

Where is the highest fertility rate?

Africa

Suburb Area

An area surrounding a metropolitan center with a comparatively low population density.

convergent plate boundary

An area where plates move towards one another and collide

Transform Fault boundary

An area where tectonic plates move sideways past each other

Permafrost

An impermeable, permanently frozen layer of soil

Distribution

Areas of the world in which a species lives

Mercury (Hg)

Cause: coal, oil, coal mining Effects: Impairs central nervous system Bio accumulates in the food chain

sulfur Dioxide (SO2)

Corrosive sources: combustion of fuels with sulfur in it (coal, oil, and gas) effects: Respiratory problems can harm plant tissue converts to sulfuric acid in atmosphere--> harm to vegetation and aquatic life

Oligotrophic

Describes a lake with a low level of productivity

infill

Development that fills in vacant lots within existing communities.

Explain the concept of ecosystem bounderies

Ecosystem boundaries distinguish one ecosystem from another. Although boundaries can be well-defined, often they are not. Boundaries are commonly defined either by topographic features, such as mountain ranges, or are subjectively set by administrative criteria rather than biological criteria

human capital

Human knowledge and abilities

Biogeochemical cycle

In geography and Earth science, a biogeochemical cycle or substance turnover or cycling of substances is a pathway by which a chemical substance moves through biotic (biosphere) and abiotic (lithosphere, atmosphere, and hydrosphere) compartments of Earth.

Hot spots

In geology, where molten material from Earths mantle reaches the lithosphere

oligotrophic

Lake with a low supply of plant nutrients. Compare eutrophic lake, mesotrophic lake.

Free Range meat

Less likely to spread disease or use use antibiotics, less supplemental feeding, natural processing of nature --> more Land, nigher cost

Thermal pollution

Nonchemical water pollution that occurs when human acrivitiea cause a substantial change in the temperature of water

Natural ozone destruction (night)

O3 (ozone) + NO ---> O2 +NO2

How is a parasitoid different from parasitism

Parasitoids lay eggs in its host

Population density equation

Population size / area = population density

positive and negative aspects of water quality changes caused by climate change

Positive -storm water runoff and flooding will help maintain water levels Negative - Higher temperatures lead to increased evaporation, lowering water levels - periods of heavy rainfall will increase storm water runoff and flooding - sea level will flood areas of the everglades

HPM

Pro - natural soil methods - increased yield CON - difficult , time consuming

angling

Recreational fishing, also called sport fishing, is fishing for pleasure or competition. It can be contrasted with commercial fishing, which is fishing for profit, or subsistence fishing, which is fishing for survival.

Haze

Reduced visibility

Understand how we estimate the number of species living on Earth

Scientists have estimated the number of species on Earth by collecting samples of diverse groups of organisms, determining the proportion of all known species, and then extrapolating these numbers to other groups to estimate the total number of species

sulfurous smog

Smog dominated by sulfur dioxide and sulfate compounds. Also known as London-type smog; gray smog; industrial smog

Particulate matter (PM)

Solid or liquid particles suspended in air; also known as particles and particulates

Corridor

Strips of natural habitat that collects populations

1977-Soil and Water Conservation Act

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was originally passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. ... US EPA, states, and water systems then work together to make sure that these standards are met.

Extinction

The death of the last member of a species

intermediate disturbance hypothesis

The hypothesis that ecosystems ezperiencing intermediate levels of disturbance are more diverse than those with high or low disturbance levels

Subduction

The process of one crustal plate passing under another

transpiration

The release of water from leaves during photosynthesis

reproductive isolation

The result of two populations within a species evolving separately to the point that they can no longer interbreed and produce viable offspring

Plate tectonics

The theory that the lithosphere is divided into plates, most of which are in constant motion

photic Zone

The upper layer of ocean water in the ocean that receives enough sunlight for photosynthesis

Water Table

The uppermost level at which the water in a given area fully saturates rock or soil

population distribution

a description of how individuals are distributed with respect to one another

salinization

a form of soil degration that occurs when the small amount of salts in irrifation water become hightly concentrated ion the soil surface through evaporation

Electromagnetic radiation

a kind of radiation including visible light, radio waves, gamma rays, and X-rays, in which electric and magnetic fields vary simultaneously.

mass extinction

a large extinction of species in a relatively short period of time

compound

a molecule containing more then one element

molecule

a particle that contains more then one atom

Acid

a substance that contributes hydrogen ions to a solution.

Saprotropism

an organism that feeds on or derives nourishment from decaying organic matter.

average MSW chips produced per day

average: 2kg, 4.4Lbs

Hubbert Curve

bell shaped curve representing oil use and projecting both when world oil producion will reach its max and when the world will run out of oil

inter

between

undernutrition

condition where not enough calories are ingested to maintain health.

passive solar design

construction designed to take advantage of solar radiation without active technology

developed country

country with high levels of industrialization and income

doubling time calculation (years)

doubling time = 70/ growth rate

nondepletable

energy source that cannot be used up

IPAT equation

equation to estimate human impact Impact = population x affluence x destructive technology

greenhouse gases

gases in Earth's atmosphere that trap heat near the surface

explain how nature exsists at several levels of complexity

individuals, populations, communities, ecosystems, and the biosphere

biophilia

love for life

hypoxic

low in oxygen

fossil fuel

made from biological material that had become fossilized

Describe patterns of relatedness among species using phylogeny

patterns of relatedness are depicted as phylogeny.

entropy

randomness in a system

closed-loop recycling

recycling a product into the same product

igneous rock

rocks formed directly from magma

explain why efforts to achieve sustainability must consider both sound environmental science and economic analysis

sustainable environmental systems must allow for maintaining air, water, land, and biosphere systems must also maintain human well-being-- Sustainability will not be achieved if certain groups are exposed to a disproportionate share of dirty jobs or waste material in the home or workplace.

mining soils

tailing unwanted waste material created by mining

Sustainability

the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

Energy

the ability to do work, or transfer heat

mantle

the layer of Earth above the core, containing Magma

sample size (n)

the number of times a measurement is replicated in a data collection

Ocean Acidification

the processes that increases CO2 concentration in the ocean, causing CO2 to convert into carbonic acid, which lowers the PH of water

sex ratio

the proportion of males to females in a population

soil degradation

then loss of all of some of a plants ability to support plant growth.

if TFR is 2.1 then

this suggest that the population is stable

Bioaccumulation and biomagnification can be used interchangeably

"Another effect that microbeads have on organisms is the bioaccumulation of pollutants such as PCBs and dioxin. The microbeads can absorb these pollutants since the organisms digest the microbeads the pollutants ultimately end up in their system" "It also accumulates organic pollutants in the organism's system."

life-cycle analysis

"Cradle-to-grave analysis" a tool that looks at materials life- from raw materials through their manufactured use and disposal

Nitrates or algae directly causes a drop in dissolved oxygen levels

"When nitrate levels are high, more algae can bloom because nitrogen is a limiting factor. When the surplus algae dies, oxygen is extracted from the water so decomposition may occur. THis dramatically reduces D.O (dissolved oxygen) levels , which can cause organisms to suffocate and die."

Infant mortality

# of deaths children under 1 year per 1,000

Child mortaliity

# of deaths children under 5 per 1,000 births

Crude Death rate (CDR)

# of deaths per 1,000 a year

Factors that effect soil formation

(1) Temperature -High Increase the rates of biological activity (decomposition) and chemical activity -- increases rates of soil formation - low decreases rates of decomposition -- decreases the rate of soil formation increases rate of weathering (frozen water expands, breaking rock) -- increases the rate of soil formation (2) Precipitation/humidity -high increases biological activity and weathering -- increases the rate of soil formation increases erosion, runoff-- decreases the rate of soil formation -low decreases biological activity and weathering -- decreases the rate of formation (3) wind - can carry particles -- increases rates of accumulation can hasten rates of soil erosion-- decrease rates off accumulation

Why is surface mining less expensive than subsurface mining?

(1) Wages Fewer workers needed above ground (workers paid less above ground) (2) Healthcare Workman's compensation insurance (3) Safety Increased likelihood below ground of severe accidents, death, and black lung (4) Legal costs Lawsuits from injuries, accidents, and rescue

major anthropocentric sources of nitrogen pollution

(1) agriculture -excessive fertilizer use (2) stormwater - collects pollutants that accumulate on the street (3) wastewater - will not always adequately remove phosphorous and Nitrogen from the water (4) Fossil fuels -Electric power generation, industry, transportation and agriculture have increased the amount of nitrogen in the air through use of fossil fuels. (5) In and around homes - Fertilizer, certain detergents, and runoff

3 leading causes of death (globally)

(1) cardiovascular Diseases 29% (2) Infectious diseases (26%) - HIV/aids (21%) -diarrheal diseases (24%) - TB (12%) - Malaria (9%) Childhood diseases (8%) - other (8%) (3) cancer 13%)

why has their been an increase in emerging infectious diseases affecting hums

(1) climate change - allows pathogens and disease vectors to survive in places that were previously too cold or dry (2) increase in global travel - increased livelihood or contracting/ spread disease (3) increased exposure to animals (zoonotic) - changes in agricultural practice increase rodents, etc. trade in exotic species, intrusion into wild habitats, urban sprawl. (4) increase in population density/ distribution - increased likelihood of contracting/ spreading disease from others (5) lack of vacines - increase human susceptitility to disease, reduce herd immunity (6) antibiotic resitance - new disease strain evolve (7) decrease in medical care/ public health - poverty, war, migration, human behavior (refusing to use condoms/ sharing needles/ refusing aid)

Identify 8 ecosystem services and the benefits to humans that they provide

(1) resource material (trees/forests) - Lumber, building material, fuel, paper, food (2)oxygen production - human respiration (3) soil formation/ protection -forestry, agriculture, flood control, water quality, (4) protection of water supplies - drinking water, recreation, irrigation, fishing (5) Habitat (specifically shade, temperature, moderation, etc. - animals or plants desired by humand for fishing, hunting, and food (6) Biodiversity -food, medicine, gene dicersity, breeding stock (7) Carbon sink (sequesting) - slows climate change (8) Aesthetic/ cultural/societal - connection with nature (incpired for art, music, poetry), research, education, recreation, tourism

10 largest plastic products that are getting in the ocean

(1) tiers (2) synthetics (3) tennis balls (4) laundry (5) cigarette butts (6) glitter (7) wet wips (8) tea bags (9) paint (10) Takeout cups

Theory if demographic transition

(4 phases) as a country moves to a subsistence economy to industrialized and increases affluence (dealing with money/wealth) it goes through predictable shift of population growth

consumer

(AKA Heterotroph) an organism that is incapable of photosynthesis and must obtain its energy by consuming other organisms.

herbivore

(AKA Primary consumers) A consumer that eats producers

25. Draw and label a diagram of the soil horizons.

(Look in book)

Erosion

(a type of land degradation) the movement of soil components, especially surface litter and topsoil from one place to another.

percent efficiency

(workout)/ (work in) x 100%

acid deposition

, is a broad term that includes any form of precipitation with acidic components, such as sulfuric or nitric acid that fall to the ground from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms. This can include rain, snow, fog, hail or even dust that is acidic

Incineration

- Ash: residual organic material that doesn't combust = bottom: ash that collects at the bottom of the chamber = fly: collected from chimney/ pipe =taken to an appropriate landfill and can generate energy PROs - reduce volume mass - can produce energy - technology such as scrubbers/ filters reduce pollution - Pollution is one quarter of the original volume CONs - ash + air pollutants release greenhouse gas - requires large amounts of trash, discouraging recycling - toxic ash

Describe a practical way to increase food production within urban areas

- Gardens/ victory gardens; vertical farming, hydroponics, greenhouses - edible gardens in public/ open spaces - green roofs can include edible plants ("green roof" by itself should not earn a point) - zoning allow the raising bees, chickens, microlivestock - provide incentives for: use of greenway/ areas gardens, vacant lots for community agriculture; land under power lines. in floodplans -brownfield reclamation and conservation guardians

The Consequences of El Niño

- Increased rainfall in southern tier of US and in Peru, causing flooding; could cause droughts on eastern coast of Asia and in Australia (fires); marine life is reduced NORMAL CONDITIONS -Trade winds blow west across tropical Pacific, pile up warm surface water in west Pacific so the sea surface is about half a meter higher in Indonesia than Ecuador; water is 8 degrees celsius warmer in western Pacific; usually moves warm water towards instead of away from Asia, making it typically have a lot of rain EL NINO CONDITIONS -Trade winds are weakened, allowing warm western Pacific waters to move east and reach South American coasts that makes the thermocline (layer between surface water and deep water) deeper; nutrient rich waters on the coasts are depleted by warmer waters because thermocline is deeper

MSW

- Municipal Solid Waste - garbage - Americans generated 250 million tons of trash and recycled and composted over 85 million tones of this material, equivalent to 34% recycling rate

green manure

- a type of crop grown primarily to add nutrients and organic matter to the soil - grown for a specific period of time, and then plowed under incorporated into the soil while "green", or shortly after flowering. - green manures - function in weed suppression and can prevent soil eroision - can be tracked to the fallow cycle of crop rotation, which was used to make soil recovor

Characteristics of forests (reasons fires are suppressed)

- accumulation of combustible material (layer of leaf litter and debris on foest floor, dead trees, etc) - increase in understory growth (grass, shrubs, brush, ladder trees) - Larger trees develop - Even-aged stands develop - tree density increases - fire-intolerant species increase in number in the understory - fire-tolerant species that need fire to germinate seeds decrease in population - increased canopy coverage eliminates understory growth - increased or decreased in the rate of nutrient cycling (release of release of nutrients of litter, lack of nutrientp rich ash) - no loss of nutrients to burning in intense fires - increased susceptibility to disease/ parasites

ways to remediation acid deposition

- add crushed limestone. (lime, marble dust, bone meal/ crushed egg shells or oyster shells

when stating the impact in an FRQ

- always address if it's positive or neg (also skim all questions before start answering)

Primary Productivity

- amount of biomass passed through photosynthesis

WNS

- an emerging disease in bads - humans also subject to emerging diseases like ebola - study suggest that emerging infectious diseases affecting human populations have increased in recent decades

Human Health Effects

- asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, airway inflammation, irritation of mucus membranes, respiratory irritation - obesity, impaired immune response, diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure from poor diet and exercise - Depression, anxiety, suppressed immune response from social isolation - personal injuries associated with automobile crashes due to increased driving - Hearing loss, impaired immune response to noise pollution - Survival rate/ recovery rate hundered due to delays in emergency medical services response and fire department response due to dpreas of housing - reduction in disease spread in lower income areas

Steps to reduce phosphorous from the environment

- buffer zones/retention ponds/ waste lagoons around agricultural areas - swales/ rain battles/cisterns/rain garden/ green roofs in residential areas - artificial wetlands created to capture runoff from agricultural areas (storm water treatment area (STA) are planted with cattails) - permeable pavements/ permeable pavers to treat runoff - fertilizer used more efficiently/precision agriculture/ more efficient irrigation techniques - Restrictions on phosphate-containinf detergents or pesticides - wastewater treatment plants upgradeed to remove phosphates from wastewater (tertiary or advanced treatment) - Public education campaign about efficent use of fertilizers or alternatices to fertilizers

environmental consequences of nuclear power plants

- cancer/tumors in animals - radioactive contamination of plants or animals in food webs - genetic mutations -Death of plants and animals - impacts on biodiversity - impacts on plants or animal population size

ecosystem services provided for humans by forests and explain how clear cutting could alter this

- carbon that is removed from the atmosphere by trees help to limit the magnitude of the atmospheric greenhouse effect --> some carbon will be released to the atmosphere or will not be removed - Forest provides oxygen --> some loss of oxygen, without which we cannot live -forests provide habitat for many species, some of which provide food and goods for himans, some of which cause harm --> Loss of habitat (biodiversity) - Forests provide wood (construction material, paper) --> increase in the short-term avalibility of wood, but potential long-term loss of avalibiliy - forests provide wood for fuel --> increase in the short-term avalibality of wood, but potential long-term loss of ability -Many products, such as glue, rubber, and medicines, are produced with forest products --> increases in the short-term avalibility of these products, but potential long-term loss of avalibility - Forests influence the local microclimate affecting humans (Change in temperature, shade, UV, wind breaks) --> changes in the microclimate -Forests have aesthetic value (hiking, camping, photography, tourism) --> decrease in natural beauty - forests improve the quality of soil and water used by humans (soil and water must be linkedto a specific human use) --> increases in erosion and runoff and decrease in groundwater recharge, changing water quality.

ways wastewater are disinfected

- chlorination - treatment with ultraviolet (UV) light - ozonation -membrane filtration (reverse osmosis and ultrafiltration)

Methods to reduce harmful effects on wildlife populations from highways and urban sprawl

- create wildlife corridors/ tunnels between green areas - create wildlife crossing zones/ tunnels overpass, etc. - plan highways around existing migratory routes and prime habitats - avoid fragmentation of habitat by housing developments - set aside land for/ increase size of refugees; increase green space and buffer zones along highways - construct highway fencing, especially along migratory routes -promote planting of natice plants to provide habitat - enforce anti-littering laws along highwats reduce highwat speed limits "Wildlife caution signs" - encourage carpool (fewer cars, fewer wildlife collisions)

Describe one ecological consequence of pollution treat (thermal pollution)

- decline in dissolved Oxygen (DO) - impacts on biodiversity - thermal shock in organisms - increased rates of metabolism in organisms - increased rates of bacterial growth - increased incidence of disease in fish - increased algal growth

Describe two threats to the survival of the bat species if the bat species if the total number of bats is very small

- difficulty finding a new mat when pop size is small, widely diverse, or skewed sex ratios -competition from other species with similar niches (eg. nesting sites, food) - problems associated with a reduction of genetic diversity (small gene pool, lack of hybrid vigor, diseases that affect one will affect all members of the population, bottleneck effect - susceptibility to reduce fitness as result of decreased protection but the group (e.g not becoming prey without the advantage conferred by group size) - increased vulnerability to environmental disturbances (need to name a specific disturbance)

stratospheric ozone depletion

- disrupts photosynthesis in plants UV Radiation Increased UV ration causes: (1) Reduction in the growth and population of phytoplankton (2) damage DNA in Phytoplankton (3) reduced numbers of phytoplankton, so less krill available for higher-order customers (4) Reduction in leaf growth and surface area (5) decrease in photosynthetic activity

global warming impact on environment

- dry habitat - salt tolerant plants move in - less biodiversity -less nitrification

How are swamps being removed by humans

- establishing aquaculture facilities (fish and shrimp farming) - expanding agriculture - developing coastal areas (marinas, condoas, resorts, infrastructure) -Harvesting mangroves for wood products, including paperclips - Burning mangroves for energy/charcoal production - removing mangroves for aesthetic reasons (to improve views) - removing trees to crease access to coastal waters

Benefits of fires in Grasslands (savannah, steppe, veidt, pampas, praine, marquis, garrigue)

- fire destroys invasive plant species that compete for resources with native grasses - fire removes cover and allows sunlight penetration - fire helps the seeds of native grasses to germinate - fires enhance cycling the of nutrients back into the soil

benefits of Chaparrall (Mediterranean scrubland, Mediterranean shrubland)

- fire removes brush, reducing competition for resources, -fire helps plants that require fire or lack of brush cover to germinate - species that vigorously stump dropout quickly - fires enhance cycling of nutrients back into the soil

Why does disease seldom cause extinction?

- genetic diversity in wild pops enables some resistant organisms to survive and reproduce - Disease organisms often co-evolve with their host, allowing the host to evolve and adapt that resists diseases - disease organisms/pathogens that cause the extinction of their hos population prioritizes their own survival - initial deaths tin (the density of) populations and make the disease less likely to spread

Describe the environmental problems that could result from the construction of the plant (Prior to the operation)

- habitat or riparian area destruction/ fragmentation at the construction site - disruption of habitat caused by the installation of power lines - water pollution/ stormwater runorr - soil compaction from the construction process or by machinery used - sediment runoff/ erosion is wet weather - noise pollution from mschinery - construction waste disposal/landfill - gases/ pollution emitted from machinery such as CO2, NO2, SO2, CO, PM

What promotes fertility above its replacement level?

- increase urbanization - increase education - increase sanitation - increasing family planning

ways climate change is leading to soil degradation

- increased global temperatures and decreased precipitation can cause desertification - increased temperatures lead to increased evaporation of irrigation water, resulting in soil salinization - increased erosion and/or leaching can increase precipitation in certain areas - increased temp can lead to faster breakdown of organic matter (less organic matter in soil) - rising sea levels can result in flooding of coastal areas, leading to salinization of soil and increased soil erosion - increased temp can lead to soil desiccation

How acid deposition can affect soil health

- increased soil acidity may be outside of the optimal range of tolerance for the plant, resulting in poor plant growth or death - acid can leach cations/metal ions/ nutrients from soil, making them less available to plants, thus decreasing growth - aluminum is released and can be toxic to plants - acid can diminish the ability of soil to buffer, leading to poor plant growth - increased soil acidity can damage plant root systems, stressing plants - sulfur and nitrogen from acid deposition can build up to levels toxic to plants

Describe one way that restoring the Everglades is expected to provide economic benefits to Florida

- increased tourism/ recreation (increased number of visitors to the everglades National Park) - create jobs to work in the tourism/ recreation/ restoration industries - maintain clean water, so less money had to be spent on water treatment - attract businesses that provides tours of the area that will increase tax revenue

Describe ways in which other organisms in an ecosystem could be affected by a decline in a bat population

- increases in bat food sources - increases in west nile and other insectborn diseases - decrease in the spreads of rabies - decrease in fungus that causes WNS - Decrease in bat Geno (tied to organisms) - decline in plants pollinated or dispersed by bats - decline in numbers of animals with similar food and inhabit needs -causes a trophic cascade

Hazardous Waste

- liquid, solid, gas, or sludge that is harmful to humans or ecosystems by products of industrial processes, households, farms

discuss one aspect of bat biology that might slow the recovery of little brown bat population to pre-WNS numbers

- low fecunity/ few babies per year - long generation times in bats - advanced age at first reproduction - increased parental care

impacts in improving the environment

- more jobs for recreational workforce - decrease money for clean water - increased taz

How do nitrates accumulate over time

- nitrates infiltrate/ percolate/ seep into groundwater - nitrates entering surface waters that recharge aquifers (must connect surface with ground water)

Describe the relationship between population density and petroleum (used in graph)

- petroleum use is inversely proportional to population density -petroleum increases ans population density decreases

ways phosphorous effects can adversely affect the everglades ecosystem

- phosphorous can speed eutrophication and stimulate harmful algal blooms - phosphorous may give a selective advantage to invasive species, which displace native plants (native species are adapted to low levels of phosphorous) - a specific example of a native species being displaced by a non native species (or a non endemic species, such as cattails, replacing the endemic sawgrass)

Solid waste produced by Nuclear power plants

- radioactive wastes are produced (must be stored for long time) - spent fuel rods are radioactive - clothing, gloves, and tools are radioactive - radioactive waste results from accidents

ways residents and businesses could take to reduce the use of electricity

- replace existing appliances with more efficient appliances (air conditioners, heat pumps, fridges) - replace electrical appliances with gas appliances (stove, hot water, heater) - switch to passive solar heating or cooling techniques - replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs and LEDs - replace a conventional water heater with tankless hot water heaters - increase insulation (walls, ceiling, hot water heater) - turn off electrical appliances when they are not in use - unplug chargers - develop a series of public service announcements to educate the public about how to reduce electrical consumption -other appropriate techniques

human activities that contribute to increase phosphorus levels in the everglades

- runoff from fertilizer or pesticides used in agriculture, residential lawn care or gulf courses - seepage from septic systems located near canals -discharge from wastewater treatment plants that lack tertiary or advanced wastewater treatment -combined sewer overflows (CSOs) when rain volume exceeds wastewater treatment plant capacity - runoff of animal waste from feedlots - use of phosphate-containing detergents

What is the largest contaminate of water by weight and volume?

- sediment -leading pollution problem in rivers and streams - leading pollution problem in rivers and streams and fourth leading problem in lakes. - sedimentation is the result of soil erosion

ecosystem services provided by the mangrove swamp

- shoreline stabilization/protection (storm surge, tsunami, wave actions) -commercial fisheries - Nursery grounds for aquatic organism - biodiversity preservation - flood control - groundwater rechatge - sediment/ nutrient retention - nutrient cycling - absorption of carbon dioxide and release of oxygen - ecotourism/tourism/ recreational oppertunities - protection from saltwater intrusion

Describe non-anthropocentric events that have resulted in climate change

- water is diverted for irrigation of crops - the water is withdrawn for domestic uses as watering lawns, washing cars, cleaning the facility or an additional appropriate use - the water is diverted for flood control - road construction/ development interrupts the flow of surface water - wetlands are filled in for agriculture, or housing developments and/or road construction

NPP

--> Rate plants in an ecosystem produce an output = energy used

UNEP

-United Nations Environment Programme - is an agency of United Nations and coordinates its environmental activities, assisting developing countries in implementing environmentally sound policies and practices.

systems that can lessen thermopollution in nuclear power plants

-cooling towers - cooling ponds and canals - longer discharge pipes (increase the distance between the power plants and the discharge point)

Health Risks: Risk analysis

-innocent-until-proven guilty principle: not considered a hazard by scientific -precautionary principle: based on the belifs that action should be taken against plausible hazards

describe how restoring the water quantity and water quality in the Everglades is expected to improve the structure and function of the ecosystem

-re-establish biodiversity --> providing/ re-establishing habitats (wading birds will be able to re-establish their population) --> re-Establishment of native species/vegetation so that food webs/ food chains become more stable (apple snails will be able to lay their eggs and the food source for the Everglades Kite will be assured) - prevent degregation of adjacent coastal areas - less wutrophication leading to fewer algal blooms

sympathetic specialization

-speciation without geographic isolation within species -can be based on food source chosen matin habits

moderator

-substance made of water or graphite that is used in nuclear reactors to decrease the speed of fast neutrons and increase the likelihood of fission. The reactor control system requires the movement of neutron-absorbing control rodes in a ractor that is carefully controlled under increasing and decreasing reactivity

1970

-the Clean Air Act -National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

salinization

. Salinization is the build up of salt in the soil over time. Salinization inhibits production of 20@ of all irrigated cropland. Salinization can be caused by excessive irrigation. Water deposits salts which prevent infiltration and leaves water closer to the surface. In dry areas this water evaporates quickly leaving the salt behind. One way to avoid this is not to plant water guzzling crops in sensitive areas or utilize drip irrigation techniques. - increased temp and increased evaporation can lead to salinization

a modern sanitary landfill

1) solid waste s transported to landfill 2) waste is compacted by specialized machine 3) leachate collection system removes water and contaminants and carries them to wastewater treatment plants 4) landfill is capped and covered with soil and then planted with vegetation 5) methane produced in closed cells is extracted and either burned off or collected for use as fuel

a municipal composting facility

1) waste is dumped in tipping area 2) compostable and noncompostable materials are seperated 3) noncompostable material is removed to landfil 4) compostable material is aerated and turned one or more times (to speed up aerobic respiration) for a period of 30 days to one year 5) composted material is allowed to cure 6) finished compost is transported for use

Why are children more vulnerable to indoor air pollution?

1. Children inhale more pollutants per body weight than adults do 2. Their airways are narrower which leads to greater airway obstruction 3. They breathe more times at a faster rate 4. Small children often breathe through their mouths which skips the nose filter and allows more pollutants to pass

1. What is the difference between malnutrition and overnutrition?

1. Malnutrition - the shortage of nutrients/lacks vitamins and minerals/can occur in developed countries but mostly in developing Undernourishment - an individual receives less than 90% of their daily caloric needs/mostly occurs in developing countries Overnutrition - receiving too many calories/mostly occurs in developed countries

10. What are the three main ingredients of commercial inorganic fertilizers?

10. The three main ingredients of commercial inorganic fertilizer are nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous.

11. List four problems associated with agriculture.

11. Agriculture is using land to raise corps and livestock for human consumption. Unsustainable agriculture can lead to soil degradation by depleting the soil of essential nutrients and causing excessive erosion which can lead to desertification, irrigation which can lead to salinization, overuse of fertilizers and pesticides.

12. What is the Green Revolution?

12. The Green Revolution is using industrialized agriculture in developing countries. This revolution occurred in the 1940s. Green Revolution - synthetic fertilizers, chemical pesticides, irrigation and heavy equipments. This did increase biodiversity due to a decrease in deforestation. The Green Revolution increased cultivated areas, increase energy inputs, pollution, erosion, salinization and desertification.

14. What are the pros and cons of using pesticides?

14. The negative impacts of using pesticides = increase immunity, increase toxicity, pollution of water ways. The pros of using pesticides = increase crop yields

15. What are the pros and cons of monocultures?

15. The pros of monocultures = increase output, decrease starvation, good for economy. The cons of monocultures = decrease in biodiversity, increase in susceptibility to disease and pests, narrows human diet. 90% of food comes from 15 crop species and 8 livestock species.

16. What is the goal of integrated pet management? How is this goal accomplished?

16. IPM = integrated pest management uses biocontrol, chemicals, population monitoring, habitat alteration, crop rotation and transgenic crops, alternative tillage methods, and mechanical pest removal. The goal is not to eradicate all of the pests but most of the pests.

18. What impacts does overgrazing have on the environment?

18. Overgrazing can cause the soil to compact which closes off pore spaces and prevents permeability. It also increases erosion due to the loss of vegetation. Overgrazing can lead to desertification.

19. How does soil form?

19. Soil forms from physical and chemical weathering of parent material, freezing/thawing, growth of tree roots. Decomposition of organic material adds nutrients to the soil.

Competitive exclusive principle

2 species competing for a limiting resource cannot coexist

2. List four negative impacts of feedlots.

2. Feedlots are concentrated animal feeding operations/main drawbacks are water pollution, air pollution, outbreak of diseases and heavy use of antibiotic

20. What determines soil texture?

20. Soil texture is determined by the size of particles, sorting and shape.

21. What is the difference between agricultural land, cropland and rangeland?

21. Agricultural land is used for large crop growth and livestock/ Cropland is used only for crops/ Rangeland is used only for grazing livestock

22. Which soil horizon would contain humus?

22. Humus is organic compounds and is necessary for fertile soils and for holding soil moisture. Humus is found in the A horizon. This is the topsoil layer.

23. What are the pros and cons of subsistence agriculture?

23. Subsistence agriculture is when member of a farming family produce only enough food for themselves. No large scale irrigation, no chemical fertilizer, no machinery and no technology

26. Give several examples of chemical and physical weathering.

26. Physical weathering - wind/rain/freezing/grazing animals Chemical weathering - oxidation, fires, acid precipitation

27. What is the purpose of shelterbelts?

27. Shelterbelts stop wind erosion by planting trees around crops

28. What does the Conservation Reserve Program aim to do?

28. Conservation Reserve Program pays farmers to stop cultivate highly erodible cropland (conserves oil)/conservation districts/sets up management plans which sets up proper agricultural techniques in order to conserve soil.

29. What are the pros and cons of aquacultures?

29. Aquacultures - reliable protein source, sustainable, reduce fishing pressure and energy efficient/ cons=spread of disease, decrease food security and large amount of waste

3. What is the main difference between industrial and traditional agricultural?

3. Traditional agriculture is the use of human and animal power/industrial agriculture is the use of machines powered by fossil fuels in order to increase crop yields - industrialized agriculture also utilizes pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation

30. Why are seed banks important?

30. Why are seed banks important - preserve seeds in case entire areas of crops are wiped out

31. Use the texture triangle to determine the type of soil. Once the soil is known, be able to discuss if this area would be best suited for a landfill.

31. Best type of soil for agriculture is loam/loam has a mixture of sand, silt and clay sized particles with a pH close to 7 that is workable and capable of holding nutrients. Good porosity, permeability and water retention.

Dust Bowl: causes and effects

32. cause: overgrazing/drought effect: inflation/medical issues and decrease crop yield solution: farming subsidies and soil conservation act

Acid rain

33. Acid precipitation has absorbed and reacted with compounds in the atmosphere to form acids pH less than 5.6/Northeast U.S. has greatest acid rain problem

Main cause of acid rain:

34.. Sulfuric acid (H2SO4) = 75% is the main cause of acid rain

Primary Pollutants

35. Primary pollutants = carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide, particulate matter and VOCs.

5. What is desertification? List four causes of desertification.

5. Desertification is the loss of more than 10% productivity (loss of nutrients). This is caused by erosion, soil compaction, deforestation, overgrazing, salinization and depletion of water source.

Fate of MSW in the US

54% discarded 34% reduce, Reuse, recycle 12% combustion for energy

6. What is salinization? How can irrigation lead to salinization?

6. Salinization is the build up of salt in the soil over time. Salinization inhibits production of 20@ of all irrigated cropland. Salinization can be caused by excessive irrigation. Water deposits salts which prevent infiltration and leaves water closer to the surface. In dry areas this water evaporates quickly leaving the salt behind. One way to avoid this is not to plant water guzzling crops in sensitive areas or utilize drip irrigation techniques.

7. What is the best and easiest way to conserve topsoil?

7. The best way to conserve topsoil is to plant vegetation. The roots will hold the soil in place.

8. What is the purpose of contour farming, crop rotation, and conservation tillage?

8. Contour Farming is planting at right angles to the slope of the land which prevents erosion. Crop rotation is switching the type of crop that is planted in a given area in order to replenish key nutrients.

9. List the major types of organic fertilizer.

9. Organic fertilizers consist of remains of wastes of organisms/manure, crop residue or fresh vegetation, compost is one of the main types of organic fertilizer because essential nutrients may be missing depending on what is used in the composting pile. Conservation tillage is reducing the amount of tilling in order to decrease soil erosion.

National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)

A 1969 U.S federal act that mandates an environmental assessment of all projects involving federal money or federal permits

Endangered Species Act

A 1973 U.S act designed to protect species from extinction

Multiple-use land

A U.S classification used to designate lands that may be used for recreation, grazing, timber harvesting and mineral extraction

Highway Trust Fund

A U.S federal fund that pays for the construction and maintenance of roads and highways

Dam

A barrier that runs across a river or stream to control the flow of water

subtropical desert

A biome prevailing at approximately 30N and 30S, with hot temperatures, extremely dry conditions, and sparse vegetation

Temperate seasonal forest

A biome with warm summers and cold winters with over 1 m (39 inches) of precipitation annually.

sick building syndrome

A buildup of toxic pollutants in a new building

Aqueduct

A canal or ditch used to carry water from one location to another

secondary consumer

A carnivore that eats primary consumers

founder effect

A change in the genetic composition of a population as a result of descending from a small number of colonizing individuals

Evolution

A change in the genetic composition of a population over time

Photochemical oxidant

A class of air pollutants formed as a result of sunlight acting on compounds such as nitrogen oxides

Tundra

A cold and treeless biome with low-growing vegetation.

inorganic comound

A compound that does not contain the element carbon, or contains carbon bound to elements other then hydrogen

food security

A condition in which people have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs for an active and healthy life.

Leach field

A conponent of a septic system, made up of rhe underground surface bellow the ground

Ferrel Cell

A convection current in the atmosphere that lies between Hadley cells and polar cells

Age structure

A description of how many individuals fit into particular age categories in a population

Point sources

A distinct location from which pollution is directly produced

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

A document outlining the scope and purpose of a development project, describing the environmental context, suggesting alternative approaches to the project, and analyzing the environmental impact of each alternative

Thermal shock

A dramatic change in water temperature that can kill organisms

density independent factor

A factor that has the same effect in an individuals probability of survival and the amount of reproduction at any population size

Density dependent factor

A factor that influences an individuals probability of survival and reproduction in a manner that depends on the size of a population

National wildlife refuge

A federal public land managed for the primary purpose of protecting wildlife.

Individual transferable quota (ITQ)

A fishery management program in which individual fishers are given a total allowable catch of dish in a season that they can either catch or sell.

boreal forest

A forest biome made up primarily of confirmerions evergreen trees that can tolerate cold wonders and short growing seasons

petroleum

A fossil fuel that occurs in underground deposits, made of liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons, water, or sulfur

Terrestrial biome

A geographic region categorized by a particular combination of average annual temperature, annual precipitation, and distinctive plant growth forms on land

world Health Organization (WHO)

A global institution dedicated to the improvement of human health by monitoring and assessing health trends and providing medical advice to countries.

Percholerates

A group of harmful chemicals used for rocket fuel

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

A group of industrial conpuhnds ised to manjfacture plastics and insulate electrical transformers, and responsble for manh enviromental problems

Fecal California bacteria

A grpup of generally harmless microorganisms in himan intensrines thag harmless microorganisms in human intestants that can serve as an indicator species for potentially harmful microorganisms assosiated with contaminated sewage

Tree plantation

A large area typically planted with a single rapidly growing tree species.

fault Zone

A large expansive rock where a fault has occurred

concentrated animal feeding operation (CAFO)

A large indoor or outdoor structure designed for maximum output

Gyres

A large-scale pattern of water circulation that moves clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern atmosphere

Law of conservation of matter

A law of nature stating that matter cannot be created or destroyed, it can only change form

Septage

A layer if fairly clear water found in the middle of a septic tank

Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI)

A measure of economic status that includes personal consumption, income distribution, levels of higher education, resource depletion, pollution, and the health of the population

Human Development Index (HDI)

A measurement index that combines three basic measures if human status: life expectancy, knowledge, and education.

clear-cutting

A method of harvesting trees that involves removing all or almost all of the trees in an areas

polar molecule

A molecule in which one side is more positive and the other side is more negative

Spring

A natural source of water formed when water percolates up to the grounds surface.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

A nucleic acid, the genetic material that contains the code for reproducing the components of the next generation, and which organisms pass on their offspring.

Type I survivorship curve

A pattern of survival over time in which there is a high survival rate but large die off with old age

Aquifer

A permeable layer of rock and sediment that contains groundwater

Stakeholder

A person or organization with an interest in a particular place or issue

persistent pesticides

A pesticide that remains in the environment for a long period of time

selective pesticides

A pesticide that targets a narrow range of organisms

Eutrophication

A phenomenon where a body of water becomes rich in nutrients

Gene

A physical location on the chromosomes within each cell of an organism

Environmental Migration Plan

A plan that outlines how a developer will address concerns raised by a project's impact on the environment.

Zoning

A planning tool used to separate industry and business from residential neighborhoods.

primary pollutants

A polluting compound that comes directly out of a smokestack, exhausted pipe, or natural emission source.

secondary pollutants

A primary pleurant that has undone transformations in the presence of sunlight, water, oxygen, and other compounds

eminent domain

A principle that grants government the power to acquire a property at fair market value if the owner does not wish to sell it.

Distillation

A process of desalination in which water is boiled and the resulting stream is captured and condensed to yield pure water

Reverse osmosis

A process of desalination in which water is forced through a thin semipermeable membrane at high pressure

Nitrogen fixation

A process of which some organisms can convert nitrogen gas molecules directly into ammonia

United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

A program of the United Nations responsible for gathering environmental information, conducting research, and assessing environmental problems

surface tension

A property of water that results from the cohesion of water and that creates a sort of skin on the waters surface

algal bloom

A rapid increase in the algal population of a waterway.

chemical reaction

A reaction that occurs when atoms separates from molecules or recombine with other molecules

profundal zone (lake)

A region of water where sunlight does not reach, below the limnetic zone in very deep lakes

rain shadow

A region with dry conditions found on the leeward side of a mountain range as a result of humid winds from the ocean causing precipitation on the windward side

urban growth boundaries

A restriction on development outside a designated area

El Niño-Southern Oscillation

A reversal of wind and water currents in the South Pacific

Ozone (O3)

A secondary pollutant made up of three oxygen atoms bound together

Fukushima Daiichi

A series of equipment failures, nuclear meltdowns, and releases of radioactive materials at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant following the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011.200,000 people were forced to leave their homes indefinitely. On 16 December 2011, Japanese authorities declared the plant to be stable, although it would take decades to decontaminate the surrounding areas and to decommission the plant altogether. Marine and groundwater contamination was caused by backflow and deliberate discharge of radioactive waste water from the plant.

smart growth

A set of principles for community planning that focuses on strategies to encourage the development of sustainable, healthy communities.

Phenotype

A set of traits expressed by an individual

Green revolution

A shift in agricultural practices in the 20th century that included new management techniques , mechanization, fertilization, irrigation, and improvement crop varieties, and that results in increased food output

nonpoint source

A siffusw area that produces pollution

septic systems

A small and simple sewage treatment system, made up of a septic tank and a leach field, often used in rural homes

Lipid

A smaller organic biological molecule that does not mix with water

Indicator species

A species that indicates wherer or not disease-causing pathogens are likely to be present

K-selected species

A species with a low intrinsic growth rate that causes the population to increase slowly until it reaches carrying capacity

Fish ladder

A stair-like structure that allows migrating fish to get around a dam

closed system

A system in which matter and energy exchanges do not occur across boundaries.

ground source heat pump

A technology that transfers heat from the grouns to the building

Manure lagoon

Human-made pond lined with rubber built to handle large quantities of manure produced by livestock

Adaptation

A trait that improves an individuals fitness

Volcano

A vent in the surface of Earth that emits ash, gases, or molten lava

age structure diagram

A visual representation of the number in a specific age group (usually divided into males and females)

Acid precipitation

AKA acid rain high concentration of sulfuric acids and nitric acid in precipitation from reactions between water vapor and sulfur and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere.

synthetic fertilizer

AKA inorganic fertilizer fertilizer produced commercially, normally with the use of fossil fuels.

levee

Ab enlarged bank built up on each side of a river

Cation exchange capacity (CEC)

Ability of a certain soil to absorb and release cations.

Examples of Biotic components

Humus, microorganisms, bacteria, earthworms, macroinverabrates, root, fungi

Acid deposition

Acids deposited on earth as rain and snow or as gases and particles that attach to the surface of plants, soil, and water

explanation for increased fire risks

Adds to fuel load (intensity) - increased leaf litter - increased density of large trees - increased brush and small trees - species composition change Adds to spreading the fire [extent] - increased density of trees - increased density of under-story growth - Ladder trees leading to crown fires

Advantages and disadvantages of sludge and bio-solids after being spread on agricultural fields

Advantages - used as fertilizer - increases crop yield / crop revenue - improves soil quality - reduces need for disposal of sludge/biosolids in landfills or by incineration - Generates revenue from sale of sludge/solids - may be less expensive than commercial fertilizer - may be least expensive disposal option Disadvantage -foul odors - surface water and groundwater contamination by nutrients, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, hormones, pathogens -soil contamination by heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, hormones, pathogens -crops contamination by heavy metals, pharmaceuticals, pathogen - lack of public acceptance

"using nuclear power plants avoids the release of greenhouse gases"

Agree - fossil fuels are not combusted - the normal operation involves no combustion Disagree - GHGs are released when foddil fuels are used during the mining, transportation, enrichment processes of fuel, construction, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants - water vapor is released

Causes Nitrous Oxide

Agriculture soils (69%) combustion (11%) Industrial production (9%) manure management (5%)

Explain how the properties of air affect the way it moves in the atmosphere

Air rises when it becomes less dense and sinks when it becomes more dense. Warm air has a higher saturation point for water vapor than cold air. Changes in air pressure result in adiabatic cooling or heating;when water condenses it emits heat, which is known as latent heat release.

Ethanol

Alcohol made by converting starches and sugars from plant material into alcohol

Community

All of the populations of organisms within a given area

health effects of aluminum (source, health, remediation)

Aluminum Location: Soil; naturally occurring element Aluminum Environmental Impact: More soluble if acidic conditions Toxic to fish unless pH>5.5; High levels of Al toxic to plants; does not bioaccumulate Aluminum Human health Affects: Pulmonary problems; The FDA has ruled Al in cooking utensils, foil, antacids, and antiperspirants safe Aluminum Prevention/remediate: Prevent: maintain pH in ecosystems by preventing acid deposition Remediate: increase the pH with buffers to decrease solubility Arsenic Loaction: Soil, Water; naturally occurring element

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

An agency of the U.S Department of Labor, responsible for the enforcement of health and safety regulation

Carbon sequestration

An approach to stabilizing greenhouse gases by removing CO2 from the atmosphere

freshwater wetlands

An aquatic biome that is submerged or saturated by water for at least part of each year, but shallow enough to support emergent vegetation

Unconfined aquifer

An aquifer made of porous rock covered by soil out of which can easily flow

confined aquifer

An aquifer surrounded by a layer of impermeable rock of clay that impedes water flow

Divergent Plate boundary

An area beneath the ocean where tectonic plates move away from each other

Cone of Depression

An area lacking groundwater due to rapid withdrawal by a well.

Exurb area

An area similar to a suburb, but unconnected to any central city or densely populated area.

Greenhouse Warming Potential

An estimate of how much a molecule of any compound can contribute to global warming over a period of a hundred years relative to the molecule of CO2

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

An international program that works in 166 countries around the world to advocate change that will help people obtain a better life through development

Volatile organic compounds (voc)

An organic compound that evaporated at typical atmospheric temperatures

genetically modified organisms (GMO)

An organism produced by copying genes from a species with a desirable trait and inserting them into another species

Arsenic (source, health, remediation)

Arsenic Source: Used in wood preservation; chemical processes; petroleum mining, mining and smelting. Was formerly used in pesticides, rodenticides, and herbicides. Humans usually ingest arsenic in food or drinking water Arsenic Environmental Impact: Plant toxicity: wilt, brown, and die Animal toxicity: causes aquatic organisms to have decreased growth; metabolic failure in many species Arsenic human health factors: Acute-anemia,nausea Chronic- carcinogen, teratogen, likely mutagen, induces chronic fatigue, gastrointestinal disease,anemia, death. Acceptable levels in US drinking water is 10 ppb Arsenic Prevention/remediate: Prevent- remove arsenic from drinking water; government regulatory action; use other wood preservatives Remediate- phytoremediation with brake fern, which readily removes arsenic; some bacteria can oxidize arsenic

Explain the mixing of surface ocean circulation

As ocean water flows from the Gulf of Mexico to the North Atlantic, water evaporates or freezes, and this causes the remaining water to have a high salt concentration and therefore a high density. This sense water sinks to the bottom of the ocean and later comes back to the surface near the equator.

Health effects of Asbestos (source, health, remediation)

Asbestos Heat resistant mineral fiber. Sources of asbestos 1. Soil 2. Insulators Health effects of asbestos 1. Lung cancer 2. Lung scarring 3. Mesothelioma Ways to reduce the risks of asbestos 1. Use alternative materials 2. Simply leave asbestos alone

Identify the factors that drive atmospheric convection currents

Atmospheric convection currents are driven by the intense sunlight that strikes Earth near the tropics. The solar energy warms the surface of the earth, which causes moist air to rise, cool, and release water as precipitation. As the air continues to rise, it reaches the top of the troposphere. The air, which is now cold and dry, moves towards the poles until it descends at approximately 30 degrees north or 30 degrees south latitude. As it descends back to Earth's surface, the air warms and then moves back toward the equator.

describe how environmental change can alter species distributions

Because a species niche represents the environmental conditions under which a species can live, environmental change can cause a change is the distribution of a species

describe how Earth's rotation affects the movement of the air currents.

Because the surface of Earth travels faster near the equator than near the poles, the Coriolis effect causes convection currents traveling north and south to be deflected, thereby creating trade winds, westerlies and easterlies

Benzene (source, health, remediation)

Benzene Location: Air; water; naturally in petroleum; produced by forest fires and volcanoes Benzene Source: Used as a solvent to make plastics, rubber, and synthetic textiles; gasoline combustion; petroleum refining; ETS Benzene Environmental Impact: Toxic to aquatic species; kills plants by damaging roots and leaves; does not bioaccumulate Benzene Human Health Factors: Acute-anemia, depressed nervous and immune function Chronic-cancer, gene mutation, known human carcinogen Benzene Prevention/Remediate: Prevent-avoid spills Remediate-can be broken down by bacteria

quantify biodiversity

Biodiversity, can be quantified using a variety of measurements, including species richness, species evenness, or both. Such measurements provide scientists with a baseline they can use to determine how much an ecosystem has been affected by a natural of anthropocentric disturbance.

Euphotic zone

Brightly lit middle zone that gets little sunlight does not contain photosynthic organisms, levels high /npp high

carbon cycle equation

C6H1206+6O2--> 6CO2 + 6H20 + energy

chemical used in food sources

CAFO - Concentreated animal feeding operations FISHERY - commercially harbestable population of fish in a region FISHERY COLLAPSE - decline of a fish population by 90% --> overharvesting BYCATCH - catch of nontarget species ITQ - fishers have a total fish anota AQUACULTURE - farming of aquatic organisms ENERGY SUBSIDY - fossil fuel energy and human energy input per calorie of food produced GREEN REVOLUTION - shift in agricultural practices with new techniquws like mechanization

CFC's (source, health, remediation)

CFC's Location: Air-move from troposphere to stratosphere CFC's Sources: Used as solvents; propellants; refrigerants; foam blowing agents. Includes methyl chloroform (solvent), halons (fire extinguishers), methyl bromide (crop fumigant), Carbon tetrachloride (solvent) and freons (refrigerant) CFC's Environmental impact: Chlorine radicals convert ozone to oxygen gas; Increased UV radiation pass through stratosphere; Damage to living organisms due to increased UV CFC's are greenhouse gases CFC's Human Health Factors: Health effects indirect; due to increased UV radiation; Increased Skin Cancer; Cataracts; immunosuppresion CFC's Prevention/Remediation: Prevent- use other refrigerants and propellants; government regulatory action. Difficult to remediate

health effects of CO (source, health, remediation)

CO Location: Air CO Source: Incomplete combustion of fossil fuels; gas furncae/space heaters; gas/wood stoves; ETS; car exhaust CO Environmental Impact: Minimal environmental impact except human health; no direct effect on plants CO Human Health Effects: Blood's ability to carry oxygen is impaired. Acute-fatigue, impaired vision. Headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion High concentrations are fatal CO Prevention/Remedation: Prevent-maintain wood gas appliances, catalytic converter in autos, decrease use fossil fuels; government regulatory action Remediate-increase ventilation; improve efficiency

Carbonate rock weathering cycle

CO2 + H20 + CaCO3 --> CA2+ 2HCO3-

health effects of CO2 (source, health, remediation)

CO2 Location: Air CO2 Source: Combustion of biomass, solid waste, or fossil fuels CO2 Human Health Effects: Very little unless CO2 increases dramatically as in a confined space; then causes acidosis. Climate Change due to Co2 will have more human health impacts CO2 Prevention/remediation: Prevent-government regulatory action; use alternative energy resources; maintain forests; improve energy efficiency to decrease fossil fuel consumption; mass transit, carpooling, bicycles to decrease CO2 emissions from vehicles Remediate- plant vegetion, pump carbon dioxide into underground storage

Cadmium (source, health, remediation)

Cadmium Location: soil; naturally occuring element Cadmium Source: Electroplating; smelting; chemical processes; incineration Cadmium Environmental Impacts: Toxic to plants and wildlife; bioaccumulates in liver and kidney Cadmium Human Health Factors: Acute-affects repiratory system, muscle contractions Chronic-Carcinogen, teratogen, affects growth; reproduction; kidney disease; hypertension Cadmium Prevention/remediate: Prevent-government regulatory action; use an alternative metal in chemical processes Remediate- Phytoremediation with pennycress; bioremediation with bacteria

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Cause: Evaporation of fuels, solvent, paints improper combustion of fuels such as gasonline Effects: a precursor of Ozone formation

Ozone (O3)

Cause: Secondary pollution (formed when combined with sunlight, water, and oxygen, VOC's, NOx Effect: impairs lungs and respiratory tract a degrading agent to plant surfaces damages materials such as rubber and plastic

lead (Pb)

Cause: gasoline additive, oil and gasoline, coal, old paint Effect: Impairment in Central nervous system learning and concentration disabilities.

(volcano vocab) cinder cones sheild volcanos composite volcanoes mud volcanoes splatter cones

Cinder Cone - a cone formed around a volcanic vent by fragments of lava thrown out during eruptions. sheild volcanos- A shield volcano is a type of volcano usually composed almost entirely of fluid lava flows. It is named for its low profile, resembling a warrior's shield lying on the ground. composite volcanoes- A stratovolcano, also known as a composite volcano, is a conical volcano built up by many layers (strata) of hardened lava, tephra, pumice, and volcanic ash. Mud Volcanos- a small vent or fissure in the ground discharging hot mud. Spatter cones- are one of the main types of volcanic type landforms. They are made from lava that was ejected from a vent. The spatter cones are easy to distinguish especially during eruption. Unlike some volcanoes that produce lava flow during eruption, the eruptions in spatter cones are similar to explosion.

Interpret climate diagrams

Climate diagrams illustrate monthly patterns of temperature and precipitation during the year. They also illustrate the growing plants are more constrained by temperature or precipitation

why do small isolated islands have a greater extinction rate then other islands?

Close islands will have high immigration rates and support more species. By similar reasoning, large islands, with their lower extinction rates, will have more species than small ones -- again everything else being equal (which it frequently is not, for larger islands often have a greater variety of habitats and more species for that reason).

health effects of copper (source, health, remediation)

Copper Location: Soil; water Copper Source: Copper sulfate-algicide Copper Environmental Impacts: Plant micronutrient. Highly toxic to amphibians; bioaccumulates in some species Copper Human Health Effects: Acute-nausea, vomiting, cough, headache, difficulty breathing Chronic-liver cirrhosis; low blood pressure; fetal mortality, kidney and brain necrosis Copper Prevention/remediation: Prevent-use mechanical or biological methods to remove algae Remediate-electric current can remove copper from contaminated soil

Describe the goals and function of a solid waste landfill

In the US most solid waste is buried in landfills. contemporary landfills keep the garbage protected to keep water and air from escaping The potential of toxic leachate to contaminating waterways are a major concern. it also generates methane gas. siting of landfills often raises issues of environmental justice.

explain how carbon cycles within ecosystems

In the carbon cycle, producers take up CO2 for photosynthesis and transfer the carbon to consumers and decomposers. Some of this carbon is converted back into CO2 by respiration, while the rest is lost to sedimentation and burial. The extraction and combustion of fossil fuels, as well as the destruction of forests, returns CO2 to the atmosphere.

describe how water cycles within ecosystems

In the water cycle, water evaporates from water bodies and transpires from plants. The resulting water vapor cools and forms clouds, which ultimately drop water back to Earth in the form of precipitation. When the water falls onto the land, it can evaporate, be taken up by plants and transpired, percolate into the groundwater, or run off along the soil surface and ultimately return to lakes and oceans.

Health effects of Indoor Ozone (source, health, remediation)

Indoor Ozone The air quality within and around a building. Sources of indoor ozone 1. Tiny living organisms 2. Dust mites 3. Animal dander Health risks of indoor ozone 1. Sick building syndrome Ways to reduce the risks of indoor ozone 1. Low toxicity material 2. Monitoring air quality 3. Keeping rooms clean 4. Providing adequate ventilation

Sustainable agriculture

Intercropping: two or more crops in the same field Crop Watering: crops rotated from season to season - ex) corn and nitrogen - fix soy soil Agroforestry: intercropping to reduce erosion Contour plowing: Plowing and harvesting are done parallel to the tropographic contours no-till: farmers do not turn soil between seasons --> may use paraperennials IPM: minimes pesticides - rotation / intercropping - regular inspection to determine when pesticides should be used

research and climate projections

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) (UN)

Benthic zone

Lake / in habited by mostly be composers bottom or floor of lake

Eutrophic

Lake with a large or excessive supply of plant nutrients, mostly nitrates and phosphates. Compare mesotrophic lake, oligotrophic lake.

Mesotrophic

Lake with a moderate supply of plant nutrients. Compare eutrophic lake, oligotrophic lake.

Profundal zone

Lake/ deep open water where it is to dark for photosynthesis low npp

Limnetic zone

Lake/ open sunight away from shore, high npp

Litoral zone

Lake/near the shore and consists of the shallow sunlight waters, high biodiversity, high npp

explain the process of aquatic succession

Lakes and ponds experience sedimentation over long periods of time and this slowly fills in the basin. Over thousands of years, the lakes and ponds can be slowly converted into terrestrial habits

Landfills Pros and cons

Leachate: Water that leaches through the solid waste and removes chemicals from it Sanitary landfill: little contamination: > clay/plastic lining, leachate collection, cap > Minimized water inputs > compacted and aerated with soil Tiping fee: Fee charged for disposing of material in landfill/ incinerated Cocation: Ideally somewhere rich in clay, far from people and water bodies (near lower income neighborhoods NIMBY) Pros - waste covered with dirt - systems control leaching - methane collected - cheaper than others - can be reclaimed Cons - leaching - NIMBY/ justice - land prices - plastics that don't degrade (not in unperfect positions - methane release from anaerobic decomp Good - unrecyclable, plastic, paper, glass Bad - metals, toxins, electronics, organic material, batteries

Health effects of Lead (source, health, remediation)

Lead A chemical element in the carbon group, a heavy metal. Sources of lead 1. Soil 2. Old-paint 3. Dust 4. Drinking water Health effects of lead 1. Convulsions 2. Coma 3. Kidney, brain, and nervous system damage 4. Behavior problems 5. Sometimes fatal Ways to reduce the risks of lead 1. Clean often to keep areas dust free 2. Don't remove lead based paint yourself 3. DIY test kit

lead location: air, soil, water

Lead source: leaded gasoline, leaded paint, leaded soler, leaded shot sinkers, contaminated soil, smelters, incinerators, utilities, automobile batteries Lead environmental impacts: Plants-decreased growth; decreased photosynthesis Animals-CNS damage; sterility; effects similar to human exposures Lead human health effects: Acute- abdominal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, high blood pressure; death Bioaccumulates in bone Chronic-developmental retardation, impaired IQ, attention deficit, hyperactivity, learning disorders, aggression, carcinogen, damages liver, kidney, thyroid and immune system Adults- high blood pressure, digestive and nerve disorders, memory problems Acceptable levels in US drinking water is 20 ppb Lead Prevention/remediation: In US, leaded gasoline, lead shot, leaded solder, and leaded paint banned in the US In older homes- replace copper plumbing that may contain lead solder and remove lead paint (house built before 1978) Remediate - phytoremediation of soil with sunflowers

Safe drinking water act

Legislation that sets the national standards for safe drinking water

Clean water Act

Legislation that supports the "protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife and recreation in and on water" bu maintaining and, when necessary, restoring the chemical, physical, and biological properties of surface waters.

MTBE (location, source, environmental impacts, human health effects, remediation)

MTBE Location: water MTBE source: gasoline additive that promotes complete combustion to reduce CO and O3 release MTBE Environmental impacts: Persistent in the environment, no studies indicate specific damage to wildlife. MTBE human health effects: not considered a threat to human health at this time; inhalation may be linked to lung cancer MTBE Prevention/remediation: prevent- prevent leaking from underground storage tanks; use an alternative oxygenate in fuel Remediate-chemical processing of contaminated soil and water

Methane (location, source, environmental impact, remediation)

Methane location: Air Methane source: naturally produced during decomposition. Anthropogenic sources are decomposition sources are decomposition in landfills, wastewater treatment, and livestock production. Emitted by the production and transport of fossil fuels. Methane environmental impacts: greenhouse gas-20 times greater heat holding capacity than CO2. Methane human health effects: Human health impacts related to global warming Methane prevention/remediation: Prevent-government regulatory action; use methane from decomposition as energy source

Health effects of Mold (source, health, remediation)

Mold/mildew/infectious bacteria Wooly growth on decaying/damp organic matter by fungus. Sources of mold 1. Fungi 2. Spread through moisture Health effects of mold 1. Legionnaires' disease 2. Asthma 3. Respiratory illness Ways to reduce the risks of mold 1. Keep relative humidity indoors below 60 percent 2. Use a dehumidifier to dry out the air 3. Remove mold by scrubbing area with bleach or hydrogen peroxide

discuss species interactions that cause neutral or positive effects on both species

Mutualisms ate interactions that benefits two interacting species by increasing the changes of survival or reproduction for both. One of the most common mutualisms is the interaction between flowering plants and their pollinators. A second well-known mutualism is between acacia trees and the ants that defend the trees in exchange for food and a place to live. Commensalisms are interactions in which one species benefits but the other is neither harmed nor helped. Examples include birds perching on trees and marine fish using coral reefs for protection from predators.

Chemicals

NEUROTOXINS ex: Nervous system, Kidney, brain effects: lead, mercury, insecticides CARCINOGENS ex: radon, arsenic, asbestos, PCB, PVC effect: Risk of cancer, damage to cells TETRAGENS ex: alcohol, thalidomide effects: birth defects ALLERGENS ex: peanuts, milk Effects: Breathing problems ENDOCRINE DISRUPTORS ex: Atrazine (corn-based), DDT, Birth control effect: Hormonal imbalences

buildup of photo chemical smog

NO + O --> O + O2 --> O3 (ozone) NO --> photo smog NO + VOCs --> phtotochemical oxidants

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

NO - colorless, odorless NO2 pungent, reddish-brown gas (78% of atmospher is N2 gas Sources: Combustion in the atmosphere (fossil fuels, wood, and other biomass) forest fires, lightning, Microbial action in soil Effects: Respiratory issues leads to photochemical smog (ozone causer) coverts to Nitric acid in the atmosphere, harms vegetation, and aquatic life

National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA is an agency that enriches life through science. Works from the surface of the sun to the depths of the ocean floor as we work to keep citizens informed of the changing environment around them. gives daily weather forecasts, severe storm warnings, and climate monitoring to fisheries management, coastal restoration and supporting marine commerce, NOAA's products and services support economic vitality and affect more than one-third of America's gross domestic product. NOAA's dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency managers and other decision makers with reliable information they need when they need it.

Catalytic converters

NOx --> O2 + N2 CO + O2 --> CO2 CxH2 + O2 --> CO2 + H20 - *a converter that uses a platinum-iridium catalyst to oxidize pollutants and carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide and water

NOx (location, source, and impact)

NOx Location: Air; water NOx source: fossil fuel combustion- particulary gasoline; burning of solid wastes; industrial processes. Primary air pollutant that leads to photochemical smog N2O from feedlots is a greenhouse gas. Water pollutant derived from movement of fertilizers NOx Environmental impacts: Forms nitric acid (HNO3) in atmosphere- contributes to acid deposition. Directly damages cuticles on plants so damages leaves. Reduces crop yields. Reacts with sunlight to form photochemical smog. Eutrophication when in the form of nitrites (NO2) or nitrates (NO3). Decreases visibility. Low pH in aquatic systems, may stress sensitive organisms; increases AL solubility and toxicity; decreases biodiversity by reducing food available at lower trophic level.s

Thermal Inversion

Normal: col air on top --> warm on bottom. sunlight reflects back Thermal: Cool air on top -- relatively warm smog -- cool air (gets trapped- happens most at night)

Describe the patterns of surface ocean circulation

Ocean currents are driven but a combination of temperature, gravity, prevailing winds, the Coriolis effect, and the location of continents. Together, prevailing winds and ocean currents distribute heat and precipitation around the globe

Oil (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

Oil (petroleum) location: water Oil source: natural release; leaks from oil rigs, tankers, pipelines oil environmental impact: directly kills animals; suffocation of filter feeders; damage to habitat oil human health effects Toxicity related to specific chemicals in pretroleum oil prevention/remediation: prevent-government regulatory action; require double hulls on tankers remediate- oil degrading microbes

leading producers of Nitrogen Oxides

On road Vehicles Non-road equipment electricity generation fossil fuel combustion industrial processes

compare the reproductive strategies and survivorship curves of different species

Organisms have a range of reproductive patterns. At the extremes are r-rated species, which experience rapid population growth rates, and K-selected species, which experience high survivorship and slow population growth rates. Patterns of distributorship over the life span can be graphically represented as type l,ll, and lll survivorship curves

PCBs (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

PCBs Location: Soil;water PCB's Source: solids and oily liquids used as lubricants, fire retardants, hydraulic fluids, adhesives, transformer fluids;landfills;incineration PCB's Environmental Impact: Highly persistent; bioaccumulate. Wildlife-deformities; high mortality rates;impairs reproduction PCBs human health effects: Acute - Acne-like skin eruptions; skin pigmentation; vision and hearing impairment; spasms Chronic- mutagen; carcinogen;teratogen;interferes with function of thyroid hormones. Bioacccumulates in liver, muscle and fat PCB's prevention/remediation: prevent-government regulatory action; use alternative materials remediation-high temperature incineration;bacterial bioremediation

organic

PRO - natural systems - maintain soil quality Con - difficult , time consuming - may be less efficent

PM (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

Particulates (PM) Location: Air PM Source: Solid and liquid droplets in air; soot, dust, soil and smoke from erosion or combustion source PM Environmental Impact: If densely accumulate on plant leaves, can impair photosynthesis. If particles are acidic, contributes to acid deposition. May increase nutrient levels in surface water. Impairs visibility . Can damage and stain stone, which decreases the aesthetic value of monuments and statues PM Human Health Effects: Irritate respiratory tract, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing; exacerbates lung disease PM Prevention/remediation: Prevent-electrostatic precipitators, bag filter, cyclone collector; wet scrubber; government regulatory action; energy efficiency decreasing fossil fuel use

Phosphates (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

Phosphates Location: water Phosphates Source: fertilizer; sewage effluent Phosphates environmental impact: eutrophication Phosphates Human health effects: none noted Phosphates prevention/remediation: Prevent-decrease non point runoff from agricultural areas; ban detergents that use phosphates; government regulatory action;aerate contaminated water

fertilizer increases

Phosphorous and nitrates of the soil

infectious Diseases: Historical

Plague: carried by bacteria on fleas Malaria: caused by protists originating in mosquitoes - still prevalent in Africa Tuberculosis: highly contagious, caused by bacterium that infects lungs -easily treatable by anibiotics, but some strains are resistant

Methods to lessen the problem of abandoned coal mines

Plant trees or other plants to restore cover/ reduce erosion Fill in/ fence off abandoned shafts to stop subsidence or reduce access Prevent acid mine drainage and leaching from sites using retaining ponds, berms, other BMPs Treat acid mine drainage with limestones Return tailings to evacuation sites Recontour the land Place gravel on surface to reduce wind erosion

Effects of HFI extended beyond fire reduction. name the positive and negative impacts of HFI

Positive Effect -increased removal medium and large/ small tree brush removal --> lead to economic growth in the lumber industry - increased removal of medium and large trees --> allow understory to develop into large trees, potentially enhancing forest habitat --> make additional timber avalibale to use (must indicate usage) --> result in thinned trees resistant to pests and disease/impede spread of diseases and pests - enhance economic value of the surrounding areas (housing, lower insurance) --> lower the cost of timber --> result in a change of aesthetic Negative effects - The removal of medium and large trees/ small tree brush removal will: --> reduce avalible habitate for other organisms in the forest biome --> allow timber companies to cit in areas remote from forest communities not threatened by forest fires --> cause a reduction in biodiversity --> increase soil erosion --> increase loggining practices --> reduce public input --> result in a change of asethetic

Explain the process of Primary succession

Primary succession occurs on surfaces that are initially devoid of soil, such as bare rock that is exposed after the retreat of glaciers or the cooled lava from a volcanic eruption. OVER TIME, PLANTS AND ANIMALS ARRIVE AT THE SITE AND MODIFY THE ENVIRONMENT, MAKING IT MORE FAVORABLE FOR OTHER SPECIES TO ARRIVE AND PERSIST

organic fertilizers

Pro - reused -adds to soil quality - cheap and accessible Con - difficult - not always accessible - waste runoff - non-specific

Synthetic fertilizers

Pro - specific -easy -available cons -fossil fuels - eutrification -price

Irrigation

Pros - allows land to be more productive - transforms unstable land con - waterlogging -salinization - decreased aquifer levels

GMOs

Pros - greater yield less pesticides added nutrients CONs - decreased biodiversity - concerns about safety

CAFOS

Pros - max output - decreased land use Con - antibiotics -disease - waste disposal -ethics

Aquicultre Pro and cons

Pros - prevent fishery collaps - more food, esp. for developing cons - wastewater pumped into natural waters - fish escape

Regulations of solid waste

RCRA: reduce production of hazardous waste (1) Cradle-to-grave: analysis of a products life -manufacture, use and disposial strategies to reduce impact (2) Track + ensure proper disposal (3) Mitigation - prevention CERLA/ SUPERFUND: remediates hazardous waste (1) Imposes tax on industrial waste (2) cleans up/ reclaimed abandoned hazardous waste sites (3) love canal: hazardous waste landfill--> filled in and developed --> caused cancers after rain contaminated water (and other issues) --> problem became superfund sight and people evacuated (4)Federal organization National priorities list (NPS) - list of contaminated sites eligible for cleanup (EPA) BROWNFIEDS (1) state/ local funded (2) less serious than superfund sites (3) Like superfunds, industrial sites that may require cleanup before use (4) Old factories, industrial areas, gas stations, landfills, etc. RCRA: resource conservation and recovery act CERCLA: comprensive Environmental response, combenstion, and liberatarian liability assosiation. Integrated waste management: Holistic approach including reduction, management, and disposal strategies to reduce impact

Describe the three R's

REDUCE - Waste minimization including source reduction which minimizes waste early in design + manufacture REUSE - using a product that would otherwise be discarded; may include additional energy RECYCLE -products converted back into raw material and used (requires time and energy) > closed-loop: same product > Open-loop: different product COMPOST - creation of humus under controlled conditions - imprives soil

Radioactive Isotopes (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

Radioactive isotopes location: Air; soil;water Radioactive isotops source: naturally occuring; used in medicine, nuclear power, nuclear weapons, tracers Radioactive istopes Environmental impact: Increased genetic damage due to radiation radioactive isotopes human health effects: Acute-radiation sickness; death Chronic-cancers Radioactive isotopes prevention/remediation: Prevent- government regulatory action; use alternative materials

health effects of Radon (Source, effects, and ways to reduce radon)

Radon A radioactive gas that can enter the home through drains and the cracks in foundation. Sources of radon 1. Decaying uranium found in soil can find its way into buildings and accumulate at unsafe levels Health effects of radon 1. Lung cancer 2. Kills 21,000 Americans per year Ways to reduce the risks of radon 1. Air quality testing with DIY radon test kits 2. Effectively seal off the bottom of houses

describe the 3 R's

Reduce, reuse, recycle move materials away from the waste stream. Reduce refers to activities that encourage a reduction in the use and disposal of materials. Reuse refers to using an item multiple times whenever possible, Recycling refers to returning and object to a manufacturing plant where it is turned into the same of another in order to least envito imact to the greatest

ecological sustainability forestry

Remove trees from a forest in ways that do not unduly affect the viability of other trees

mitigation

Repairing/Rehabilitating a damaged ecosystem or compensation for damage. Most often by providing a substitute or replacement area; frequently involves wetland ecosystems

responses to increased nitrate levels and effects on water quality

Response to increased nitrate levels - cause excessive algal growth or algal blooms - cause cultural eutrophication - speed eutrophication process Effect on water quality - algae die and microbes deplete the water of available oxygen (DO) during decomposition of algae (hypoxic/anoxic conditions) - algal blooms lead to reduced light penetration - algal blooms caused taste/order problems

leading producers of PM

Road dust industrial processes electricity generation fires residential wood combustion

SO2 (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

SO2 Location: Air SO2 source: coal combustion; industrial processes; smelting; petroleum refineries; natural sources such as volcanoes SO2 environmental Impact: Acid deposition when combines with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Directly damages cuticles on plants so damages leaves; weathers carbonate rocks; acidifes ecosystems; reduces crop yield. Low pH in aquatic systems may stress sensitive organisms; increases AL solubility and toxicity; decreases biodiversity by reducing food available at lower trophic levels. Damages buildings, statues, and monuments. May create sulfur haze which reflects sunlight resulting in global cooling. Decreases visibility SO2 human health effects: respiratory difficulty; exacerbates lung and heart disease SO2 prevention/remediation: prevent-wash coal; use anthracite (less S); increase energy efficiency; decrease fossil fuel use; fluidized bed combustion; coal liquefaction; coal gasification; use natural gas; lime scrubbers; pollution credits and other government regulatory action; decreases fossil fuel use and increase energy efficiency Remediate- treat acidified ecosystems with lime or ammonia

Examples of aBiotic components

Sand, silt, clay, water, air, nutrients (N,P,K compounds), decomposing parent material, minerals, rocks, pebbles

Drip Irrigation

Saves water and fertilizer by allowing water to drip slowly. Advantages: Efficiently waters plants b/c of controlled delivery, uses less water, and installation does not require excavation Disadvantages: Requires flush-outs on a monthly basis

Explain the process of secondary succession

Secondary succession occurs in areas that have been disturbed but have not lost their soil. A common example is the bare slop left behind when farmers stop planting crops in a field. Over time, plants and animal colonize the site, alter the environmental conditions and favor the persistence of other species

Water (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

Sediment location: water Sediment source: deforestation/leading to erosion. Agricultural erosion. Natural weathering of rock. Mining Sediment Environmental Impacts: Increased water turbidity. Decreases photosynthesis due to decreased light penetration; sediment may cover benthic organisms; sediment may clog gills of filter feeders; may cover rocks in salmon spawning sites in streams Sediment human health effects: none- its a water quality issue Sediment prevention/remediation: Prevent- government regulatory action; sediment buffers when constructing; erosion control methods used in agriculture and mining

What is sick-building syndrome? Why is it becoming a common problem?

Sick-building syndrome describes when chemicals inside a building start causing the people inside of it acute health problems like headaches, nausea, odor sensitivity, dizziness, and more. It is becoming a more common problem because more and more companies are using VOC's and other pollutant chemicals in their products that people often use inside their homes and offices.

Metamorphic Breakdown of carbonate

Sio2 + CaCo3 --> Co2 + CaSio3

Particulate Matter (PM)

Solid or liquid particles suspended in the air concentration of 400ppm is steadily increasing in the atmosphere Causes: combustion of coal, oil, and diesel and biofuel (manure and wood) agriculture, road construction, and other soil, soot, or dust moving activities. Volcanoes, forest fires, dust-storms Effects: respiratory issues and cardiovascular disease. premature death reduce visibility, and contributes to haze and smog

Nitrogen cycle

Step 1: Nitrogen Fixation --nitrogen must be present in ammoina (NH3) or (NO3-) -atmospheric nitrogen can be converted, mostly done by soil bacteria (rhizobium) -nitrogen fixing bacteria associated with legumes Step 2: Nitrification -soil bacteria converts ammonium (NH4+) into nitrate (NO3) Step 3: Assimilation --plants absorb ammonium (NH3), ammonia ions (NH4+), and nitrate ions (NO3-) through their roots -heterotrophs obtain nitrogen when they consume dead plants Step 4: Ammonification -decomposing bacteria convert dead organisms and other waste to ammonia (NH3)or ammonium ions (NH4+) which can be reused by plants Step 5: Denitrification -specialized bacteria (anaerobic) convert ammonia back into nitrites and nitrates and then into nitrogen gas (N2) and nitrous oxide gas (N2O)

secondary succession

Succession following a disturbance that destroys a community without destroying the soil

What are the 6 major air pollutants?

Sulfur dioxide, Nitrogen Oxide, Carbon Monoxide, PM (particulate matter), lead, and Ozone. SNCPLO snakes Nap Cause Potatoes love Oil

1980-Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act: Superfund

Superfund is a United States federal government program designed to fund the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances and pollutants. ... It was established as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA).

Describe how economic health depends on the availability of natural capital and basic human welfare

Sustainable systems must include a consideration of externalities. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the value of all products and services produced in a year in a given country. Genuine progress indicator (GPI) includes measures a personal consumption, income distribution, levels of higher education, resource depletion, pollution, and health of the population. Economic assets, or capital, can come from natural systems on Earth from humans, or from the manufactured products made by humans. Valuing all three kinds of capital is essential to systems that are sustainable.

Causes Urban Sprawl

TRANSPORTATION - increase use of/ reliance on automobiles - improve/ expanded roads - Low gas prices promote driving -telecommuting has made it possible to work remotely ECONOMIC - increasing wealth/affluence providing choice - higher taxes in inner city - Higher land/Property costs in city vs. less expensive land prices outside the city (cannot earn both) - tax deductions for home mortgages interests - jobs move out and employees follow - home buying subsidies/ reduced interest rates - Lack of/poor city-reguinal planning: (urban centers plan in isolation; lack of cohesive plan for growth) - lower cost of living in the suburbs QUALITY OF LIFE - desire for property/ yard / lower density - better quality suburban schools - High crime rates in the inner city - seek natural environment, aesthetic, cleaner air, less noise pollution

Steps a municipality could talk to encourage smart growth in order to limit urban sprawl

TRANSPORTATION - subsidize mass transit to encourage less automobile use - build bike paths to encourage less automobile use - Establish Moravia on highway and new construction - develop master plans which direct new residents/ jobs to busy hubs ZONING/DESIGN - modify zoning ordinance to encourage multi-use/ mixed land uses, create minimum development densities; promote compact communities; a range of housing opportunities; vertical development - establish development barriers surrounding cities and towns (urban village strategy): dense, multifamily - and single-family housinf near shops, chafes, & public transit - Foster communities that provide a sense of place: promote appreciation of unique environments, community involvement, and social context of cities - promote gentrification - promote reclamation of brownfields TAX INCENTIVE - Create tax incentives/ reduced taxes for living in city INCREASED AMENITIES - Enhance the quality of living/increase amenities in cities (E.G schools, parks, pools, recreation to encourage to remain in cities); efforts to reduce pollution/ improve air quality OTHER - carry out publication campaign

Explain how we define terrestrial biomes

Terrestrial biomes are categorized by the dominant plant forms that exist in a region

Identify the causes of consequences of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation occurs when the typical trade winds from South America weaken or reverse, which allows the equatorial current that usually flows from east to west to reverse direction. When this happens, the upwelling along the western coast of South America is impeded, which affects climates around the world

Describe the approaches to measuring and achieving sustainability

The Human Development Index combines life expectancy, knowledge and education, and standard of living as a measure of human status. The Human Poverty Index measures the percentage of population in a country that is suffering from deprivation. A green tax can be used to internalize externalizes or reduce environmental harm. The triple bottom line accounts for three factors- economic, environmental, and social- when making decisions about environment and development. These ideas have led to a variety of policies in the United States for promoting sustainability.

1974-the Safe Drinking Water Act

The Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) was originally passed by Congress in 1974 to protect public health by regulating the nation's public drinking water supply. ... US EPA, states, and water systems then work together to make sure that these standards are met.

1977-Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act

The Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA) is the primary federal law that regulates the environmental effects of coal mining in the United States. SMCRA created two programs: one for regulating active coal mines and a second for reclaiming abandoned mine lands.

Department of Energy (DOE)

The U.S. organization that advances the energy and economic security of the united states

joule

The amount of energy used when a 1-watt electrical device is turned on for 1 second

Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)

The amount of oxygen a quantity of water uses over a period of time at specific temperatures

Crustal abundance

The average concentration of an element in the earths crust

covalent bond

The bond formed when elements share electrons

Phylogeny

The branching pattern of evolutionary relationships

Genotype

The complete set of genes in an individual

famine

The condition in which food insecurity is so extreme that a large number of deaths occur in a given area in a relatively short amount of time.

Nitrification

The conversation of ammonia (NH4+) into nitrate (NO2-) and then into nitrate (NO3-)

Hydroponic agriculture

The cultivation of plants in greenhouse conditions by immersing roots in nutrient-rich solution

Urban blight

The degradation of the built and social environments of the city that often accompanies and accelerates migration to the suburbs

kinetic energy

The energy of motion

Cation exchange

The exchange of key cations between soil and plants. Soils that have a good water retention typically has an efficient cation exchange. Clay particles increase the cation exchange. Too many clay particles will decrease porosity and permeability which could lead to waterlogging of the soil.

Explain the exponential growth model of populations, which produce a J-shaped curve

The exponential growth model describes rapid growth under ideal conditions when resources are not limited. The J-shaped curve occurs because the population initially grows slowly when few individuals are present to reproduce but then grows rapidly as the number of reproduction increases

Sense of place

The feeling that an area has a distinct and meaningful character

Population

The individuals that belong to the same species and live in a given area at a particular time

Explain the intermediate disturbance hypothesis

The intermediate disturbance hypothesis states that ecosystems experiencing intermediate levels of disturbance are more diverse than those with high it low disturbance levels.

Air pollution

The introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the atmospheric concentrations high enough to harm plants, animals, and materials such as buildings, or to alter ecosystems

Floodplain

The land adjacent to the river

Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)

The latitude that relieves the most intense sunlight, which causes the receives the moat intense sunlight, which causes the ascending branches of the two Hadley cells to converge

Asthenosphere

The layer of Earth located on the outer part of the mantle, made of semi-molten rock

Inversion layer

The layer of warm air that trans emissions in a thermal inversion

Maximum sustainable yield (MSY)

The maximum amount of renewable resources that can be harvested without compromising the future of the resource

Selective cutting

The method of harvesting trees that involves the removal of single trees or a relatively small number of trees from among many in a forest.

core

The most inner part of the earth mostly made up of Iron and nickle. It has a liquid outer layer and a solid inner layer

Chernobyl

The nuclear power plant in the Ukraine that suffered two large explosions which released massive amounts of radioactive materials. It is the worst nuclear accident in history and thousands were and continue to be impacted by the disaster.

population growth rate

The number of offspring an individual can produce in a given time period, minus the deaths of the individual or its offspring during the same period

pH

The number that indicates the relative strength of acids and bases in a substance

Pelagic

The pelagic zone exists in the open ocean, which consists of all water that is not close to the ocean floor.

Induced demand

The phenomenon in which an increase in the supply of goods caused demands to grow

Explain hoe phosphorus cycles within ecosystems

The phosphorus cycle involves a large pool of phosphoeus in rock that is formed by the precipitation of phosphate onto the ocean floor. Geologic forces can lift these sediments and form mountains. The phosphorus in the mountains can be made avalible to producers either by weathering or by mining. Producers assimilate phosphorous from the soil or water and consumers assimilate it when they eat producers. The waste producers. The waste products and dead bodies of organisms experience mineralization, which returns phosphorus to the environment where it can be ultimately transferred back to the ocean.

anaerobic respiration

The process by which cells convert glucose into energy in the absence of oxygen.

aerobic respiration

The process by which cells covert glucose and oxygen into energy, carbon dioxide, and water

mineralization

The process by which fungal and bacterial decomposers break down the organic matter found in dead bodies and waste products and convert it into inorganic compounds

Gene flow

The process by which individuals move from one population to another and thereby alter the genetic composition of both populations

Photosynthesis

The process by which producers use solar energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose

Base saturation

The proportion of soil bases to soil acids, expressed as a percent

Resilience

The rate at which an ecosystem returns to its original state after a disturbance

Distinguish between ecosystems resistance and ecosystem resilience

The resistance of an ecosystem is a measure of how much a disturbance can affect its flows of energy and matter. In contrast, the resilience of an ecosystem is the rate at which an ecosystem returns to its original state after a disturbance has occurred.

parent material

The rock material where inorganic components of a soil are derived

Limnetic zone

The shallow zone of soil and water in lakes and ponds where most algae and emergent plants grow

weather

The short-term conditions of the atmosphere in a local area, which include temperature, humidity, clouds, precipitation, and wind speed.

Describe the factors that determine the species richness of a community

The species richness of a community is typically higher at latitudes that are closer to the equator. Richness is also higher in older sites where evolution has been producing new species for a longer period of time. Finally, more species exist in larger habitats and habitats that are closer to sources of new species as is the case for oceanic islands that are located close to two continents

Maximum contamination level (MCL)

The standard for safe drinking water established by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act

well-being

The status of being healthy, happy, and prosperous

Restoration ecology

The study and implementation of restoring damaged ecosystem.

community ecology

The study of how interactions between species affect community structure and organization

Earthquake

The sudden movement of the Earths crust caused by a release of potential energy along a geological fault and usually causing a vibration or trembling at the earths surface

fundamental niche

The suite of abiotic conditions under which a species can survive, grow, and reproduce

Tectonic cycle

The sum of the processes that build up and break down the lithosphere

Population size (N)

The total number of individuals within a defined area at a given time

Discuss the factors that cause unequal heating of Earth

The unequal heating of Earth is caused by differences in the angle of the sun's rays that strike Earth, the amount of atmosphere that the sun's ray must pass through before striking Earth's surface, and how much of the solar energy that reaches Earth is reflected and absorbed

Upwelling

The upward movement of ocean water toward the surface as a result of diverging currents

Thermal pollution (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

Thermal pollution location: Water Thermal pollution source: power plant and industrial cooling Thermal pollution environmental impact; temperature sensitive organisms may be killed. Hotter temperatures may interfere with reproduction, growth rates, and levels of biodiversity. Fish may require more food because they grow all year around in warmer waters. Dissolved oxygen levels decrease in warmer water. Thermal pollution human health effects: none Thermal pollution prevention/remediation: prevent- use alternative energy resources that don't require cooling; cooling ponds or towers to cool hot water prior to being released into natural systems

where do the most tornadoes in the world occur?

Tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, including Australia, Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. Even New Zealand reports about 20 tornadoes each year. Two of the highest concentrations of tornadoes outside the U.S. are Argentina and Bangladesh.

Health effects of VOC's (source, health, remediation)

VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) Organic chemical compounds with significant vapor pressures that can affect the environment and human health. Sources of VOCs 1. Paint 2. Glue 3. Shower curtains 4. Printers Health effects of VOCs 1. Headaches/nausea 2. Brain damage 3. Cancer 4. Asthma Ways to reduce the risks of VOCs 1. VOC containing products 2. Outdoor ventilating 3. DIY test kit 4. Use products labeled "zero VOC"

primary Pollutants example

Vocs Co co2 SO2 NO NO2 most hydrocarbons most suspended particles

sources for indoor air pollution in the developed world

Vocs -- furniture; carpets;foam insulation; pressed wood; pesticides; paints; cleaning fluids. Cancer--Tobacco Smoke lead-- old paint Asbestos-- floor and ceiling tiles; pipe insulation Radon -- Rocks and soil beneath house carbon monoxide-- leaky gas stoves/furnance; car left running in the garage. PM-- fireplaces; wood stoves

Three Mile Island

Was the worst accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant history. An accident at the nuclear plant at this location that caused a radiation leak and forced the evacuation of 140,000 people near the site. Resulted in the release of small amounts of radioactive gases and radioactive iodine into the environment. The story made headlines around the world and seemed to confirm people's fears about nuclear power.

Gray water

Wastewater from baths, showers, baths, showers, bathrooms, and washing machines

Wastewater

Watee produced by livestock operations and himan activities- including sewage from toilets and gray warer from bathing ans washinf cloths and dishes

discuss how environmental change can lead to species extinction

When environmental changes are too rapid and too extensive to permit evolutionary changes, or if a species is unable to move to a more hospitable environments, a species will not be able to persist and the species will go extinct

Explain how the movement of air currents over mountain ranges affects climates

When moist air from the ocean moves up a mountain, the air cools and releases water as precipitation, which results in a moist environment on the windward side. On the other side of the mountain , the cool, dry air descends, which results in the dry environment on the leeward side of the mountain.

temperate grassland/cold desert

a biome characterized by cold, harsh winters, and hot, dry summers

woodland/shrubland

a biome characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters

tropical seasonal forest/savanna

a biome marked by warm temperatures and distinct wet and dry seasons

genetic drift

a change in the genetic composition of a population over time as a result of random mating

Ionic bond

a chemical bond between two ions od opposite charges

temperate rainforest

a coastal biome typified by moderate temperatures and high precipitation

food web

a complex model of how energy and matter moves between tropic levels

carbohydrate

a compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, or oxygen atoms

organic coumpound

a compound that contains carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds

hadley cell

a convection current in tha atmosphere that ycles between the equatoe and 30N and 30S

protein

a critical component of living organisms made up of a long chain of nitrogen-containing organic molecules known as amino acids.

pesticide treadmill

a cycle of pesticides development, followed by pest resistance, followed by new pest development

anemia

a deficiency of iron

Slowing the current downstream migration causes

a delay that interfers with biological changes in young salmon - slow water exposes them to predators and disease

turbine

a device with blades that can be turned on by water, wind, steam, or exhaust has from combustion plants

density-dependent limiting factor

a factor that depends on population size, such as competition, predation, parasitism, disease.

tipping fee

a fee charge for disposing of material in a landfill or incinerator

negative feedback loop

a feedback loop in which a system responds to a change by returning to its original state, or by decreasing the rate at which the original, or by decreasing the rate at which the change is occurring.

positive feedback loop

a feedback loop in which change in a system is amplified

prescribed burn

a fire set under controlled conditions in order to reduce the accumulation of dead biomass on the forest floor

Electromagnetic radiation

a form of energy emitted by the sun that includes, but is not limited to, visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared energy

waterlogging

a form of soil degradation that occurs when soil remains under water for prolonged periods

United Nations (UN)

a global institution dedicated to promoting dialogue among countries with the goal of maintaining world peace.

World bank

a global institution that provides technical and financial assistance to developing countries with the objectives of reducing poverty and promoting growth, especially in the poorest countries.

survivorship curve

a graph that represents the distinct patterns of species survival as a function of age

species

a group of organisms that is distinct from other groups in its morphology (body form and structure), behavior, or biochemical properties.

metapopulation

a group of populations that are separated by space but consist of the same species

logistic growth model

a growth model that describes slowing growth of populations whose growth is initially approaches the carrying capacity of the environment

exponential growth model (nt = N0e^rt)

a growth model that estimates a populations future size (nt) after a period of time (t), based on the intrinsic growth rate (r) and the number of reproducing individuals currently in the population (N0)

cell

a highly organized living entity that consists of four major types of macromolecules and other substances in a watery solution, surrounded by a membrane.

theory

a hypothesis that has been repeatedly tested and confirmed by multiple groups of researchers and has reached wide acceptance

ecosystem engineer

a keystone species that creates or maintains habitat for other species

troposphere

a layer of the atmosphere closest to the surface of Earth, extending up to approximately 16 km (10 miles)

photon

a massless packet of energy that carries electromagnetic radiation at the speed of light

resistance

a measure of how much a disturbance can affect floes in energy and matter in an ecosystem.

ecological footprint

a measure of how much an individual consumes, expressed in area of land

genetic diversity

a measure of the genetic variation among individuals in a population.

Human poverty Index (HPI)

a measurement index developed by the UN to investigate the proportion of a population suffering from deprivation in a country with a high HDI

mass number

a measurement of a total number of protons and neutrons in an element

mass

a measurement of the amount of matter an object contains

atomic number

a measurement of the total number of protons in the nucleus of a particular element.

natural experiment

a natural event that acts as an experimental treatment in an ecosystem.

fission

a nuclear reaction where a neutron hits a large atomic nucleus then splits into 2 parts, releasing more neutrons and energy in the form of heat

RNA (ribonucleic acid)

a nucleic acid that translates the code stored in DNA, which makes possible the synthesis of proteins

limiting nutrient

a nutrient required for the growth of an organism but available in a lower quantity than other nutrients

ecosystem

a particular location on earth with interacting biotic and abiotic components

environmentalist

a person who participates in environmentalism, a social movement that seeks to protect the environment through lobbying, activism, and education.

broad-spectrum pesticides

a pesticides that kills many different kinds of pests

coral bleaching

a phenomenon in which algae inside corals die, causing the corals to turn white

first law of thermodynamics

a physical law which states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed, but can change from one form to another.

adaptive management plan

a plan that provides flexibility so that managers can modify it as changes occur.

combined cycle

a power plant that uses both exhaust gases and steam turbines to generate electricity

null hypothesis

a prediction that there is no difference between groups or conditions, or a statement or an idea that can be falsified, or proved wrong

chemosynthesis

a process used by some bacteria in the ocean to generate energy with methane and hydrogen sulfide.

Capillary action

a property of water that occurs when adhesion of water molecules to a surface is stronger than cohesion between the molecules

Mutation

a random error in gene replication that leads to a change

nuclear fusion

a reaction that happens when lighter nuclei are forced to come together ns produce heavier nuclei

bottleneck effect

a reduction in the genetic diversity of a population caused by a reduction in its size

tropic pyramid

a representation of the distribution of biomass, number, or energy among tropic levels

limiting resource

a resource that a population cannot live without and that occurs in quantities lower than the population would require to increase in size

Richter Scale

a scale that measures the highest ground movement that occurs during an Earthquake.

Thermal inversion

a situation in which a layer of warm air (an inversion layer) lies over a layer of cool air.

niche generalists

a species that can live under a wide range of abiotic or biotic conditions

pioneer species

a species that colonizes an uninhabited area and that starts a process of succession

r-selected species

a species that has a high intrinsic growth rate, often leading to population overshoots and die-offs

niche specialist

a species that is specialized to live in a specific habitat or to feed on a small group of species

steady state

a state in which inputs equal outputs, so that the system is not changing over time.

Incentive-based approach

a strategy for pollution control that constructs financial and other incentives for lowering emissions based on profits and benefits

command-and-control approach

a strategy for pollution control that involves regulations and enforcement mechanisms

environmental economics

a subfield of economics that examples the costs and benefits of various policies and regulations that seek to regulate or limit and water pollution and other causes of environmental degration.

pesticides

a substance, either natural or synthetic, that kills or controls organisms that people consider pests Pro - higher productivity - prevents disease - economics cons - harms non target animals - human health risks -resistance

open system

a system in which exchanges of matter or energy occur across system boundaries.

photovoltaic solar system

a system of capturing energy from sunlight and converting it directly into electricity

waste-to-energy

a system where heat released by incineration is used as energy, rather then released into the atmosphere

green tax

a tax placed on environmentally harmful activities or emissions in an attempt to internalize some of the externalizes that may be involved in the life cycle of those activities or products

wind turbine

a turbine that converts wind energy into electricity

flex-furl vehicle

a vehicle that runs on either gasoline or a gasoline/ethanol mixture

hydrogen bond

a weak chemical bond that forms when hydrogen atoms that are covalently bonded to one atom are attracted to another atom on another molecule.

environmental worldview

a worldview that encompasses how one thinks the world works; how one view one's role in the world; and what one believes to be proper environmental behavior.

anthropocentric Worldview

a worldview that focuses on human welfare and well-being

Biocentric Worldview

a worldview that holds that humans are just one of many species on Earth, all of which have equal intrinsic value.

Ecocentric worldview

a worldview that places equal value on all living organisms and the ecosystems in which they live.

identify the five layers of atmosphere

above the Earth's surface, the first layer of atmosphere is the troposphere, followed by the stratosphere, mesosphere, atmosphere, and the exosphere.

Greenhouse effect

absorption of infrared radiation by atmospheric gases and reradiation of the energy back to earth

Ore

accumulation of minerals in a concentrated point, where economically valuable material can be extracted.

Factors that affect evolution

adaption process is slow populations with more genetic diversity and if a mutation, disease, etc. goes through then their is a lower possibility that all species would off

population pyramid

age structure diagram where widest

sustainable agriculture

agriculture that fulfills the need for food and fiber while enhancing the quality of soil, minimizing the use of nonrenewable resources, and allowing economic viability for the farmer

What contains the most CFC's (Chlorine-fluorine compounds)

air conditioners

Smog

air pollution by a mixture of smoke and fog

photochemical smog

air pollution that forms from the interaction between chemicals in the air and sunlight also known as los angelus type smog; Brown smog

manufactured capital

all goods and services that humans produce

watershed

all land in a given landscape that drains into a particular stream, river, lake, or wetland

no-till agriculture

an agricultural method in which farmers do not turn the soil between seasons as a means of reducing topsoil erosion

shifting agriculture

an agricultural method in which land is cleared and used for a few years until soil is depleted from nutrients

intercropping

an agricultural method in which two or more crop species are planted in the same field at the same time to promotea synergistic interaction

monocropping

an agricultural method that utilizes large planting of a single species or variety

Integrated pest management (IPM)

an agricultural practice that uses a variety of techniques designed to minimize pesticide outputs.

crop rotation

an agricultural technique in which crop species in field are rotated from season to season

contour plowing

an agricultural technique in which plowing and harvesting re done parallel to the topographic contours of the land

agroforestry

an agricultural technique in which trees and vegetables are intercropped.

systems analysis

an analysis to determine inputs, outputs, and changes in a system under carious conditions

detritovore

an animal that feeds on dead organic material, especially plant detritus.

triple bottom line

an approach to sustainability that considers three factors-economic, environmental, and social- when making decisions about business, the economy, and development.

aquatic biome

an aquatic region characterized by a particular combination of salinity, depth, and water flow

fuel cell

an electrical-chemical device that converts fuel, such as hydrogen, into an electrical current

renrewable

an energy source that is either potentially renewable or nondepletable

sanitary landfill

an engineered ground facility designed to hold municipal solid waste (MSW) with as little contamination of the surrounding environment as possible

uncertainty

an estimate of how much a measured or calculated value differs from a true value.

disturbance

an event, caused by physical, chemical, or biological agents, resulting in changes in population size or community composition

environmental indicator

an indicator that describes the current state of an environmental system

Kyoto Protocol

an international agreement that sets a goal emissions of greenhouse gases from all industrialized countries to be reduced by 5.3% below their 1990 levels by 2012

scientific method

an objective method to explore the natural world, draw inferences from it, and predict the outcome of certain events, processes, or changes

thermohaline circulation

an oceanic circulation pattern that drives the mixing of surface water and deep water

scavenger

an organism that consumes dead animals

detirivore

an organism that specializes in breaking down dead tissues and waste products into smaller particles.

matter

anything that occupies space and has mass

integrated waste management

approach to waste disposal that has several waste reduction, management, and disposable strategies in order to reduce MSW's environmental impact

urban area

area contains 385 people per square kilometer (1,000 people per square mile)

National wilderness area

area set aside with the intent of preserving a large tract of intact ecosystems or a landscape

o horizon

at horizon on the surface of many soils made of organic detritus in various stages of decomp

Life expectancy

average # of years a child in a specific country in a specific year can expect to live due to the current death rate of a country

Explain the insights gained from watershed studies

because watersheds contain all of the land in a given landscape that drains into a particular water body, experimental manipulations such as logging allow scientists to determine how a disturbance to an system alters the flow of energy and matter.

tierd rate system

billing system used by some electric company where customers pay more based on how much they used

5 key environmental indicators

biological diversity, food production, average global surface temperature and CO2 concentrations, human population, resource depletion

hypertrophic lakes

bodies of water that have been excessively enriched with nutrients. These lakes typically have poor clarity and are subject to devastating algal blooms.

incineration

burning waste materials to reduce mass and volume sometimes used to generate electricity

How do hybrid cars use less fossil fuels then the combustion engine?

by using both a conventional engine and electric motor, the best hybrids achieve significantly better fuel efficiency than their non-hybrid counterparts. They also pollute less and save drivers money through fuel savings.

Discuss the movement of calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur within ecosystems

calcium, magnesium, and potassium are derived from rock and can be held by soils. Producers can assimilate these elements, and mineralization of waste products and dead organisms returns the elements back to the environment. Most sulfur exists in the form of rocks and is released through the process of weathering, which makes it available for plant assimilation. Some sulfur exists as a gas in the form of sulfur dioxide (SO2), which can be produced by volcanic eruption and the burning of fossil fuels. In the atmosphere, SO2 is converted into sulfuric acid (H2SO4) when it mixes with water. The sulfuric acid can then be carried back to the ground when it rains or snows.

modern carbon

carbon in biomass that was recently in the atmosphere

fossil carbon

carbon in fossil fuels

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

cause: combustion of fossil fuels and clearing land Effects: affects climate and alters ecosystem by increasing greenhouse gas concentration

anthropogenic

caused by human events

1 degree temperature difference in the ocean

causes a 28in increase in the ocean

health effects of Mercury (source, health, remediation)

chlorine gas, caustic soda, thermometers, dental fillings, switches, light bulbs, batteries, from power plants, health effects of mercury nervous system affected high levels=permanent damage to brain, kidneys, fetuses short term high levels=lung damage, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, high bp, heart rate, skin rash, eye irritation

Carbon Monoxide CO

colorless, odorless gas formed during the incomplete combustion of matter. Sources all incomplete combustion (fossil fuels too) malfunctioning exhaust systems and poorly ventilated cooking areas plant respiration Effect: Bonds to hemoglobin, interfering with the transport of oxygen to the bloodstream. cause headaches death with high exposer

causes of CO2 emission

combustion generated for electricity (38%) combustion for transportation (31%) industrial processes (14%) combustion for homes and businesses (10%)

understanding the process and benefits of composting

composting is the diversion of organic material, like food and yard waste, from the waste stream and allowing it to decompose into organic soil (humus). Composting, source reduction, and reuse generally have lower energy and financial cost than recycling, but all are important ways to minimize solid waste production

brownfields

contaminated industrial or commercial sites that mat require environmental cleanup before being redeveloped or expanded.

developing country

country with low levels of industrialization and income

composting

creation of organic matter (humus) by decomposition under controlled conditions to produce an organic-rich material that enhances soil structure, cation exchange capacity, and fertility

control rod

cylindrical device between the fuel nods in a nuclear reactor to absorb excess neutrons and slow or stop the first fission reaction

fuel rod

cylindrical tube that encloses nuclear fuel within a nuclear reactor

1Bq =

decay of 1 atom or nucleus per second

Fishery collapse

decline in fish population by 90% or more

causes of greenhouse gas

deforestation, agriculture, landfill, factories, fossil fuel use

bitumen

degraded petroleum that forms when petroleum moves to the surface of the earth and is modified by the bacteria

sustainable development

development that balances current human well-being and economic advancement with resource management for the benefit of future generations

Biodiesel

diesel substitute produced by extracting and chemically altering oil from plants.

Net migration rate

diifference of immmigration and emigeation in a given year per 1,000 people

the fate of MSW in the United States

discarded 54% reduce, reuse, compost 34% combustion with energy recovery 12%

Disease vocab

disease: any impaired function of the body with a set of symptoms Infectious disease: caused by pathogens Acute disease: rapidly impairs (ebola) chronic disease: slowly impairs (cancer, heart disease) Epidemic: Rapid increase in disease Pandemic: large geographic region

overnutrition

eat too many calories that lack a balance of food and nutrients

primary succession

ecological succession occurring on surfaces that are initially devoid of soil

quantify ecosystems productivity

ecosystem productivity can be quantified by measuring the total amount of solar energy that producers capture, which is gross primary productivity, or by measuring the total amount of solar energy captured minus the amount of energy used for respiration, which is net primary productivity.

resource partitioning

elates to evolutionary change in species in response to selection pressures generated by interspecific competition.

leading producers of Sulfur dioxide

electricity generation fossil fuel combustion industrial processes

active solar energy

energy captured from sunlight with advanced technologies

wind energy

energy generated from the kinetic energy of moving air

causes of Methane

energy production and combustion (41%) Livestock digestion (23%) Landfills (17%) Manure management (9%) wastewater management (3%)

potentially renewable

energy source that can be regenerated indefinitely as long as its not over harvested

nonrenewable energy resources

energy source with a limited supply. Usually refers to fossil fuels or nuclear fuels

commercial energy sources

energy sources that are bought and sold

subsistence energy sources

energy taken by an individual for immediate needs

tidal energy

energy that comes from the movement of water driven by the gravitational pull of the moon

mountaintop removal

entire top of mountain is removed with explosives

define the field of environmental science and discuss its importance

environmental science is the study of the interactions among human-dominated systems and natural systems and how those interactions affect environments. Studying environmental science helps is identify, understand, and respond to anthropogenic changes.

Law of the Sea Treaty (UN)-

established off-shore limits of up to 200 miles; countries are responsible for managing own fisheries

1972-the Clean Water Act

establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters.

Total Fertility rate (TFR)

estimate of the average amount of children each women will have in their life

Nomatic Grazing

feeding of herbs or animals by moving them to seasonally protective areas

energy conservation

finding and implementing ways to use less energy

identify key environmental indicators and their trends over time

five important global-scale environmental indicators are biological diversity, food production, average global surface temperature and atmospheric CO2 concentrations, human population, and resource depletion. Biological diversity is decreasing as a result of human actions, most notably habitat destruction and habitat degradation. Food production appears to be leveling off and may be decreasing. Carbon dioxide concentrations are steadily increasing as a result of fossil fuel combustion and land conservation. Human population continues to increase and probably will continue to do so throughout this century. Resource depletion for most natural resources continues to increases.

capacity factor

fraction of the time a power plant operates a year

Decomposers

fungi and bacteria that convert organic matter into small elements and molecules that can be recycled back into the ecosystem

Fracture

geology, crack that occurs as a rock cools

atmospheric convection current

global patterns of air movement that are initiated by the unequal heating of Earth

peak demand

greatest quantity of energy used at one time

malnourished

having a diet that lacks the correct baleen of proteins, carbs, vitamins, and minerals.

Define hazardous waste and discuss the issues involved in handling it

hazardous waste is a special category of material that is toxic to humans and the environment. It includes industrial by-products and some household items such as batteries and oil-based paints, all requiring special disposal methods.

geothermal energy

heat energy that comes from the natural radioactive decay of elements deep within the earth

Horizon

horizontal layer defined by- distinct physical features such as texture and color

precision

how close the repeated measurements of a sample are to one another

run-of-the-river

hydroelectricity generation where water is retained behind a low dam or no dam

intrusive igneous rock

igneous rock that forms when magma rises up and cools in a place underground

development

improvement in human well-being through economic advancement.

control group

in a scientific investigation, a group that experiences exactly the same conditions as the experimental group, except for the single variable under study.

Crust

in geology, chemically distinct outermost layer of the lithosphere

reverse

in resource management the known amount resources that can economically recover

explain the design and purpose of solid waste incinerator

incineration is an alternative to landfills. Its main benefits is that it reduces the waste material to roughly one-quarter of its original volume. in addition. waste-to-energy incineration often uses the excess heat produced to generate electricity. However, incineration generates air pollution and ash, which can sometimes contain a high concentration of toxic substances and require disposal in a special ash landfill.

both the total MSW and percent recycled has

increased since 1985

ITQ's

individual transferable quota - give each fisher a quota of fish

Type II survivorship curve

individuals die at a constant rate (e.g., birds, rodents, and perennial plants).

explain how evolution can occur through natural selection

individuals vary in traits that can be passed on to the next generation and this variation in traits cause different abilities to survive and reproduce in the traits, but simple favors any trait changes that result in higher survival or reproduction

ways MSW is treated

information on cleaning and disinfecting disposal equipment, guidance on transporting infected materials for disposal, and contact information for local and state environmental, agricultural, health, and emergency response organizations.

60% of the worlds freshwater

is used for irrigation purposes

explain the purpose of the life-cycle analysis

life-cycle analysis tracks material "from cradle to grave" using life-cycle analysis and integrated waste treatment- which draw on all the available treatment methods-we can make optimal decisions regarding our solid waste

crude oil

liquid petroleum removed from the ground

leachate

liquid that contains elevated levels of pollutants as a result of having passed through municipal solid waste (MSW) or contaminated soil

hazardous waste

liquid, solid, gaseous, or sludge waste material that is harmful to humans or ecosystems

sustainability

living on Earth in a way that allows humans to use its resources without depriving future generations of those resources

a holistic approach to waste management

manufacturing (changes in package design, changes in practices) ---> uses (changes in purchasing habits backyard composing increasing reuse) --> waste (recovery for recycling composting --> disposal (incineration or landfill) manufacturing and use = source reduction Manufacturing, use, and waste = waste reduction

Waste

material outputs from a system that are not useful

population growth models

mathematical equations that can be used to predict population size at any moment in time

Discuss how matter is conserved in chemical and biological systems

matter cannot be created or destroyed, but its form can be changed within chemical and biological systems. This is part of the reason we cannot easily dispose of certain chemical compounds, such as hazardous materials.

describe how matter comprises atoms and molecules that move among different systems

matter is composed of atoms, which are made up of protons, neutrons, and electrons. Atoms and molecules can interact in chemical reactions in which the bonds between particular atoms may change.

Gross Domestic product (GDP)

measure value of all products and services in a given year

Explain the dynamics that occur in metapopulations

metapopulations are groups of spatially distinct populations that are connected by occasional movements for individuals. These populations that are connected by occasional movements of individuals. These movements reduce the probability if any of the populations from going extinct

magma

molten rock

Describe the content of solid waste stream in the US

mostly made of paper, food, and yard waste. waste generation per capita has been increasing steadily the past few years.during which has been a slight decline

Immigration

movement of people into a country or region away from the one they are in

how do you calculate the national pop growth rate

national pop growth rate = [(CBR+imigration)] - (CBR + emigraton)} / 10

electrical grid

network of interconnected transmission lines that joins power plants together and links them with end users of electricity.

Superfund act

nickname for the "Comprehensive environmental Response, compensation, and liability act" (CERCLA) 1980 US federal act that imposes a tax on the chemical and petroleum industries, funds the cleanup of abandoned and non operating hazardous waste sites and authorized federal government response directly to the release or threatened release of substance that may cause a threat to human health.

abiotic

non living

radioactive waste

nuclear fuel can no longer produce enough heat to be useful in a power plant but contain uses to emit radio active activity

Niche structure

number in ecological niche

net migration rate calculation

number of immigrants a year / # of people in the population

Explain the role of agencies and regulations in efforts to protect our natural and human capital

once a society belives it has enough scientific information to act with the intent of protecting or reducing harm to the environment, it must determine the rules and regulations it wishes to enact. A group of government agencies in the United States handles the areas that offer protection to the environment and humans. Policies are enacted through passage and modification of laws.

macronutrient

one of the six key elements that organisms need in relatively large amounts: nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

to increase salmon population

one should release extra water from dams to wash juvenile salmon downstream

Discuss the relationship among sustainability, poverty, personal action, and stewardship

one-sixth of the world population has inadequate housing, clean water, and adequate medical care before they can be concerned about environmental sustainability. The UN Millennium Development Goals have established objectives for improving the status of people and the sustainability of the environment. The human-centered worldview maintains the humans have intrinsic value and nature provides for our needs. The life-centered worldview holds that humans are one of the many species on Earth, all of which have value. The earth-centered worldview places equal value on both all living organisms and ecosystems. Individual and community action can lead to sustainable actions occurring at a great level world wide.

nucleic acid

organic compounds found in all living cells

Oxygen demand (location, source, environmental impacts, human health effects, and remediation)

oxygen demanding wastes location: water oxygen demanding wastes source: Sewage; wastes from food production; meat packing plants Oxygen demanding wastes environmental impacts: decomposition of the wastes removes DO in water resulting in anoxia Oxygen demanding wastes human health effects: related to pathogens carried in the wastes oxygen demanding wastes prevention/remedation: prevent- government regulatory action; increase oxygenation of contaminated water

Ozone (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

ozone location: air ozone source O3; secondary air pollutant arising from NOx and VOCs; major component of photochemical smog ozone environmental impact Damages plant cells; interferes with food storage in plants; reduces crop yields and increases disease susceptibility. decreases visibilty ozone human health effects usually highest during the summer; respiratory problems; irritate respiratory system resulting in discomfort, coughing, and throat irritation; impairs respiration; exacerbates lung disease ozone prevention/remediation prevent-government regulatory action; improved fuel efficiency; alternative fuel methods for automobiles; mass transit, carpooling, bicycles

consumption by weight in the U.S before recycling top two

paper (30% of weight) compostables (food scraps, yard waste, wood)

The breakdown of material that is recovered and discarded

paper (53%) food and yard waste (make up 1/3)

Impermeable surface

pavement or buildings that do not allow water penetration

Pesticides (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

pesticides location: soil;water pesticides source: agriculture;urban areas;golf courses pesticides environmental imapcts DDT-very persistent birds-eggshell thinning; infertility Mammals-toxic to embryos and fetuses Pesticides human health effects: Neurotoxin-increases neurotransmitter release increasing excitability of muscles;tremors;convulsions;death Pesticides prevention/remediation: prevent-government regulatory action; use non-persistent nonbioaccumulating pesticides; IPM

describe the process of photosynthesis and respiration

photosynthesis captures the energy of the sun to convert CO2 and water into carbohydrates. Respiration, whether aerobics or anaerobic, unlocks the chemical energy stored in the cells of organisms

geographic isolation

physical separation of a group of individuals from others of the same species

perennial plant

plants that live for multiple years

annual plants

plants that only live in one season

Plastics (location, source, environmental impact, health effects, remediation)

plastics location: water Plastics source: Boat wastes Plastics Environmental impact: Harms wildlife by wrapping around their bodies Plastics human health effects: production more dangerous than product Plastics prevention/remediation: Prevent-government regulatory action; ban ocean dumping from ships

Discuss the characteristics of populations

populations can have distinct population sizes, densities, distributions, sex ratios, and age structures

positive and negative aspects of Habitat changes caused by climate change

positive - increased runoff/flooding helps maintain aquatic habitats - new habitat is created for organisms that are salt tolerant negative - due to changes in water quality (rainfall) --> reduced runoff/drought dries out aquatic habitat --> flooding/ storm water runoff floods previous semi-aquatic habitat - due to sea level rise (salt water intrusion) --> increased saltinity levels in esturarues can lead to a decline in populations for species not adapted to higher salinity levels --> nests of wading birds and other coastal dwelling animals may be destroyed --> salt tolerant communities (such as red mangroves) can move inland, displacing existing communities - elvated temperatures facor invasive species - elevated temperatures push some species past their upper temperature tolerance limit (terrestrial or aquatic)

Three kinds of PM

primary particulate matter: directly released into the atmosphere by a large number of human and natural sources secondary particulate matter: formed by physical and chemical reactions from other pollutants, called precursors. re-suspended particulate matter: after it has been deposited, particulate matter can then return into the air through wind action or road traffic disturbance in urban areas, for example

Adaptive radiation

process by which a single species or small group of species evolves into several different forms that live in different ways; rapid growth in the diversity of a group of organisms -> General (Mistake in genetic code) --> environmental change --> geographic isolation

Mineralization

process by which fungal and bacterial decomposers break down the organic matter found in dead bodies and waste products and convert it into inorganic compounds -Can be called ammonification bc organic molecules are converted into inorganic ammonia (taken by producers and nitrification).

recycling

process that Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) is collected and converted into raw material that is then used to produce new objects

organic agriculture

production of crops without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers

Thermal Mass

property of building material that allows it to maintain heat or cold

open-loop recycling

recycling one product to become a different product

capacity

refers to electricity generating plants, the max electrical output

municipal solid waste (MSW)

refuse collected by municipalties from households, small bussinesses, and institutions

Family planning

regulate offspring through birth control

strip mining

removal of strips of soil and rock to expose ore

bottom ash

residue collected at the bottom of the combustion chamber in a furnace

fly ash

residue collected from the chimney or exhaust pipe of the furnace

Extrusive igneous rock

rock that forms when magma cools above the surface

metamorphic rock

rock that forms when sedimentary rock, igneous rock, or other metamorphic rock is subjected to high temperature and pressure.

sedimentary rock

rock that forms when sediments, like muds, sands, and gravels are compressed by overlaying sediment

hydrological cycle

runoff water flowing downhill transpiration loss of excess water from land plants condensation phase change from water vapor to liquid water infiltration water filtering through the pores in soil or rock evaporation phase change from liquid water to water vapor precipitation rain, snow, sleet, or hail

demographer

scientist in the field pf demography

oil sands

slow-flowing, viscous deposits of bitumen mix with sand, water, and clay

B horizon

soil horizon made primarily out of mineral material with little organic matter.

coal

solid fuel formed mostly from the remains of trees, ferns, and other plant material preserves 280 million- 360 million years ago

energy carrier

something that can move and deliver energy in a convenient, usable way

Affluence

state of having a lot of wealth (money, goods, or property)

Triple bottom line

states that we need to take into account three factors: economic, environmental, social: when making decisions about business, the economy, and development

water impoundment

storage of water in a reservoir behind a dam

potential energy

stored energy that has not been released

Demography

study human populations and pop trends

Environmental problems with abandoned coal mines

subsidence/ sinkholes can cause shafts to collapse Habitat recovers slowly stream/ water quality degradation Acid mine drainage Heavy metal runoff Tailings alter landscape and drainage patterns Increase soil erosion particulate/ dust pollution Animals fall in Methane released Underground fires difficult to extinguish

define sustainability and explain how it can be measured using the ecological footprint

sustainability is the use of Earths resources to meet our current needs without jeopardizing the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The ecological footprint is the land area required to support a person's (or a country's) lifestyle. We can use that information to say something about how sustainable that lifestyle would be if it were adopted globally.

explain how scientists keep track of energy and matter inputs, outputs, and changes to environmental systems

systems can be open or closed to exchanges of matter, energy, or both. A systems analysis determines what goes into, what comes out of, and what has changed within a given system. Environmental scientists use systems analysis to calculate inputs to and outputs from a system and its rate of change, the system is in steady state. Changes in one input or output can affect the entire system.

what has skyrocketed since the industrial revolution

temp steady increase Methane, CO2, NOx going up

species diversity

that number of species in a region or in particular type of habitat. - number of different species

1997

the Kyoto Protocol

1987

the Montreal Protocol (UN)

slitation

the accumulation of sediments, primarily slit, on the bottom of a reservoir

remediation

the action of remedying something, in particular of reversing or stopping environmental damage

standing crop

the amount of biomass present in an ecosystem at a particular time.

electrolysis

the application of an electric current to water molecules to split them into hydrogen and oxygen

background extinction rate

the average rate at which species become extinct over the long term

climate

the average weather that occurs in a given region over a long period of time

Resource conservation ethic

the belief that people should maximize use of resources based on the greatest good of everyone

describe the alternative ways to handle waste and waste generation

the best solution is to design products with a strategy for their ultimate reuse or their dismantling and recycling. This approach has become more common in recent years.

Chemical weathering

the breakdown of rocks and minerals chemically. the dissolving of chemical elements from rocks, minerals, or both.

Stewardship

the careful and responsible management and care for Earth and its resources

Evapotranspiration

the combined amount of evaporation and transpiration

Denitrification

the conversion of nitrate (NO3-) in a series of steps into the gases nitrous oxide (N2o) and, eventually, nitrogen gas (N2), which is emitted into the atmosphere.

adiabatic cooling

the cooling effect of reduced pressure on air as it rises higher in the atmosphere and expands

externality

the cost of a good or service that is not included in the purchase price

replication

the data collection procedure of taking repeated measurements.

Aphotic zone

the deeper layer of ocean water that lacks sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis

Coriolis effect

the deflection of an object's path due to the rotation of Earth

biodiversity

the diversity of life forms in an environment

energy quality

the ease with which an energy source can be used for work

Net primary productivity (NPP)

the energy captured by producers in an ecosystem minus the energy producers respire

explain energy transfer efficiency and trophic pryimads

the energy present in one trophic level can be transferred to a higher trophic level and the efficiency of this transfer is roughly 10%. Because of this low energy transfer efficiency, the amount of energy present in each trophic level declines as we move higher trophic levels. We can represent the energy in each trophic level as a rectangular block in a pyramid, with a size that is proportional to the energy found in the trophic level. Low ecological efficiency results in a large biomass of producers, but a much lower biomass of primary consumers and an even lower biomass of secondary consumers.

Energy intensity

the energy use per unit of GPD

speciation

the evolution of a new species

nomadic grazing

the feeding of herds of animals by moving them to seasonally productive feeding grounds, often over long distances.

environmental studies

the field of study that includes environmental science and additional subjects such as environmental policy, economics, literature, and ethics.

environmental science

the field of study that looks at interactions among human systems and those found in nature

discuss the first ans second laws of thermodynamics and explain how they influence environmental systems

the first law of thermodynamics states that energy cannot be created of destroyed, but it can be converted from one form into another. The second law of thermodynamics states that in any conversion of energy, some energy is converted into unusable waste energy, and the entropy of the universe is increased. The quantities and forms of energy present in various systems influence the type of organisms in those systems.

waste stream

the flow of solid waste that is recycled, incinerated,placed in a solid waste landfill, or disposed of in another way

Energy subsidy

the fossil fuel energy and human energy input per calories of food produced.

seismic activity

the frequency and intensity of earthquakes experienced over time

adiabatic heating

the heating effect of increased pressure on air as it sinks toward the surface of Earth and decreases in volume.

identify ways in which humans have altered and continue to alter our environment

the impact of humans on natural systems has been significant since early humans hunted some large animal species to extinction. However, technology and population growth have dramatically increased both the rate and the scale of human-induced change.

Euphotic

the layer closer to the surface that receives enough light for photosynthesis to occur. Beneath lies the disphotic zone, which is illuminated but so poorly that rates of respiration exceed those of photosynthesis.

stratosphere

the layer of the atmosphere above the troposphere, extending roughly 16 to 50 km (10-31 miles) above the surface of Earth.

C horizon

the least weathered soil horizon, always beneath the B horizon and is similar to the parent material

range of tolerance

the limits to the abiotic conditions that a species can tolerate

saturation point

the maximum amount of water vapor in the air at a given temperature

intrinsic growth rate

the maximum potential for growth of a population under ideal conditions with unlimited resources

physical weathering

the mechanical breakdown of rocks and minerals

coral reef

the most diverse marine biome on Earth, found in warm, shallow waters beyond the shoreline

carbon cycle

the movement of carbon around the biosphere

Nitrogen cycle

the movement of nitrogen around the biosphere

phosphorus Cycle

the movement of phosphorus around the biosphere.

sulfur cycle

the movement of sulfur around the biosphere

biogeochemical cycle

the movements of matter within and between chemical ecosystems

benthic zone

the muddy bottom of a lake, pond, or ocean

intertidal zone

the narrow band of coastline between the levels of high and low tide

By catch

the nonintentional catch of non target species while fishing

population density

the number of individuals per unit area

species richness

the number of species in a given area

Economies of scale

the observations that average costs of production falls as output increases.

Lithoshpere

the outer most layer of the Earth, including the mantle and crust

albedo

the percentage of incoming sunlight reflected from a surface

technology transfer

the phenomenon of less developed countries adopting technological innovations developed in wealthy countries.

leapfrogging

the phenomenon of less developed countries using the precursor technology

second law of thermodynamics

the physical law stating that when energy is transformed, the quantity of energy remains the same, but its ability to do work diminishes.

Erosion

the physical removal of rock fragments from a landscape or ecosystem

peak oil

the point half of all the total known oil supply is used up

valuation

the practice of assigning monetary value to intangible and natural capital.

ecological succession

the predictable replacement of one group of species by another group of species over time

Ammonification

the process by which fungal and bacterial decomposers break down the organic nitrogen found in dead bodies and waste products and convert it into inorganic ammonium (NH4+)

assimilation

the process by which producers incorporate elements into their tissues

placer mining

the process of looking for minerals, metals, and precious stones in river sediments

Net removal

the process of removing more then is replaced by growth, typically referring to carbon

Desalination

the process of removing salt, also known as desalinization

allopatric speciation

the process of speciation that occurs with geographic isolation

ecosystem services

the processes by which life-supporting resources such as clean water, timber, fisheries, and agricultural crops are produced

ecological efficiency

the proportion of consumed energy that can be passed from one trophic level to another

realized niche

the range of abiotic and biotic conditions under which a species actually lives

power

the rate at which work is done

energy efficency

the ratio of the amount of energy expended in the form you want to the total amount of energy that is introduced into the system

biosphere

the region of our planet where life resides, the combination of all ecosystems on Earth

species evenness

the relative proportion of different species in a given area

latent heat release

the release of energy when water vapor in the atmosphere condenses into liquid water.

ash

the residual non-organic materiel that does not combust during incineration

natural capital

the resources of planet, such as air, water, and minerals

explain the scientific method and its application to the study of environmental problems

the scientific method is a process of obsercation, hypothesis generation, data collection, analysis of result, and dissemination of findings. Repetition of measurements or experiments is critical if one is to determine the validity of findings. Hypotheses are tested and often modified before being accepted.

siting

the sedition for where a landfill should be placed. usually decided by regulatory processes involving studies with written reports and public hearings.

food chain

the sequence of consumption from producers through tertiary consumers

littoral zone

the shallow zone of soil and water in lakes and ponds where most algae and emergent plants grow

S-shaped curve

the shape of the logistic growth model when graphed

atom

the smallest particle that can contain the chemical properties of an element.

Hairs and lynxs are so mutually dependent on each other that

the species cannot survive on their own

epicenter

the spot directly above where their earth cracks as a result of an Earthquake

ecological economics

the study of economics as a component to ecological systems.

population ecology

the study of factors that cause populations to increase or decrease

economics

the study of how humans allocate scarce resources in the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services

trophic levels

the successive levels of organisms consuming one another

environment

the sum of all the conditions surrounding us that influence life

Tragedy of the commons

the tendency of a shared, limited resource to become depleted because people act in self interest and short term gain.

theory of island biogeography

the theory that explains that both habitat size and distance determine species richness

half-life

the time it tales for one-half of an original radioactive parent atom to decay

A horizon

the top layer of soil where organic material and minerals have mixed together, AKA topsoil

Gross Primary Productivity (GPP)

the total amount of solar energy that producers in an ecosystem capture via photosynthesis over a given amount of time

Replacement level fertility

the total fertility rate that will offset deaths to maintain the current pop.

biomass

the total mass of all living matter in a specific area

desertification

the transformation or arable, productive land to desert or unproductive land due to climate change or destructive land use.

leaching

the transportation of dissolved molecules through the soil via groundwater

Distinguish among the trophic levels that exist in food chains and food webs

the trophic levels consist of producers that convert solar energy into producers that convert solar energy into producer biomass through photosynthesis, primary consumers that eat the producer, secondary consumers that eat the secondary consumers. Omnivores eat individuals from more than one trophic group. Trophic groups that eat waste products and dead organisms are scavengers, detritivores, and decomposers

explain why er generate waste and describe recent waste disposal trends

the united states has the attitude of a "throw-away society" after world war 2 US generates a lot of solid waste but lifestyle and goods disseminated (spread widely) around the world to make this a global problem

Reservoir

the water body created by a damming a river or a stream

Asbestos

thin, long fibrous silicate mineral with insulating properties, which can cause cancer when inhaled

describe regulations and legislation regarding hazardous waste

through a variety of regulations and legislation have been implemented to address issues of hazardous waste, many problems remain. CERCLA also called the Superfund ACT, is probably the most well-known regulation concerning hazardous waste because it provides for cleanup of hazardous waste sites

ecotourism

tourism to exotic or threatened ecosystems to observe wildlife or to help preserve nature; encourages environmental awareness and has little effect on the ecosystem; supports the conservation and sustainable development of ecologically unique areas

curie

unit of measure for radiation

Bequerel (Bq)

unit that measures the rate a sample of radioactive material takes to decay

Urban sprawl

urbanized areas that spread into rural areas, removing clear boundaries between the two

Input Raw materials, energy

use (and reuse) of product output materials that can be recycled ot disposed of Waste energy

congeneration

use furl to generate electricity and produce heat (AKA combined heat and power)

open-pit mining

uses lots of visual pits/ holes in the ground to mine

reuse

using a product or material that was intended to be discarded

Type III survivorship curve

very high early mortality but the few survivors then live long and stay reproductive; ex/ oysters

source reduction

waste management approach with the goal to cut waste by reducing the use of potential waste materials in the early stages of design and manufacture

Growth Progress Indicator (GPI)

water bodies such as lakes and estuaries receive excess nutrients from a variety of sources (primarily agriculture, aquaculture and sewage) setting off a cascade of environmental changes.

nutrification

water bodies such as lakes and estuaries receive excess nutrients from a variety of sources (primarily agriculture, aquaculture and sewage) setting off a cascade of environmental changes.

explain why water is an important component of most environmental ecosystems

water facilitates the transfer of chemical elements and compounds from one system to another. The molecular structure of water gives it unique properties that support the conditions necessary for life on Earth. These properties are essential to physiological functioning of plants and animals and the movement of elements through systems.

runoff

water that moves across the land surface ans into streams and rivers

describe some of the unique challenges and limitations of environmental science

we don't have a "control planet" to compare the conditions of earth today. Assessments and choices are often subjective because there is no single measure off environmental quality environmental systems are so complex that they are poorly understood, and human preferences and policies may affect them as much as do natural laws.

subsurface mining

when desired resource of more then 100m (328 ft) below the surface of the earth

resource partitioning

when two species divide a resource based on differences in their behavior or morphology

disphotic

which is illuminated but so poorly that rates of respiration exceed those of photosynthesis.

intra

with in

E horizon

zone of leaching, or elevation found in dome acidic soils under the O horizon or (less often) the A horizon