ENSP Test 3 - ch. 11, 14, 15
Which decade had the highest rate of oil discovery? 1950-1960 1960-1970 1970-1980 1990-2000
1960-1970
When did the rate of oil production first begin to exceed the rate of oil discovery? 1930 1943 1983 1990
1983
Which decade had the highest rate of oil production? 1960-1970 1970-1980 1980-1990 1990-2000
1990-2000
The year 2030 goal set by the US Department of Energy is to generate __________. 20% of electricity using wind-powered systems 50% of electricity using wind-powered systems all electricity using solar and wind-powered systems all electricity from wind-powered systems
20% of electricity using wind-powered systems
Estimated _______ increase in water use by 2050
50%
Extraction of groundwater percentages
Agriculture 68 Industrial 21 Domestic 11
Biological water pollutin
Bacteria, pathogens
Which of the following types of coal has the highest energy content and produces the fewest polluting chemicals? anthracite lignite bituminous peat
Correct Answer: anthracite
Undammed rivers in Colorado tend to experience higher flows in ________. September October April May June
June
Saltwater intrusion into aquifers
May occur from overdrawing, issue in China, Africa, US coasts
Regulatory services
Temperature regulation, pH buffering
Which of the following human activities has been most problematic for wetlands around the world? The draining and alteration of wetlands for agriculture and urban development Eutrophication caused by humans dumping pollutants into water Addition of mercury pollutants from electric power plants Boat traffic that cause excess oil and gas to be dumped in waterways The alteration of ocean current circulation resulting in erosion of wetlands
The draining and alteration of wetlands for agriculture and urban development
Physical water pollution
Turbidity Sediment
A DVD player's use of 110 volts is a measure of its electrical __________. potential current charge power
Your Answer: potential
A nuclear power plant produces electricity in a manner most similar to which of the following? a hydroelectric dam, in that both use flowing water to rotate a turbine a wind turbine, in that both use flowing air to rotate a turbine a photovoltaic solar panel, in that both produce electricity using energy from photons of light a coal-burning power plant, in that both use steam to rotate a turbine
a coal-burning power plant, in that both use steam to rotate a turbine
In a septic system, the building's wastewater flows through pipes and into __________. a municipal sewage treatment plant a leach field a septic tank for storage the groundwater supply
a leach field
An important characteristic of aquatic dead zones is ________. a low concentration of keystone species a high concentration of organisms resulting in extreme competition and finally the death of most a high concentration of urban development a low concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients a low concentration of oxygen
a low concentration of oxygen
What is the cost of conserved energy for compact fluorescent lighting? about $.02 per kilowatt-hour about $.08 per kilowatt-hour about $.12 per kilowatt-hour about 1,500 kilowatt-hours per year
about $.08 per kilowatt-hour
Unlike riparian water rights, prior appropriation water rights __________. reflect ecological purposes and environmental needs are reserved only for periods of 5 years at a time are not connected to land ownership can be sold only to adjacent landowners
are not connected to land ownership
A confined aquifer is groundwater located __________. below the water table and beneath recharge zones above the water table between layers of comparatively impermeable rock or sediment above the water table and beneath recharge zones below the water table between layers of comparatively impermeable rock or sediment
below the water table between layers of comparatively impermeable rock or sediment
Is the following statement supported or not supported by the data shown in the graph? The restoration of a wetland takes about 100 years. supported not supported cannot be determined from the graph
cannot be determined from the graph
What is the next frontier in the drinking water industry? bottling evaporation desalination distillation condensation
desalination
The hydrologic cycle is driven by ________. gravity and solar energy water gravity water and solar energy solar energy
gravity and solar energy
The majority of Earth's potable fresh water is found in __________. groundwater glaciers the oceans streams
groundwater
Natural gas is increasingly transported ________. in gas form in long pipes extending across oceans, because the greatest demand is often in continents with the least supply in gas form over short distances because it is typically consumed where it is produced as a solid, frozen into blocks that can be easily transported on trains and used in power plants in liquid form between continents
in liquid form between continents
Natural gas is increasingly transported ________. in gas form over short distances because it is typically consumed where it is produced in liquid form between continents as a solid, frozen into blocks that can be easily transported on trains and used in power plants in gas form in long pipes extending across oceans, because the greatest demand is often in continents with the least supply
in liquid form between continents
The majority of Earth's fresh water exists ________. in the form of ice in the atmosphere in the oceans in groundwater in freshwater lakes, streams, and rivers
in the form of ice
One limitation of wind power is that it ________. is intermittent produces radioactive wastes produces water pollution involves mining uses fossil fuels to generate electricity
is intermittent
Unlike an impoundment hydroelectric plant, wind power ________. is intermittent and sometimes not available produces large amounts of greenhouse gases is cost-effective and available wherever electricity is consumed uses a turbine to generate electricity
is intermittent and sometimes not available
Electric power is measured in ________. amperes peak load base load volts kilowatt hours
kilowatt hours
Where in this household septic system are the dissolved organic chemicals broken down by microbes? gravel or crushed stone field leach field distribution box drain field septic tank
leach field
Bioassessment uses ________ to determine water quality. dissolved oxygen turbidity pH conductivity living organisms
living organisms
An important characteristic of aquatic dead zones is a ________. high concentration of urban development low concentration of keystone species low concentration of nitrogen and phosphorus nutrients high concentration of organisms resulting in extreme competition and finally the death of most low concentration of oxygen
low concentration of oxygen
Which of the following factors would not lead to an increase in the rate of oil production? increased offshore exploration lower oil prices higher oil prices new technologies for extraction
lower oil prices
In general, the 50 richest countries in the world today consume ________. mostly renewable energy resources most of the primary energy in the form of fossil fuels most of the biomass energy in the world less energy per person than in developing countries in Africa and Asia
most of the primary energy in the form of fossil fuels (70% of all energy consumption = 50 richest)
Which of the following is a type of nonrenewable energy? nuclear energy geothermal wind the energy of falling water
nuclear energy
Which of the following is a type of nonrenewable energy? wind geothermal nuclear energy the energy of falling water
nuclear energy Reserves of uranium oxide used for nuclear fuel are limited, but appear to be sufficient for at least another 120 years.
A rancher in Texas drills for water on her property and in the process, hits oil which squirts strongly from the ground. Within days a system is installed to capture the oil as it shoots up from the ground. This system of collecting oil represents ________. tertiary oil recovery hydraulic fracturing primary oil recovery secondary oil recovery
primary oil recovery
In Florida, almost all drinking water comes from aquifers. Saltwater contamination of these aquifers is more likely when __________. rainfall is highest pumping rates from the aquifer are less than recharge rates pumping rates from the aquifer decline pumping rates from the aquifer exceed recharge rates
pumping rates from the aquifer exceed recharge rates
Proven reserves of a non-renewable energy source are ________. refined and captured but not able to be reused quantities of fuel that can be recovered using current technology and prices reserves that will be exhausted due to overuse by humans the extent of known energy reserves measures of useful energy produced
quantities of fuel that can be recovered using current technology and prices
In Earth's hydrologic cycle, most precipitation that falls onto land __________.
returns to the atmosphere by evapotranspiration
All fossil fuels, including coal, are considered an indirect form of ____________ energy. nuclear geothermal renewable wind solar
solar
Is the following statement supported or not supported by the data shown in the graph? Most of the productivity of a wetland can be restored within 50 years, but it takes much longer to restore soil fertility. supported not supported cannot be determined from the graph
supported
Which of the following is of least concern in the continued reliance upon coal to generate electricity in the world? the continued availability of coal the release of mercury to the environment the release of nitrogen and sulfur oxides the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere
the continued availability of coal
The greatest rate of increase in the price of corn ($/bushel) was experienced during ________. 1996-1997 2007-2008 2000-2001 2005-2006 2009-2010
2007-2008
What percentage of Earth's surface is covered with water? 80% 56% 70% 23% 42%
70%
_________ people live with water scarcity
700 million
Which of the following geological conditions is NOT necessary to create an oil reservoir? Large quantities of organisms die in a shallow sea, and after being covered by sediments, they are converted to oil by heat and pressure. Buried organic material is exposed to oxygen, heat, and pressure for tens of thousands of years. Since it is lighter than water, oil migrates upward through porous rock. A layer of nonporous, impermeable rock covers the oil reservoir to prevent oil from seeping to the surface.
Buried organic material is exposed to oxygen, heat, and pressure for tens of thousands of years.
Which Act requires the EPA to regulate the discharge of pollutants into waterways? Clear Drinking Water Act Water Pollution Control Act Clean Water Act Oil Pollution Control Act Safe Drinking Water Act
Clean Water Act
One of the main ways that gasoline-electric cars achieve better fuel efficiency than typical gasoline-powered cars is through the use of __________. wind turbines to power onboard electric generators solar panels on the roof to charge the car's battery regenerative braking better aerodynamic designs
Correct Answer: regenerative braking
Estuaries
Base of watersheds Base of river, where tide meets stream
Bioenergy is considered to be a __________. nonrenewable resource because it releases tremendous amounts of heat when burned renewable resource because once plants are harvested, they can be grown again nonrenewable resource because it releases tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere renewable resource because heat is released when biomass is burned
Correct Answer: renewable resource because once plants are harvested, they can be grown again
Which part of a coal-fired power plant removes particles and gases to reduce air pollution? cooling tower turbine scrubber boiler
Correct Answer: scrubber
Which of the following are a form of passive solar technology? lens collectors sunlight-absorbing building materials reflective light pipes rooftop solar panels
Correct Answer: sunlight-absorbing building materials
A package delivery company determines that spending money to buy hybrid cars will cost more initially, but the savings in fuel costs over time will pay for the investment in only a few years. This analysis to compare the costs and benefits of energy alternatives is called __________. the cost of saved energy the Energy Star® program a conservation supply curve a renewable portfolio standard
Correct Answer: the cost of saved energy
If there are 1.2 trillion barrels of oil reserves known in the world and we are consuming 30 billion barrels a year, we could estimate that we have about 40 years worth of oil still in the ground. This calculation represents __________. the reserves-to-production ratio energy conversion efficiency the proven reserves the energy return on investment
Correct Answer: the reserves-to-production ratio
A dam is built across a narrow channel in order to harness kinetic energy from the ocean as the tide rises and falls. This method of energy production is known as a(n)__________. tidal fence ocean thermal energy conversion system oscillating water column tidal barrage
Correct Answer: tidal barrage
Which of the following are two of the most important factors in determining where wind farms should be located? wind direction and temperatures of the region wind direction and wind speed wind consistency and wind speed wind consistency and wind direction
Correct Answer: wind consistency and wind speed
Provisioning services
Drinking water, agriculture
Eutrophication
Enrichment of bodies of water with excess nutrients
Precipitation has three fates
Evaporation Flow over land Percolate to groundwater
Where does most of the water come from inland?
Evapotranspiration
Pollution of groundwater sources
Faulty septic systems, chemical storage tank leaks
What federal agency regulates the bottled water industry? Environmental Protection Agency Food and Drug Administration Department of Health and Human Services Department of the Interior Department of Agriculture
Food and Drug Administration
Impervious surfaces - forest, meadow, agricultural, residential, urban
Forest, meadow, agricultural: 0% Residential: 38% Urban: 85%
Once a groundwater supply is contaminated with marine water, how long will it remain contaminated? It depends on the amount of the precipitation in the area. Such water is not considered contaminated. Forever. It depends on the concentration of the salt. It depends on the location.
Forever.
Drag each region into the appropriate quadrant based on its water supply and the percentage of available water used in that region. England, Saharan Africa, SW US, Amazon Rainforest High or low % used, high or low water supply
High % used / High water supply: England High % used / Low water supply: Southwestern US Low % used / High water supply: Amazon Rainforest Low % used / low water supply: Saharan Africa
Which one of the following statements is TRUE? The construction and use of dams for hydropower produces no greenhouse gases. Sediment flow increases in the warm water flowing out of a hydropower reservoir. Variations in water released from hydropower facilities generally matches the natural flow in the affected rivers. Hydropower accounts for more than half of all renewable energy use.
Hydropower accounts for more than half of all renewable energy use.
Wetland restoration in US - No Net loss policy
If destroy, have to restore (clean water act)
If the cost of energy rose to $.18 per kilowatt-hour, which of the following would be true? The cost-effectiveness of all the investments would remain the same. Installing triple paned windows would no longer be cost-effective. Investing in a ground source heat pump and a gas stove would become cost-effective. Investing in a solar hot water heating and a ground source heat pump would become cost-effective.
Investing in a solar hot water heating and a ground source heat pump would become cost-effective.
The bars on the graph are not of equal width. What does the width of each bar represent? the cost-effectiveness of each energy investment the cost of conserved energy for each investment, in dollars per kilowatt-hour the amount of energy saved by an investment, in kilowatts per year the amount of energy saved by an investment, in kilowatt-hours per year
the amount of energy saved by an investment, in kilowatt-hours per year
A watershed is ________. a term used to describe water stored underground the water held in the atmosphere prior to returning to Earth in the form of rainfall the area of land from which rainfall drains into rivers or lakes a river that drains into the sea an inland basin that connects to another inland basin
the area of land from which rainfall drains into rivers or lakes
One disadvantage of wind farms is ________. their cost, currently limiting the production of new wind farms in the United States the generation of ozone and acid rain from the wind turbine generators the wildly fluctuating cost of producing electricity using wind turbines the death of bats and birds from collisions with turbine towers and blades
the death of bats and birds from collisions with turbine towers and blades
One disadvantage of wind farms is __________. the death of bats and birds from collisions with turbine towers and blades their cost, currently limiting the production of new wind farms in the United States the wildly fluctuating cost of producing electricity using wind turbines the generation of ozone and acid rain from the wind turbine generators
the death of bats and birds from collisions with turbine towers and blades
Which of the following is considered to be the safest drinking water source? the groundwater melted snow a river the ocean a lake
the groundwater
Energy efficiency is ________. increasing demand but decreasing accessibility of various energy sources the amount of energy used per dollar of economic output the process of using less energy to obtain goods and services a measurement of overall energy use reducing energy wastes
the process of using less energy to obtain goods and services
If there are 1.2 trillion barrels of oil reserves known in the world, and we are consuming 30 billion barrels a year, we could estimate that we have about 40 years worth of oil still in the ground. This calculation represents ________. the reserves to production ratio energy conversion efficiency the proven reserves the energy return on investment (EROI)
the reserves to production ratio
When streams feeding a large, closed basin lake are greatly reduced, we expect that __________. the salinity of the lake will increase the lake will become larger and deeper the lake will remain stable because of rainwater inputs saltwater intrusion will occur
the salinity of the lake will increase
The ultimate source of energy that drives wind power is __________. ocean currents friction between the Earth's plates, produced by plate tectonic movements and earthquakes differences in the temperature of the Earth's surface because of internal heating by magma, which occasionally rises to the surface in volcanoes the sun
the sun
Which one of the following sources of renewable energy is derived from the moon and the sun? tidal hydropower geothermal wind
tidal
A major concern with natural gas demand is ________. limited use of the fossil fuel lack of appropriate storage transportation lack of greenhouse gas emission low supply
transportation
Which of the following energy investments would be cost-effective to install? solar hot water heating triple paned windows gas stove ground source heat pump
triple paned windows
Which of the following is an environmental impact directly associated with using coal-fired plants to generate electricity? discarded batteries, whether rechargeable or not electromagnetic fields impacting human health use of chemical coolants to treat electrical wiring in transformers twice the amount of greenhouse gas emissions than for using natural gas
twice the amount of greenhouse gas emissions than for using natural gas
Electricity in a wind turbine is generated __________. when electrons are thrown off of a solid, spinning copper core by building pressure in pistons that compress chambers of nitrogen using the heat produced from friction between a spinning shaft and its case when spinning magnets move past a coil of copper wire
when spinning magnets move past a coil of copper wire
Which of the following represents two forms of renewable energy ultimately derived from the sun? fossil fuels and hydropower geothermal and biomass nuclear and geothermal wind and biomass
wind and biomass
Which of the following are two of the most important factors in determining where wind farms should be located? wind consistency and wind direction wind direction and temperatures of the region wind consistency and wind speed wind direction and wind speed
wind consistency and wind speed
During peak usage, what happens to the cost of electricity? It almost always increases. Cost of electricity always stays the same. It depends on where the power plant is located. It almost always decreases. It depends on the time of the year.
It almost always increases.
Human water use: consumptive vs. nonconsumptive
Nonconsumptives: water use that returns to streams/aquifers, like hydroelectric power, wastewater in septic systems Consumptive uses: water not returned to streams/aquifers, like irrigation or industrial use
Currently, which of the following primary energy sources accounts for the least global consumption? Wood Nuclear Hydropower Gas Renewable energy
Nuclear (most = oil)
Where is most of earth's water?
Oceans (97.5% salty)
Closed vs. Open Watersheds
Open: eventually drains to ocean Closed: do not drain to sea
Which of the following represents non-point-source pollution? During heavy rains, untreated sewage spills from a treatment plant directly into a nearby river. Waste from a pig farm pollutes a nearby stream. Attendants at a service station dump used oil into a nearby stream. Water in the Mississippi River contains high levels of nitrogen from fertilizers added to fields in Illinois and Iowa.
Water in the Mississippi River contains high levels of nitrogen from fertilizers added to fields in Illinois and Iowa.
If trends continue, global animal consumption will continue to increase. What are the most likely implications of this trend? The decrease in vegetable calories will offset the increased water needs for animal calories. Water shortages will increase as we use increasing quantities of water for livestock. The solution to increasing water needs for livestock is decreased nonagricultural water uses. Increased efficiency of water use in agriculture will allow for increased livestock production.
Water shortages will increase as we use increasing quantities of water for livestock.
Groundwater
Water that resides in rocks and soil beneath the ground (0.3% of water)
What region of the United States is best suited for producing wind used for energy? Western Mountains Northwest Northeast Southwest Southeast Mountains
Western Mountains
In the United States, a state government might adopt renewable portfolio standards to promote which of the following sources of energy? a pipeline to transport oil extracted in Canada to refineries in Texas new methods to extract natural gas from shale deposits a new field of wind turbines off the coast of North Carolina construction of a new coal-burning power plant that uses scrubber technology to reduce acid rain
a new field of wind turbines off the coast of North Carolina
Building a dam on the Mississippi River to generate electricity is an example of __________. a nonconsumptive use of water in an open watershed a consumptive use of water in an open watershed a nonconsumptive use of water in a closed watershed a consumptive use of water in a closed watershed
a nonconsumptive use of water in an open watershed
Which of the following locations would be at increased risk for flooding as a result of the high levels of impervious surfaces? a meadow in a temperate grassland a wheat farm in the central United States a deciduous forest in a watershed a subdivision outside a large city
a subdivision outside a large city
How much energy would be saved by adding insulation to ceilings? about $0.06 per kilowatt-hour about 2,000 kilowatt-hours/year about 3,000 kilowatt-hours/year about 5,000 kilowatt-hours/year
about 2,000 kilowatt-hours/year
How much energy would the family save by investing in all of the features that are cost-effective at the current price of energy? about $.12 per kilowatt-hour about $.13 per kilowatt-hour about 7,000 kilowatt-hours per year about 9,000 kilowatt-hours per year about 13,000 kilowatt-hours per year
about 9,000 kilowatt-hours per year
Estuaries are some of the most productive ecosystems on Earth because of their _____. low levels of light and low levels of nutrients abundant light and high levels of nutrients low levels of light but high levels of nutrients abundant light but low levels of nutrients
abundant light and high levels of nutrients
Which of these energy investments is the least expensive to install? solar hot water heating triple paned windows adding insulation to ceilings cannot be determined from the graph
adding insulation to ceilings
Electric current is measured in ________. amperes and electrical potential are measured in volts volts and electrical potential are measured in amperes kilowatt hours and electrical potential are measured in volts volts and electrical potential are measured in kilowatt hours
amperes and electrical potential are measured in volts
Electric current is measured in __________. volts and electrical potential is measured in kilowatt hours amperes and electrical potential is measured in volts volts and electrical potential is measured in amperes kilowatt hours and electrical potential is measured in volts
amperes and electrical potential is measured in volts
Is the following statement supported or not supported by the graph? The world is now at the point of peak oil production. supported not supported cannot be determined from the graph
cannot be determined from the graph
In order to make use of most renewable energy resources, we must ________. further explore the tropical rainforests for natural products that will aid in these new technologies solve the negative environmental impacts of these renewable energy resources capture and convert these diffuse energy sources into more concentrated forms persuade government officials of their abundance convert the concentrated nature of these natural resources to more usable forms
capture and convert these diffuse energy sources into more concentrated forms
Many pollutants from coal-fired power plants are properly managed today. Which of the following is currently considered to be the biggest threat to the environment? carbon dioxide oxygen sulfur dioxide nitrous oxide methane gas
carbon dioxide
The most abundant fossil fuel extracted in the U.S. is ________. wood nuclear power coal natural gas crude oil
coal
What are the two types of aquifers? renewable and nonrenewable shallow and deep thick and thin tapped and untapped confined and unconfined
confined and unconfined
As cities in the United States grow, they are finding that increased water demands are best addressed by _____. building desalination plants building more reservoirs drilling more wells conservation measures
conservation measures
A specific example of nonconsumptive use of water is ________. cattle grazing operations on federal lands industrial cooling processes disposal of sewage wastewater agriculture commercial forestry
disposal of sewage wastewater
The two main methods used to desalinate water are _____. mitosis and meiosis condensation and irrigation distillation and reverse osmosis diffusion and osmosis
distillation and reverse osmosis
The two main methods used to desalinate water are __________. condensation and irrigation distillation and reverse osmosis diffusion and osmosis mitosis and meiosis
distillation and reverse osmosis
The Aral Sea is shrinking due to ________. diversion of the rivers that flow into it overdrawing the aquifer it is located upon saltwater intrusion subsidence a large number of dams
diversion of the rivers that flow into it
The most efficient irrigation system currently in use is __________. drip irrigation an aerial sprinkler system surge irrigation flooding fields
drip irrigation
Which of the following methods has the highest irrigation efficiency? surge irrigation drip irrigation aerial sprinkler systems low-energy precision application sprinklers flooding fields
drip irrigation
In the United States, the energy end use sector that uses the greatest amount of coal is ________. transportation electricity industry residential
electricity
In the United States, the energy end use sector that uses the greatest amount of coal is ________. transportation industry electricity residential
electricity
Globally, the most widely used biofuel is ________. ethanol, produced primarily by fermenting sugars and starches from corn and sugar cane cellulosic ethanol, produced using switchgrass and straw from wheat, oats, and barley wood, charcoal, and animal dung natural gas, found abundantly in deposits near other fossil fuels
ethanol, produced primarily by fermenting sugars and starches from corn and sugar cane
Excess nitrogen and phosphorus from fertilizers were carried by storm runoff from a farm into a nearby lake. The algae that fed on the increased nutrients rapidly depleted the oxygen supply and killed other organisms in the lake. This is an example of __________. eutrophication calcification acidification allocation
eutrophication
A portion of a river that has experienced channelization will typically have ______. faster water movement and a decrease in riparian vegetation faster water movement and an increase in riparian vegetation slower water movement and an increase in riparian vegetation slower water movement and a decrease in riparian vegetation
faster water movement and a decrease in riparian vegetation
Which of the following is an example of a non-point source of pollution? municipal sewage treatment plant water released from a paint manufacturer nuclear power plants fertilizer-enriched runoff industrial facilities
fertilizer-enriched runoff
Reverse osmosis removes the salt from water by __________. boiling the water and condensing the steam freezing the water in cooling trays filtering the water through a selective membrane electrifying the water and removing the impurities
filtering the water through a selective membrane
As impervious surfaces increase and deforestation increases, __________. runoff decreases flooding frequency increases both runoff and infiltration will increase infiltration increases
flooding frequency increases
When considering using graywater, you might use the water for ________. washing clothes taking baths filling swimming pools washing hands flushing toilets
flushing toilets
For the last 100 years, our primary energy source has been ________. fossil fuels hydropower natural gas fuel wood nuclear energy
fossil fuels
An impoundment hydroelectric plant uses water flowing ________. down a diversion of a river to compress a gas and generate heat used to make steam that turns a generator, to make electricity from a reservoir to spin a turbine and generate electricity from a reservoir to generate friction that produces heat used to make steam that turns a generator, to make electricity down a diversion of a river to generate friction that produces heat used to make steam that turns a generator, to make electricity
from a reservoir to spin a turbine and generate electricity
An impoundment hydroelectric plant uses water flowing ________. down a diversion of a river to compress a gas and generate heat used to make steam that turns a generator, to make electricity down a diversion of a river to generate friction that produces heat used to make steam that turns a generator, to make electricity from a reservoir to generate friction that produces heat used to make steam that turns a generator, to make electricity from a reservoir to spin a turbine and generate electricity
from a reservoir to spin a turbine and generate electricity
Most oil in the world is used to ________. produce aviation fuel produce solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, and plastics heat homes and offices fuel cars and trucks
fuel cars and trucks
Most oil in the world is used to ________. produce solvents, fertilizers, pesticides, and plastics produce aviation fuel fuel cars and trucks heat homes and offices
fuel cars and trucks
Most coal in the world is used to ________. industrial end uses, such as steel production generate electricity heat homes produce natural gas
generate electricity
Most coal in the world is used to ________. industrial end uses, such as steel production heat homes produce natural gas generate electricity
generate electricity
Producing electricity using wind instead of fossil fuels __________. generates no carbon dioxide in the process generates less sulfur dioxide but more carbon dioxide requires a completely different electrical generating system generates a different kind of electricity that can be used only to heat homes
generates no carbon dioxide in the process
Where is electricity made at a coal-fired power plant? boiler cooling tower generator silo control room
generator
Which one of the following represents the use of a nonrenewable primary energy source? using a windmill to pump water out of the ground using coal to generate electricity, which is used to heat a home heating a cabin in the winter using coal using the energy of falling water to turn a mill, which grinds corn into corn meal
heating a cabin in the winter using coal
Which one of the following represents the use of a nonrenewable primary energy source? using a windmill to pump water out of the ground using the energy of falling water to turn a mill, which grinds corn into corn meal using coal to generate electricity, which is used to heat a home heating a cabin in the winter using coal
heating a cabin in the winter using coal
Eutrophication is caused by ________. low pH low dissolved oxygen high turbidity mercury high levels of phosphorus
high levels of phosphorus
Which of the following energy sources accounts for more than half of the renewable energy consumed? geothermal wind energy biomass hydroelectric power solar energy
hydroelectric power
Natural gas is increasingly transported __________. as a solid, frozen into blocks that can be easily transported on trains and used in power plants in liquid form between continents in gas form over short distances, because it is typically consumed where it is produced in gas form in long pipes extending across oceans, because the greatest demand is often in continents with the least supply
in liquid form between continents
Lake Chad lost over 90% of its water content in the period from 1963 to 2007. This loss is attributed primarily to __________. increased evaporation due to an increase in temperature increased water demands to satisfy the increasing number of people in the region global warming deforestation
increased water demands to satisfy the increasing number of people in the region
Chemical water pollution
industrial discharge, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products
A typical wind farm in the United States consists of __________. millions of small wind turbines in the back yards of highly populated areas many very large wind turbines clustered in a region with a low human population millions of small wind turbines in remote regions with low human populations very large wind turbines in the suburbs of major cities
many very large wind turbines clustered in a region with a low human population
Which of the following types of coal mines is greatly altering stream habitats in West Virginia and Kentucky? coal gasification deep underground mining mountaintop removal open pit mines
mountaintop removal
Interest in nuclear power plants is increasing because ________. nuclear power plants are cheaper to build than those that burn coal nuclear power relies on fusion, a process that does not involve radioactivity nuclear power plants remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air of increasing costs of other forms of alternative energy and concerns about global warming
of increasing costs of other forms of alternative energy and concerns about global warming
Interest in nuclear power plants is increasing because ________. of increasing costs of other forms of alternative energy and concerns about global warming nuclear power plants remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air nuclear power plants are cheaper to build than those that burn coal nuclear power relies on fusion, a process that does not involve radioactivity
of increasing costs of other forms of alternative energy and concerns about global warming
Geothermal energy is ________. energy originating from the sun and slowly released from Earth's core reliable but geographically restricted only able to be used during the day intermittent based on nuclear reactions in the Earth's core
reliable but geographically restricted
Both municipal and on-site (septic) treatment plants __________. use wetlands to purify wastewater rely on microorganisms to digest the solid wastes or sludge are primary treatment tanks use leach fields to disperse the treated water
rely on microorganisms to digest the solid wastes or sludge
Dams provide an important source of ________. stabilization for migrating fish to reproduce renewable energy non-renewable energy water flowing into lakes electricity
renewable energy
Bioenergy is considered to be a ________. renewable resource because once plants are harvested they can be grown again renewable resource because heat is released when biomass is burned nonrenewable resource because it releases tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere nonrenewable resource because it releases tremendous amounts of heat when burned
renewable resource because once plants are harvested they can be grown again
Bioenergy is considered to be a ________. renewable resource because once plants are harvested they can be grown again nonrenewable resource because it releases tremendous amounts of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, into the atmosphere nonrenewable resource because it releases tremendous amounts of heat when burned renewable resource because heat is released when biomass is burned
renewable resource because once plants are harvested they can be grown again
Which one of the following sources of renewable energy does not use a turbine to generate electricity? geothermal power plants solar photovoltaic cells hydropower wind power
solar photovoltaic cells
Which one of the following sources of renewable energy does not use a turbine to generate electricity? solar photovoltaic cells wind power geothermal power plants hydropower
solar photovoltaic cells
Conservation measures addressing water wasted by inefficiency and negligence are becoming more important as water gets scarcer and more expensive. Which of the following strategies provide the greatest savings? strategies addressing lawn and landscape irrigation strategies that address the use of low-flow plumbing devices strategies that repair leaks in the distribution pipes strategies involving the installation and the upgrading of water meters
strategies addressing lawn and landscape irrigation
Use over half of water flowing in Earth's __________
streams
Which of the following can result from excessive withdrawal of groundwater? subsidence and saltwater intrusion reduction in the number of wetlands and in biodiversity reduced flood plains and increased desertification a devastated fishing industry and reduced biodiversity
subsidence and saltwater intrusion
The water balance coefficient is a general index of the availability of water in a particular region. It is calculated by ________. adding all freshwater sources and subtracting urban water use subtracting potential evaporation from rainfall adding all freshwater sources in a particular region adding rainfall and all groundwater sources subtracting evapotranspiration from surface freshwater supplies
subtracting potential evaporation from rainfall
Mine tailings contain ________, which harms fish and other aquatic organisms. nitrogen oxygen lignite fly ash sulfide
sulfide
Is the following statement supported or not supported by the graph? The discovery of new oil reserves is likely to decline for the next 40 years. supported not supported cannot be determined by the graph
supported
One of the major disadvantages of using tidal energy systems is ________. that these systems cause habitat disruption in regions with highly productive marine estuaries that these forms of energy are not renewable that they disrupt the ecosystems of the bottoms of the lakes where tidal energy systems are installed these systems generate large amounts of greenhouse gases
that these systems cause habitat disruption in regions with highly productive marine estuaries
One of the major disadvantages of using tidal energy systems is ________. these systems generate large amounts of greenhouse gases that these forms of energy are not renewable that these systems cause habitat disruption in regions with highly productive marine estuaries that they disrupt the ecosystems of the bottoms of the lakes where tidal energy systems are installed
that these systems cause habitat disruption in regions with highly productive marine estuaries
The greatest proven oil reserves in the world are found in ________. the Middle East Russia United States South America
the Middle East
The greatest proven oil reserves in the world are found in __________. the Middle East Russia South America the United States
the Middle East
The specific aquifer on which most of the U.S. midwestern agriculture depends is known as ________. the Trans Dakota-Texas aquifer the Colorado water project the Illinois aquifer the Ogallala aquifer the Artesian Aqueduct project
the Ogallala aquifer
Water pollution - 3 characteristics
(Standards differ with use: recreation vs. drinking supply) -Physical: turbidity/sediment -Chemical: industrial discharge, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products -Biological: bacteria, pathogens
What are watersheds?
-Area of land that drains to form a river or lake -Also called drainage basins -Separated by geological features like mountains or plateaus
Effect of water pollution on oceans
-Dead zones, fish die -Nutrient pollution harms coral reefs -Mercury bioaccumulation in large fish -Oil spills and discharge -Acidification -Trash, plastic, winds and currents concentrate trash
Too much water - flood control
-Deforestation contributes to it -City solutions: increase green space, use pervious pavement, green roofs to retain 75% of rainwater
Baseline water stress
-Freshwater is not evenly distributed -Total annual water withdrawals as a percent of annual flow in that region
Effects of water pollution on ecosystems: streams
-Kills biodiversity -Filter feeders vulnerable, like mussels -Heavy metal from mines and pH altered from mining tailings
Aquifer
-Layer of sediment and rock saturated with water (wide variation of volume water stored) -From rain that does not evaporate or run off -Percolates through rock to the water table
Effects of water pollution on Lakes
-Nutrients accumulate from runoff -Eutrophication -Algal blooms -Large amount of organic material decomposition uses up OXYGEN -Reduces biodiversity
Recharge zone vs discharge zone
-Recharge: Area from which water enters water table from the surface -Discharge: Groundwater flows to surface
Acidification effects (in oceans)
-Reduction in pH to increasing CO2 input -25% of carbon dioxide in atmosphere absorbed by ocean -Limits calcification of organisms, slows coral growth
Total maximum daily loads (TMDLs)
-Represent maximum amount of pollutant in water before quality is reduced -EPA requires states to report impaired waters that surpass TMDLs
Bioassessment
-Using organisms living in the water as an indicator of quality -Ex. vegetation, fish, insects, invertebrates, mussels -Organisms are biological indicator species -All 50 states have developed bioassessment programs
Wetland loss and effects
-Wetlands critical to mitigating flooding -mosquito control
Dead zones
-regions of very low oxygen in which few marine animals can survive -caused by eutrophication and dying populations of algae in estuaries
Humans have many uses for water. What types of human activities do you think consume the most water? between industrial, municipal, and agricultural
1. Agricultural ( 69%) 2. Industrial (19%) 3. Municipal (12%)
Steps in a coal-fired power plant
1. Coal is burned int he furnace 2. Heat from combustion boils water 3. Steam turns the turbine 4. Magnets are moved past copper coils to generate current 5. Steam is cooled and condensed 6. Air pollutants are filtered out 7. Toxic ash is taken to a hazardous waste disposal site
There are actions that many entities can take to reduce their water consumption. Suppose you are an employee of the Comision Nacional del Agua (the National Water Commission) in Mexico. Your job is to help the federal government identify and support water saving activities. Of the eight actions below, which four would you support to further water conservation initiatives? A coal-fueled power plant reduces its amount of evaporation. A city decreases the cost of water during a drought. A municipality increases the surface area, but not the volume, of its local reservoir. A citrus farm buys waste water from a fish farm to water its citrus trees. The federal government requires that appliances have water efficiency labels. A state diverts a border river toward the center of the state. A student group encourages people to use graywater to water their plants. A large farm increases the depth of its wells
A COAL FUELED power plant reduces its amount of evaporation. A CITRUS FARM buys waste water from a fish farm to water its citrus trees. The federal government requires that appliances have WATER EFFICIENCY LABELS. A student group encourages people to use GRAYWATER to water their plants.
Water is not equally distributed around the globe. In terms of water availability, which of the following regions would benefit most from a predominantly vegetarian diet? Africa and the Middle East North and South America Russia Europe
Africa and the Middle East
Two countries are disputing how to manage the treatment of an endangered fish species that migrates through coastal waters along both of their nations. This issue would fall under which general international law?
Convention on Law of the Sea
Which of the following is a benefit of using compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) over incandescent lights? CFLs emit about ten times more light per kilowatt-hour than do incandescent lights. CFLs are the most efficient lights currently available. CFLs last about ten times longer than incandescent lights. CFLs are more expensive than incandescent lights.
Correct Answer: CFLs last about ten times longer than incandescent lights.
Which of the following is a primary challenge of using many renewable energy resources? Most renewable energy resources are found only on a few of Earth's continents. There are currently no cost-effective ways to use renewable energy supplies. There is not enough solar or wind energy to meet the needs of the global population of people. Renewable energy resources are diffuse and intermittent.
Correct Answer: Renewable energy resources are diffuse and intermittent.
Which of the following statements describes an advantage of solar energy? Solar energy systems produce electricity at a significantly lower kilowatt-hour coast than electricity from fossil fuels. Solar energy systems have a low up-front cost. Solar energy systems are manufactured easily and sustainably. Solar energy systems can be used anywhere in the world.
Correct Answer: Solar energy systems can be used anywhere in the world.
What effect does a hydropower facility have on the water quality downstream of the dam? Water exiting a dam is typically warmer and contains less dissolved oxygen. Water exiting a dam is typically colder and contains more dissolved oxygen. Water exiting a dam is typically warmer and contains more dissolved oxygen. Water exiting a dam is typically colder and contains less dissolved oxygen.
Correct Answer: Water exiting a dam is typically colder and contains less dissolved oxygen.
Rapid subsistence can create sinkholes to appear as a result of __________. flooding lakes overdrawing surface water channelization of rivers depleting aquifers
Correct Answer: depleting aquifers
Globally, the most widely used biofuel(s) is/are __________. natural gas, found abundantly in deposits near other fossil fuels biodiesel, produced using plant oils and animal fats ethanol, produced primarily by fermenting sugars and starches from corn and sugar cane wood, charcoal, and animal dung
Correct Answer: ethanol, produced primarily by fermenting sugars and starches from corn and sugar cane
An impoundment hydroelectric plant uses water flowing __________. down a diversion of a river to generate friction that produces heat used to make steam that turns a generator to make electricity from a reservoir to generate friction that produces heat used to make steam that turns a generator to make electricity down a diversion of a river to spin a turbine and generate electricity from a reservoir to spin a turbine and generate electricity
Correct Answer: from a reservoir to spin a turbine and generate electricity
Natural gas is increasingly transported across the ocean __________. in liquid form by long pipelines in liquid form by ocean tankers in gas form by ocean tankers in gas form by long pipelines
Correct Answer: in liquid form by ocean tankers
For a primary energy source, if the energy return on investment (EROI) is less than 1.0, then __________. less energy is produced than must be invested the energy produced is almost equal to the energy invested more energy is produced than must be invested the energy produced is close to zero
Correct Answer: less energy is produced than must be invested
Which of the following is a type of nonrenewable energy? hydropower geothermal energy nuclear energy wind energy
Correct Answer: nuclear energy
Which of the following types of nonrenewable energy is NOT derived from the remains of once-living organisms? petroleum nuclear energy natural gas coal
Correct Answer: nuclear energy
Interest in nuclear power plants is increasing because __________. nuclear power plants remove carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the air nuclear power relies on fusion, a process that does not involve radioactivity nuclear power plants are cheaper to build than those that burn coal of increasing costs of other forms of renewable energy and concerns about global warming
Correct Answer: of increasing costs of other forms of renewable energy and concerns about global warming
The problem of the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants could be addressed in part by fuel recycling. Fuel recycling has not become a widespread practice because it __________. -releases a large amount of carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming -requires a large and expensive input of energy that does not make the process cost-effective -is a very explosive process that is still not controlled or safely managed -produces plutonium, which can be made into nuclear bombs
Correct Answer: produces plutonium, which can be made into nuclear bombs
Which of the following are current environmental impacts related to the widespread generation and use of electricity in modern societies? PCBs from transformers and cadmium from batteries are significant sources of water and soil pollution. Electricity from transformers and batteries are significant sources of water and soil pollution. Copper from transformers and electrons from batteries are significant sources of water and soil pollution. Nitrogen gas from transformers and copper from batteries are significant sources of water and soil pollution.
PCBs from transformers and cadmium from batteries are significant sources of water and soil pollution.
Which of the following describes current environmental impacts related to the widespread generation and use of electricity in modern societies? Cadmium from transformers and PCBs from batteries are significant sources of water and soil pollution. PCBs from transformers and cadmium from batteries are significant sources of water and soil pollution. Copper from transformers and nitrogen gas from batteries are significant sources of water and soil pollution. Nitrogen gas from transformers and copper from batteries are significant sources of water and soil pollution.
PCBs from transformers and cadmium from batteries are significant sources of water and soil pollution.
Top impairments to water
Pathogens Metals Nutrients
Supporting services of water
Photosynthesis, nutrient movement, food webs
Effect of water pollution on estuaries
Pollutants enter at base of watersheds (aka at the estuary), and excess nitrogen/phosphorus can cause eutrophication, leading to dead zones (oxygen so low few organisms can survive)
Subsidence
Sinking of land above an aquifer May occur slowly like in Cali or quickly like a sinkhole
Which one of the following statements is TRUE? Solar cells or PV release methane when using light to generate electricity. The manufacture of PV panels does not require the use of any fossil fuels. Solar power systems are often most productive during periods of peak energy demands. In the United States, the greatest potential for the use of solar energy is east of the Mississippi River.
Solar power systems are often most productive during periods of peak energy demands.
Which of the following is a primary challenge of using many renewable energy resources? There are currently no cost-effective ways to use renewable energy supplies. They are diffuse and intermittent. There is not enough energy in solar or wind to meet the needs of the global population of people. Most renewable energy resources are found only on a few of the Earth's continents.
They are diffuse and intermittent.
Water table
Underground depth where rock and sediment are completely saturated
Which of the following systems uses geothermal reservoir water to boil another fluid to generate steam, turn a turbine, and generate electricity? binary-cycle power plant dry-steam power plant ground-source heat pump flash-steam power plant
binary-cycle power plant
What color smoke coming from a coal-fired power plant would indicate wasted fuel? white clear green black red
black
Renewable primary energy sources include all of the following except ________. ocean tides sunlight biomass wind natural gas
natural gas
Renewable primary energy sources include all of the following except ________. sunlight ocean tides wind natural gas biomass
natural gas
The citizens of a small city need to replace their coal-fired power plant. To limit their contributions to global warming, they decide to build a new power plant using the latest technologies and an abundant fossil fuel that contributes the least to global warming. Their new plant will therefore use __________ for fuel. nuclear material coal natural gas oil
natural gas
The use of natural gas to generate electricity is increasing because __________. natural gas is more efficient than coal and releases fewer pollutants burning natural gas reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere the methane in natural gas does not contribute to global warming the global supply of coal will only last about another 10 years
natural gas is more efficient than coal and releases fewer pollutants
Dead zones in the ocean result from __________. non-point-source pollution, leading to very low oxygen environments typically located where rivers flow into the ocean point-source pollution, leading to high oxygen and low nutrient environments where rivers flow into the ocean point-source pollution, leading to low oxygen and high nutrient upwellings of deep ocean waters non-point-source pollution, leading to very high oxygen environments typically located in the deep pelagic zones of the ocean
non-point-source pollution, leading to very low oxygen environments typically located where rivers flow into the ocean
The main conclusion from this graph on soil and vegetation change after wetland restoration is ________. soil organic matter is initially the most rapid category to recover soils are more important to wetlands restoration than are plants soil organic matter and nutrient absorption are much easier to accomplish than improvements in biomass plant biomass recovers relatively rapidly in restored wetlands that it takes at least 10 years for wetlands restoration to be completed
plant biomass recovers relatively rapidly in restored wetlands
In a typical municipal wastewater treatment system in the United States, condoms flushed down a toilet are most likely removed from wastewater during the __________ stage.
pretreatment
Most electricity is generated by using ________. secondary energy sources to heat water and produce pressurized steam, which turns the turbines of an electric generator primary energy sources to heat water and produce pressurized steam, which turns the turbines of an electric generator transformers to generate electrical current primary energy sources to promote chemical reactions that generate electricity
primary energy sources to heat water and produce pressurized steam, which turns the turbines of an electric generator
Most electricity is generated by using ________. transformers to generate electrical current primary energy sources to promote chemical reactions that generate electricity primary energy sources to heat water and produce pressurized steam, which turns the turbines of an electric generator secondary energy sources to heat water and produce pressurized steam, which turns the turbines of an electric generator
primary energy sources to heat water and produce pressurized steam, which turns the turbines of an electric generator
Most electricity is generated by using __________. secondary energy sources to promote chemical reactions that generate electricity secondary energy sources to heat water and produce pressurized steam, which turns the turbines of an electric generator primary energy sources to heat water and produce pressurized steam, which turns the turbines of an electric generator primary energy sources to promote chemical reactions that generate electricity
primary energy sources to heat water and produce pressurized steam, which turns the turbines of an electric generator
A rancher in Texas drills for water on her property and in the process, hits oil, which squirts strongly from the ground. Within days a system is installed to capture the oil as it shoots up from the ground. This system of collecting oil represents __________. tertiary oil recovery secondary oil recovery hydraulic fracturing primary oil recovery
primary oil recovery
As modern societies have developed from prehistoric conditions, we have seen a switch from ________. secondary renewable energy to primary nonrenewable energy primary nonrenewable energy to secondary renewable energy secondary nonrenewable energy to primary renewable energy primary renewable energy to secondary nonrenewable energy
primary renewable energy to secondary nonrenewable energy
The problem of the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants could be addressed in part by fuel recycling. Why isn't fuel recycling of nuclear waste a widespread practice where nuclear power is used? Fuel recycling ________. is a very explosive process that is still not controlled or safely managed produces plutonium, which can be made into nuclear bombs requires a large and expensive input of energy that does not make the process cost-effective releases a large amount of carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming
produces plutonium, which can be made into nuclear bombs
The problem of the disposal of high-level radioactive wastes from nuclear power plants could be addressed in part by fuel recycling. Why isn't fuel recycling of nuclear waste a widespread practice where nuclear power is used? Fuel recycling ________. releases a large amount of carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming produces plutonium, which can be made into nuclear bombs is a very explosive process that is still not controlled or safely managed requires a large and expensive input of energy that does not make the process cost-effective
produces plutonium, which can be made into nuclear bombs
Residence time for groundwater is longest when __________. recharge rates are low and discharge rates are high recharge rates are high and discharge rates are low recharge and discharge rates are low recharge and discharge rates are high
recharge and discharge rates are low
Harnessing the energy of tides to generate electricity is different than a hydroelectric power station at a dam because tidal energy ________. ultimately relies on ocean currents and hydroelectric power ultimately relies on the energy from the sun ultimately relies on the wind and hydroelectric power ultimately relies on the energy of rain ultimately relies on the moon's gravity and hydroelectric power ultimately relies on the energy from the sun uses turbines and a dam uses generators
ultimately relies on the moon's gravity and hydroelectric power ultimately relies on the energy from the sun
Which of the following is an advantage to using wind powered electrical generators? Wind powered electrical generators ________. are usually centrally located and nicely positioned within the electrical grid use a renewable energy resource produce a steady rate of electricity produce a form of electricity that is more easily stored in batteries
use a renewable energy resource
Which of the following is an advantage to using wind powered electrical generators? Wind powered electrical generators ________. produce a form of electricity that is more easily stored in batteries use a renewable energy resource are usually centrally located and nicely positioned within the electrical grid produce a steady rate of electricity
use a renewable energy resource
The best way to reduce our reliance upon fossil fuels and address our energy needs in the future is to ________. switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs improve mileage standards in automobiles generate most electricity using wind turbines use all of the above strategies and additional energy saving innovations
use all of the above strategies and additional energy saving innovations
Photovoltaic (PV) technology is best described as ________. using mirrors to concentrate sunlight, in order to heat water and produce steam for electricity generation trapping sun's heat and storing it for many varied uses using sunlight to generate electricity using sun's energy to warm a room without mechanical devices passive solar technology
using sunlight to generate electricity
The use of low-flow showerheads and smaller toilet reservoirs are examples of technology improving __________. water leaks in the house water efficiency water loss in the house water conservation
water efficiency
Which one of the following contributes to blackwater in municipal wastewater? water from toilets water from sinks water from washing machines water from bathtubs
water from toilets