TEST 2 - EVR2001 University of West Florida
A warmer world is least likely to result in ____. A. more moderate weather B. reductions in biodiversity C. a rise in sea level D. decreased food production E. spread of tropical diseases
A
An important type of food-producing system that is the most rapidly increasing type in use in the world is ____. A. aquaculture B. organic foods C. feedlots D. genetic engineering E. cash crops
A
Avoiding the use of tanning parlors or sunlamps is one of the best ways to ____. A. reduce your exposure to UV radiation B. prevent exposure to harmful photochemical reactions C. limit the amount of CFC pollution D. decrease your carbon footprint E. save energy
A
CFCs break down due to ____. A. exposure to uv radiation in the stratosphere B. exposure to acids C. reacting with chlorine D. exposure to water E. reacting with volatile organic compounds
A
For good health and protection against disease, people need fairly large amounts of certain food components (such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats) called ____. A. macronutrients B. vitamins C. nutrients D. micronutrients E. organics
A
From an environmental standpoint, refusing, reducing, and reusing are preferred over recycling because they are ____ approaches that tackle the problem of waste production at the front end. A. waste prevention B. green C. more feasible D. management E. integrated
A
How are spent nuclear fuel rods stored immediately after they are removed from the reactor core? A. They are stored in a deep pool of water contained in a steel-lined concrete basin for cooling. B. They are processed to remove radioactive plutonium, which can then be used as nuclear fuel or for making nuclear weapons. C. They are stored upright on concrete pads in sealed dry-storage casks made of heat- resistant metal alloys and thick concrete. D. They are transferred to a storage facility located inside a mountain made of granite. E. They buried in an underground repository.
A
In 1987, 36 nations meeting in Montreal, Canada, developed the Montreal Protocol to reduce production of ____. A. CFCs B. nitrous oxide C. carbon dioxide D. toxic wastes E. halons
A
In the near future, the world is unlikely to exhaust its usable oil supplies because it is possible to use more unconventional heavy oil from depleted oil wells and other sources. Increasing the use of heavy oil will likely result in ________, among other consequences. A. lower net energy yields B. greater technological input C. reduced environmental impacts D. considerable unpredictability in the oil supply E. reduced risk of climate change
A
Insects are important as a sustainable source of ______ . A. protein, fiber, healthy fats, and other nutrients B. fiber only C. protein only D. fats, both healthy and unhealthy E. grains and carbohydrates
A
Most scientists and engineers agree in principle that deep burial in an underground repository is the safest and cheapest way to store ____ for thousands of years. A. high-level radioactive wastes B. highly toxic non-radioactive waste C. fracking fluids D. coal ash E. sequestered CO2
A
One concern about the use of pesticides is that ____. A. residues can be associated with the development of cancer B. they are not available in sufficient quantities to meet the demand for their use C. their effects are relatively slow compared with other approaches D. their use is not regulated E. they are more expensive than other approaches in both the short and long term
A
One important advantage of active solar heating systems for houses is that ______. A. the house must have sufficient exposure to sunlight B. maintenance is minimal and therefore inexpensive C. although emissions of pollutants is high, the pollutants can easily be captured D. the net energy is high E. the systems are very inexpensive compared with other heating systems
A
The Environmental Working Group estimates that you could reduce your pesticide intake by up to 90% by eating only 100% organic ____. A. fruits and vegetables from the foods that they call the "dirty dozen" B. polyculture grains produced using sustainable practices C. beef from non-feed lots D. complex carbohydrates E. meats and dairy from non-industrial agriculture
A
The ____ for any given place on the planet often fluctuates widely from day to day and from year to year. A. weather B. pollution level C. climate D. global warming E. concentration of VOCs
A
The most dangerous indoor pollutants are ____. A. tobacco smoke, formaldehyde, radon, and ultrafine particles B. lead, formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, and radon C. volatile organic compounds, radon, nitrogen oxides, and carbon oxides D. formaldehyde, nitrogen oxides, carbon oxides, and particulates E. styrene, radon, formaldehyde, and lead
A
The primary way in which the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere can be increased is by ____. A. burning fossil fuels B. planting more forests and grasslands C. fertilizing croplands D. increasing use of chlorofluorocarbons E. increasing solar radiation
A
Topsoil has an important effect on the earth's climate because ____. A. organisms store CO2 and remove it from the atmosphere B. oxygen and water vapor bond to the soil C. it can undergo erosion D. nitrogen gas is converted to ammonia by the soil particles E. it purifies water that runs through it
A
What causes cultural eutrophication? A. Input of nutrients from human activities B. Increase in aerobic bacteria C. Increase of plants such as duckweed D. Blooms of algae E. Natural nutrient enrichment of a shallow lake
A
What do workers in countries with cheap labor use to recover valuable metals from e-waste? A. Acid B. Heat C. Mercury D. Sharp knives E. Lead
A
What is a water resource that can be considered nonrenewable? A. Deep aquifers B. Precipitation C. Surface water in lakes and streams D. Snowpack E. Water vapor in the atmosphere
A
What is an important concern about the increasing use of aquaculture? A. It may lead to reduced biodiversity in wild fish populations that are harvested to feed farmed fish. B. It may cause shortages of grain and other foods used to feed the farmed fish. C. It may lead to over-reliance on farmed fish for food. D. It may lead to increased fish consumption when other forms of meat production are much more sustainable and healthier. E. It may increase problems associated with overfishing of large predatory fish, such as tuna.
A
What is by far the leading cause of water pollution? A. Agricultural activities B. Untreated sewage waste C. Organic wastes D. Unlined landfills E. Oil and natural gas production and development
A
What is the benefit of including the harmful environmental and health costs associated with fossil fuels, nuclear energy, and other nonrenewable resources? A. It would ensure that renewable energy is competitive with nonrenewable resources in terms of market price. B. It would provide more profit-based incentives for energy production. C. It would make more funding available for cleanup and health care. D. It would ensure infinite resources by requiring conservation and higher efficiency. E. It would eliminate the need for subsidies, tax incentives, and government regulations.
A
What is the best approach to reducing flood damage? A. Prevention through preserving natural environments B. Funding scientific research on flood prevention C. Control through engineering solutions D. Avoid living on floodplains. E. Education of the public
A
What is the primary problem with drawing excessive amounts of groundwater from near ocean coastlines? A. Saltwater can be pulled into freshwater aquifers. B. Pollution travels faster through sandy soils. C. Land subsidence D. Sand clogs up the wells. E. Sinkholes
A
What is the world's most abundant nonrenewable fossil fuel? A. Coal B. Tar sand C. Oil D. Biomass E. Natural gas
A
What may have prevented the use of bioplastics in the past century? A. Oil became widely available and petrochemical plastics took over the market. B. Bioplastics were viewed as inferior materials. C. The materials needed for bioplastics was used for food. D. The technology for mass production of bioplastics was not yet available. E. Synthetic plastic producers had a strong government lobby.
A
What process involves the use of bacteria and enzymes to destroy hazardous substances? A. Bioremediation B. Composting C. Plasma gasification D. Phytoremediation E. Incineration
A
What resource was used to generate about 40% of the electricity generated in the United States in 2015? A. Coal B. Natural gas C. Oil D. Renewables E. Nuclear energy
A
What would likely be found on an organic farm? A. Feed that contains no antibiotics B. Synthetic pesticides C. Synthetic fertilizers D. Genetically engineered seeds E. Feed additives
A
Which category most accurately describes waste such as food wastes, cardboard, cans, bottles, yard wastes, furniture, plastics, metal, glass, and e-waste? A. Municipal solid waste B. Municipal waste C. Solid waste D. E-waste E. Industrial solid waste
A
Which of the following is/are primary pollutants that eventually result in acid deposition? A. Sulfur dioxide B. Particulates C. Carbon monoxide D. Methane E. Volatile organic compounds
A
Which type of waste can a homeowner recycle in their backyard as part of a composting project? A. Vegetable food scraps B. Plastics C. Some metals D. Electronics E. Dead animals
A
Why can the United States legally transport its electronic waste when many other countries cannot? A. The United States can export its e-waste legally because it has not ratified the Basel Convention. B. The United States can export its e-waste legally because it can afford the safety measures needed for safe transport. C. The United States can export its e-waste legally because it is exempted from most international laws. D. The United States can export its e-waste legally because it exports directly to recycling centers. E. The United States can export its e-waste legally because it has previous trade agreements with some countries.
A
One drawback to integrated pest management is that it ____. A. only applies to certain regions of the world B. is complex and takes more time compared to pesticides C. cannot manage most pests D. does not have a proven track record E. leads to genetic resistance among pests
B
Pipe insulation and vinyl ceiling and floor tiles may be sources of ____. A. formaldehyde B. asbestos C. carbon monoxide D. chloroform E. sulfur dioxide
B
Sanitary landfills typically have problems with ____. A. odor B. traffic, noise, and dust C. spread of disease D. high operating costs E. open, uncovered garbage
B
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that wind farms at favorable sites in North Dakota, Kansas and Texas could meet the electricity needs of ____.A. the entire nation if private air conditioning is reducedB. the lower 48 statesthe western contiguous United Statesthe northern plains states during the summersthese four states only
B
The majority of the oil pollution of the ocean comes from ____. A. Tanker accidents B. Runoff from land C. Normal operation of offshore wells D. Environmental terrorism E. Blowouts (rupture of a borehole of an oil rig in the ocean)
B
A growing source of heavy oil is ____, which is a mixture of clay, sand, water, and a combustible organic material called bitumen. A. crude oil B. tar sands C. shale oil D. offshore oil E. liquefied petroleum gas
B
According to the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, a well-designed____ can reduce synthetic pesticide use and pest control costs by 50-65%, without reducing crop yields and food quality. A. natural predator habitat restoration program B. integrated pest management program C. organic farm D. crop rotation program E. polyculture farm
B
According to water resource experts, what are the two main causes of water waste? A. Industrial agricultural practices and over irrigation B. Low cost of water to users and lack of government subsidies for improving the efficiency of water use C. Unsustainable management and over-pumping of aquifers D. Lack of government subsidies for improving the efficiency of water use and ignorance about the amount of water being wasted E. Lack of information about efficient irrigation systems and lack of regulation of water use
B
Although it is more costly to install wind farms that are located ____, it is expected that these wind farms will be used increasingly due to advantages such as their ability to harness relatively strong winds and their relative inconspicuousness. A. desert valleys B. offshore C. in wide-open plains D. on mountaintops E. near shorelines
B
An agricultural method known as ____ relies on solar energy and natural fertilizers to grow multiple species in a single plot. A. high-input agriculture B. polyculture C. minimum tillage agriculture D. plantation agriculture E. traditional intensive agriculture
B
Aquifers and _____ are the most important sources of drinking water globally. A. rainfall B. surface water C. snowmelt D. desalinated ocean water E. deep aquifers
B
Compared to synthetic pesticides, the use of natural biological pest controls is ____. A. more costly B. nontoxic C. dangerously unpredictable D. not very effective E. faster
B
EPA studies have found that 70% of all U.S. hazardous waste ____ have no liners and could threaten groundwater supplies. A. open pit landfills B. storage ponds C. sanitary landfills D. deep-well disposal sites E. storage tanks
B
If plants with similar root depths were planted in a field, then: ____. A. The plants would have to include multiple different species in order to grow B. They would compete for nutrients and water and grow less well than if plants with varying root depths were used C. They would be able to absorb nutrients and water with maximum efficiency D. They would be unable to grow at all E. Their roots would become tangled, but they would grow about the same as if plants with varying root depths were used
B
If you live in the United States, you can find out what toxic chemicals are being stored and released in your neighborhood by ____. A. visiting the U.S. Library of Congress B. going to the EPA's Toxic Release Inventory website C. asking local manufactures to comply with the Toxic Substances Control Act D. obtaining a copy of the National Priorities List E. calling your local Superfund council
B
In the United States, approximately 67% by weight of all municipal solid waste is ____. A. dumped in the ocean B. buried in sanitary landfills C. recycled and reused D. sent to waste-to-energy incinerators E. shipped to foreign countries for disposal
B
Large volumes of liquid hazardous waste, often injected into deep disposal wells, is produced by ____. A. earthquakes B. fracking C. bioremediation D. petroleum production E. oil wells
B
Most soil erosion is caused by ____. A. farming B. flowing water C. human activities D. strong winds ze. climate change
B
The world's 40,000 known species of spiders ____. A. have to be controlled in order for integrated pest management to work properly B. kill far more crop-eating insects every year than humans do by using chemicals C. kill more livestock with poisonous bites than any other threat D. provide important food for birds that control caterpillar populations E. are a threat not only to livestock, but also to rural farmers because they nest in sheds where equipment is stored and later retrieved
B
There is a vast supply of _____ underneath an area of boreal forests in Canada. A. coal B. tar sands C. liquefied petroleum D. gas E. conventional oil F. natural gas
B
What do we call an unhealthy mix of sulfur dioxide, suspended droplets of sulfuric acid, and a variety of suspended particles in outside air? A. Aerosols B. Industrial smog C. Suspended particulate matter D. Greenhouse gasses E. Photochemical smog
B
What is a disadvantage of large-scale hydropower? A. The generated electricity comes at a relatively high cost. B. There are high CH4 emissions from rapid biomass decay in shallow tropical reservoirs. C. There are high emissions of CO2 and other air pollutants in temperate areas. D. There is a low net energy yield. E. Most of the potential energy has already been tapped.
B
What is a healthcare issue that can be caused directly by ozone? A. Mutations B. Reduced resistance to colds/pneumonia C. Skin cancer D. Stomach cancer E. Nervous system disorders
B
What is an effective way that individuals can avoid producing water pollution?A. People should use gray water for drinking. B. People should not flush medications down toilets. C. People should use gray water for cooking. D. People should use standard-flow toilets, not composting toilets. E. People should water their lawns in the summer.
B
What is the most efficient form of irrigation? A. Center-pivot irrigation B. Drip irrigation C. Low pressure irrigation D. Precision sprinkler irrigation E. Flood irrigation
B
What is the only effective way to protect groundwater?A. Community-based local clean upB. Pollution preventionC. Sewage treatmentD. Stream restorationE. Bioremediation
B
What is the primary reason many U.S. citizens, local governments, and environmental scientists oppose waste incineration? A. It is difficult to regulating incinerators. B. It undermines waste reduction strategies like reduce and reuse. C. It must burn a lot of trash to maintain profitability. D. It emits air pollutants. E. It is more expensive than landfills.
B
What is the result of using a pay-as-you-throw approach in San Francisco, California, USA? A. The city raised its taxes as a result of stringent recycling requirements. B. The city recycled, composted, or reused 80% of its municipal solid waste (MSW). C. The city lost 37 garbage pickup workers. D. The city became the most expensive place to live in the United States. E. The city created a severe littering problem.
B
What is the term for propane and butane gases that can be liquefied under high pressure during the extraction of natural gas? A. Methane B. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) C. Gaseous hydrocarbons D. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) E. Unconventional gas
B
What is the type of agriculture most likely to be found in developing countries? A. High-input agriculture B. Traditional subsistence agriculture C. Industrialized agriculture D. Minimum-tillage agriculture E. Maximum-tillage agriculture
B
What process involves the use of plants to remove contaminants from polluted soil and water? A. Plasma gasification B. Phytoremediation C. Composting D. Bioremediation E. Incineration
B
Where is most of the ozone layer located? A. The troposphere B. The stratosphere C. The thermosphere D. The mesosphere E. The ionosphere
B
Why did malaria control efforts in Malaysia once lead to cats being parachuted into affected areas? A. Cats help to consume mosquitoes, lowering their populations. B. As pesticides made their way through the food chain, cats died and rats that transmitted sylvatic plague increased in numbers. C. Cats were needed to help consume rats that were consuming roofs of houses after a rat population explosion due to unexpected consequences of pesticide use. D. As pesticides affected agricultural crops as well as pests, residents needed other sources of food. E. Cats were needed to keep aid workers company.
B
A ______ amount of commercial energy is used to perform important tasks while much is unavoidably lost or wasted. A. relatively large B. moderate C. relatively small D. unpredictable E. variable
C
Advanced light-water reactors are ______. A. commonly in use in nuclear power plants B. proposed as being very energy effective and in production for use in a high percentage of nuclear reactors C. proposed as extremely safe but not commercially available D. commonly in use for fracking E. commonly in use for processing coal
C
Coal is considered to be _____. A. a renewable resource B. relatively clean when used responsibly C. unusually dirty because of the amount of pollution and environmental damage that its use causes D. a green technology when used following environmentally friendly guidelines E. a relatively expensive fuel even without full market pricing
C
Denmark has banned all ____ that cannot be reused. A. packaging B. plastics C. beverage containers D. grocery bags E. batteries
C
In less-developed nations, one example of a crop typically grown in monocultures for export using plantation agriculture is ____.. A. rice B. trees C. palm oil D. wheat E. mangoes
C
In the United States, freshwater scarcity stress is ____. A. highest in the northeastern and western states B. highest in the southeastern and southwestern states C. highest in the southwestern, far western, and north central states D. highest in the Pacific northwest E. highest in the northern states
C
It can take 400 to 1,000 years to break down ____ that end up in landfills or the ocean. A. disposable coffee cups B. aluminum cans C. plastic bags D. glass bottles E. batteries
C
Large dams and reservoirs ____. A. have created lakes over of otherwise unproductive land B. cannot be used for outdoor recreation C. disrupt migration and spawning of fish D. reduce danger of flooding upstream E. allow extensive downstream transport of sediments
C
Ocean thermal-energy conversion was abandoned by the United States because _____. A. it did not work to produce any energy B. there were not sufficient possible areas to use C. it is very expensive D. it was clearly not feasible. E. the temperature gradients in the ocean were not appropriate
C
Of the two types of dumps utilized for solid waste, open dumps ____. A. are vermin free B. are the most environmentally friendly C. are rare in more developed countries D. cover wastes with clay or plastic foam E. have little odor
C
Photochemical smog is characteristic of urban areas with many vehicles and a climate that is ____. A. cool and cloudy B. warm, wet, and cloudy C. warm and sunny D. cool, dry, and sunny E. cool, wet, and sunny
C
Photochemical smog is composed of secondary pollutants such as oxidants, aldehydes, and ____. A. carbon dioxide B. VOCs C. ozone D. sulfur dioxide E. NOx
C
Satellite data and other measurements and models indicate that 75-85% of the observed ozone losses in the stratosphere since 1976 resulted from people releasing ____ and other ozone-depleting chemicals into the troposphere beginning in the 1950s. A. UVB B. NOx C. CFCs D. CO2 E. CO
C
Switching from conventional oil to natural gas probably means _____. A. producing more carbon dioxide per unit of energy B. switching from a nonrenewable to a renewable resource C. slowing the adoption of renewable energy sources D. having less risk of carbon dioxide leakage E. being unable to produce sufficient energy for global energy consumption at current levels
C
The United States has a(n) ____. A. smart electrical grid that allows for rapid regulation and repair to respond to changes in energy usage B. electrical grid that consists only of the newest technology C. electrical grid that could be made much more energy efficient D. electrical grid consisting of components that have all been replaced within the last 40 years E. highly efficient smart grid for electricity
C
The best approaches to reduce acid deposition are those that____. A. reduce precipitation levels B. prevent deposition of carbon oxides C. prevent or reduce emissions of particulates, sulfur dioxides, and nitrogen oxides D. draw out sulfur dioxides and acids directly from the soil E. filter particulates from precipitation
C
The bottoms and sides of ____ have strong double liners and containment systems that collect the liquids. A. open dumps B. recycling centers C. sanitary landfills D. single-pickup systems E. waste incinerators
C
The fastest growing solid waste in the world is from ____. A. automobiles B. tires C. electronics D. diapers E. carpet
C
The ultimate success of an emission trading approach depends on ____. A. what kinds of government regulations are in place B. how well the stock market is doing C. how the initial cap is set and how often it is lowered D. the supply and demand of clean energy E. the availability of subsidies and tax breaks
C
Using charcoal or resins to filter out harmful solids is a ____ method. A. physiological B. geological C. physical D. biological E. chemical
C
What approach do many analysts call for in approaching our waste problems? A. Waste management only B. Recycling only C. Integrated waste management D. Reusing only E. Waste reduction only
C
What has brought about what some experts are calling a new era of oil and natural gas production in the United States? A. The discovery of new oil sands B. More efficient distribution systems C. The increasing use of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing D. The development of shale oil extraction technologies E. Higher market prices for oil
C
What has increased the annual reliable runoff available for our use by nearly 33%? A. Drip irrigation B. Aquifers C. Dams D. Sustainable water use practices E. Water conservation subsidies
C
What is a disadvantage of wind power? A. Wind farms are difficult to build and expand. B. Wind farms have a low net energy yield. C. Wind farms need backup storage systems when the wind dies down. D. Wind farms are expensive in terms of generating electricity. E. Wind is not widely available.
C
What is likely the most effective way to reduce acid deposition? A. Add lime to neutralize the acids. B. Add phosphate fertilizer to acidified lakes. C. Implement prevention approaches that reduce or eliminate emissions. D. Offer tax breaks to companies that emit SO2. E. Add more topsoil to thin soil with little buffering capacity.
C
What is the primary goal of an integrated pest management program (IPM)? A. To increase inputs of fertilizer and irrigation water B. To increase the development of disease-resistant pests C. To reduce crop damage to an economically tolerable level D. To increase pesticide use E. To decrease yields and increase costs
C
What is the type of agriculture most likely to be found in developed countries? A. Maximum-tillage agriculture B. Plantation agriculture C. Industrialized agriculture D. Minimum-tillage agriculture E. Traditional agriculture
C
What kind of waste is hospital medical waste? A. E-waste B. Biogenic waste C. Toxic waste D. Solid waste E. Industrial waste
C
What phenomenon can alter the hydrologic cycle on a global scale? A. Geothermal energy B. Electricity C. Climate change D. Gravity E. Wind
C
What process can lead to desertification? A. Terraced crop arrangements B. Crop rotation C. Severe and prolonged drought D. Polyculture farming E. Conservation tillage
C
What variety of hazardous waste does not have a scientifically and politically acceptable way of disposal? A. E-waste B. Medical waste C. Nuclear D. Pesticides E. Coal ash
C
When the global average atmospheric temperature changes over a period of at least three ____, the earth's climate can be said to have changed. A. years B. months C. decades D. centuries E. days
C
When using composting piles, it is important to _____. A. fertilize the compost pile B. avoid adding weeds and other plants C. mix or rotate them and avoid adding hazardous materials D. dispose of the compost on a regular basis E. avoid adding food products or similar items
C
Where will your old cell phone likely end up if you were to throw it away today? A. Recycling center B. China C. Landfill D. Waterways E. India
C
Which country is the world's largest producer of solid waste? A. Russia B. India C. United States D. China E. Brazil
C
Which of the following describes an example of how cogeneration systems work? A. A system uses variable-speed electric motors. B. A system is run with an energy-efficient, digitally controlled, UHV system/transmission lines. C. Heat left over from power generation can be captured and used to heat a building. D. A system generates energy flexibly through a combination of resources. E. A hybrid system uses both renewable and nonrenewable resources.
C
Which of the following is true of nuclear waste disposal? A. There is no risk of wastes being used for weapons. B. Nuclear waste rapidly loses its radioactivity. C. There is no current fully satisfactory method of nuclear waste management and disposal. D. Nuclear waste is stored long-term in cooling pools. E. Dry casks can easily last as long as needed for wastes to become safe.
C
Which of the following would make a greater contribution to rising sea levels? A. Increased levels of atmospheric water vapor B. Increased levels of global evaporation and transpiration C. Melting land-based ice D. Increased levels of precipitation in some areas E. Melting sea ice
C
Which statement about emissions trading is false? A. The success of emissions trading programs depends on how low the initial cap is set. B. The success of emissions trading programs depends on how often the cap is lowered to promote continuing innovation in air pollution prevention and control. C. It forces all utilities to reduce the amount of pollution they emit. D. Cheating is possible without strict government oversight. E. Sulfur dioxide emissions were reduced by the emissions trading system in the United States.
C
Why did Saudi Arabia start importing grain rather than growing wheat in 2016? A. Desalinization of seawater around Saudi Arabia has contaminated local freshwater reserves. B. Oil seepage from oil fields has contaminated local freshwater reserves. C. Its major deep aquifer had been depleted by overuse. D. Multiple years of severe droughts have depleted the water table. E. Its very rich, oil-financed economy can easily import food rather than grow its own.
C
Why do cities in warm and dry climates tend to have more air pollution? A. These locations are usually surrounded by mountains that trap the air pollution. B. There are more chemical reactions that can happen in dry climates. C. There are fewer natural pollution reduction factors such as precipitation and salty sea spray. D. There are more plants and trees that promote the formation of VOCs. E. There are more automobiles in these areas.
C
Why do coal-burning power plants and oil refineries have tall smokestacks? A. To exploit the presence of mountains B. To make use of the natural vertical movements of air C. To vent exhausts high into the atmosphere for dilution and dispersal D. To utilize the scrubbers in the smokestacks that remove pollutants E. to avoid photochemical reactions with ozone near the ground
C
Why is it less sustainable to eat grain-fed beef compared to other meats, such as poultry and plant-fed farmed fish? A. Red meat causes heart disease. B. Cows need to be raised in high densities in feed lots, resulting in substantial environmental damage to the surrounding areas. C. It takes more grain per pound of body weight to produce grain-fed beef than other meats. D. Cows have more fat per unit body weight than other animals. E. Cows produce more methane than other herbivores.
C
According to some estimates, the North Pacific Garbage Patch occupies an area at least the size of ____. A. Several square kilometers B. the Mediterranean Sea C. Europe D. Texas E. Ireland
D
An emissions trading policy on the emissions of ____ cut U.S. emissions by 76%. A. asbestos B. carbon dioxide C. carbon oxides D. sulfur dioxide E. lead
D
Cities that make money by recycling and that have higher recycling rates tend to use a ____ for both recyclable and non-recyclable materials. A. fee structure B. multi-pickup system C. subsidy incentive D. single-pickup system E. integrated-pickup system
D
Freshwater that is used indirectly is called ____, meaning freshwater that is not directly consumed but is used to produce food and other products. A. Irrigation water B. Gray water C. Ground water D. Virtual water E. Industrial water
D
How can irrigation lead to salinization of soils? A. Water associated with irrigation flows through the soil. B. Wells for water are drilled too near the ocean coastlines. C. Irrigation water is treated with dissolved salts that then lead to oversaturation. D. Water associated with irrigation contains small amounts of dissolved salts, and evaporation leaves behind increasing concentrations of these salts. E. Irrigation is primarily accomplished through the use of abundant seawater, which contains high concentrations of salts.
D
If a scientist analyzed the components of petroleum, he or she would find ________. A. hydrocarbons and large amounts of silicon dioxide B. oxygen and hydrogen only C. oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur only D. primarily hydrocarbons with smaller amounts of sulfur, oxygen, and nitrogen E. hydrocarbons only
D
In the Gulf of Mexico dead zone, oxygen levels in lower water levels are low because ____. A. the runoff into the dead zone is contaminated with high densities of bacteria that consume oxygen B. of the Great Lakes C. phytoplankton consume vast quantities of oxygen without producing any oxygen D. pollutants in runoff, especially fertilizers, lead to phytoplankton growth and the dead phytoplankton are consumed by bacteria that use up oxygen E. the runoff into the dead zone is already extremely low in oxygen and mixes with the water already present in the Gulf of Mexico
D
In the United States, almost two-thirds of all liquid hazardous wastes are ____. A. stored in guarded facilities B. bioremediated C. recycled into useful materials D. injected into deep disposal wells E. incinerated
D
Of the choices below, which energy resource has the highest net energy ratio for transportation? A. Ethanol from sugar cane residue B. Natural gas C. Oil shale D. Gasoline E. Coal liquefaction
D
Overnutrition is a result of ____. A. consuming too many calories, regardless of weight or activity level B. consuming too much rich and high-fat food, regardless of weight and energy expenditure C. being too active, regardless of calorie intake D. consuming too many calories relative to energy expenditures, leading to vastly increased weight E. consuming too few calories, regardless of activity level and weight
D
Plasma gasification is a technology that uses arcs of electricity in the absence of ____ to produce very high temperatures for vaporizing trash. A. hazardous chemicals B. coal C. water D. oxygen E. carbon dioxide
D
The U.S. oil consumption could be reduced by up to 90% and carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 27% by replacing most of the current national vehicle fleet with ____. A. mass transportation vehicles B. ultralight vehicles C. hybrid cars D. plug-in hybrid electric vehicles E. fuel cell cars
D
The country that used more wind power than any other in 2015 was _______. A. Brazil B. China C. Spain D. the United States E. Germany
D
The practice of raising animals for food in high densities in feed lots can lead to ____. A. a reduction in soil erosion, resulting in more sustainable food production B. less available land for feeding overall C. a reduction in overgrazing, resulting in more sustainable food production D. an increase of the risk of human infection by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics E. reduced feed requirements for the animals, meaning that it takes less energy to produce each pound of meat
D
The term chronic malnutrition refers to people who ____. A. eat too much protein B. produce insufficient hormones for metabolic functioning C. are vegetarians D. suffer from lack of protein and other key nutrients E. eat too much
D
What action could help decrease the single largest use of domestic water in the United States?A. Install a low-flow shower head.B. Use a drip system in your garden.C. Use native plants in your landscaping.D. Install a water-saving toilet tank.E. Use gray water to water your houseplants.
D
What has released toxic ions of cadmium and aluminum into the soils, causing trees to weaken? A. Air pollution B. Volatile organic compounds C. Nitric acid D. Acid deposition E. Photochemical smog
D
What has resulted along floodplains from channelization and loss of vegetation? A. Increased droughts B. Decreased biodiversity C. Reclamation of wetlands D. Increased flooding E. Lower rates of pollution
D
What important form of natural capital has allowed human civilization to grow over the past 10,000 years? A. Agriculture B. Technology C. Fossil fuels D. Relatively stable climate E. Increasingly warmer climate
D
What in Brazil has reduced household water bills by 40%? A. SubsidiesB. Water metersC. Water taxesD. Smart cardsE. National education campaign
D
What is a major cause of soil salinization? A. Too little irrigation on crops grown in dry climates B. Using seawater to water crops C. Desertification D. Repeated irrigation in dry climates E. Continual application of fertilizers that contain salt compounds
D
What is a major disadvantage of desalination? A. There is not enough brackish water to make it worthwhile. B. It requires the use of reverse osmosis and transpiration. C. Water produced this way cannot be used for irrigation. D. It is relatively expensive. E. Too much sea water is polluted and can't be used.
D
What is a major problem with carbon capture and storage strategies? A. They decrease the efficiency of automobiles. B. Huge amounts of biochar are required. C. They create other kinds of pollution. D. They are extremely expensive. E. They require large amounts of water.
D
What is a volatile organic compound? A. Organic matter that is unstable at warmer temperatures B. Colorless and highly reactive gases C. Any solid particle or liquid compound that mostly come from natural sources. D. Gases that exist in the atmosphere or evaporate from sources on earth E. Acidic gases generated by combustion of fossil fuels
D
What is an advantage of solar cells? A. The costs are low for older systems and dropping rapidly. B. No electricity storage systems or backups are needed. C. Solar-cell power plants do not disrupt desert ecosystems. D. There are little or no direct emissions of CO2 and other air pollutants. E. Some designs have high net energy yield.
D
What is bitumen? A. It is a type of coal, with dark shiny bits of organic matter. B. It is the solid organic matter found in petroleum. C. It is a deep shale-oil deposit mixed with natural gas. D. It a thick, sticky, tar-like heavy oil with a high sulfur content. E. It is an octane-raising gasoline additive that causes pollution.
D
What is formed when extreme sudden subsidence occurs within a depleted aquifer? A. Virtual water B. Freshwater scarcity stress C. An impermeable layer that prevents recharge D. Sinkholes E. Lowered water table
D
What is the byproduct of combining hydrogen and oxygen to produce energy? A. Carbon dioxide B. Smoke C. Heat D. Water E. Hydrogen sulfide
D
What is the portion of surface runoff that we can generally count on as a stable source of freshwater? A. Surface waterB. WatershedC. PrecipitationD. Reliable surface runoffE. Drainage basin
D
What is the potential risk associated with furniture stuffing, paneling, particleboard, and foam insulation? A. These are plastic-based materials that contain lethal levels of styrene. B. These use asbestos in the manufacturing process. C. These all contain methylene chloride. D. These materials contain formaldehyde. E. These materials emit high levels of particulates.
D
What is the primary reason that coal is a relatively cheap way to produce electricity? A. Coal is less expensive to extract than any of the fossil fuels. B. Coal reserves are large. C. Many government subsidies and tax incentives are already in place for coal. D. Most of the harmful environmental and health costs of coal are not included in the market price. E. Coal provides more energy per dollar for electrical generation.
D
What natural factor removes suspended particulate matter from the troposphere? A. The carbon cycle B. evaporation C. Temperature inversions D. gravity E. Filtration
D
What proportion of food products sold on U.S. supermarket shelves contains some form of genetically engineered crop? A. Almost none, with just a few examples B. Approximately half C. Almost all food with only a few exceptions D. At least 80% but not 100% E. About 10% (less than half)
D
What value do the oceans have in moderating climate change? A. Oceans reflect sunlight back into space before the ultraviolet wavelengths are converted into infrared radiation. B. Oceans help to reduce the level of water vapor in the atmosphere through condensation and transpiration. C. Oceans serve as a layer of insulation between the atmosphere and magma deep with the earth. D. Oceans remove about 25% of the atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by humans. E. Oceans absorb about 40% of the methane out of the atmosphere that has been produced by rice paddies and livestock.
D
Where are pollution levels up to 18 times higher inside than they are outside in traffic-clogged urban settings? A. Office buildings B. Construction sites C. Fuel stations D. Inside automobiles E. Homes located near freeways
D
Which air pollutant is a colorless gas with an irritating odor, and mostly comes from human sources such as smelting? A. Nitrogen oxide B. Nitric acid C. Carbon monoxide D. Sulfur dioxide E. Ozone
D
Which of the following energy resources has the highest net energy ratio for space heating? A. Electric resistance heating B. Oil C. Active solar D. Passive solar E. Wind
D
Why do our economic systems promote unsustainable forms of industrialized agriculture? A. They are extremely effective in cutting costs. B. They are so successful at providing healthy food to our populations. C. They are major job providers. D. The harmful environmental and health costs of food production are not reflected in market prices. E. The food production is efficient enough to justify the negative consequences.
D
Why is Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) so important? A. The member countries consume the largest amount of petroleum products in the world and therefore have a significant effect upon petroleum prices. B. The member countries control the largest reserves of unconventional resources, including tar sands and shale gas. C. It consists of three countries with about half of the world's proven crude oil reserves. D. Together, the member countries have about 81% of the world's proven crude oil reserves, giving them significant ability to control world oil supplies for the foreseeable future. E. Together, the member countries are the major players in international policy regarding the implementation of progressive and unconventional resources.
D
Why is it risky for companies to invest in renewable energy? A. None of the known renewable energy resources are reliable. B. Pricing for renewable energy resources are artificially low. C. The energy net yield is often low and changes yearly. D. Subsidies and tax breaks have to be renewed by the government every few years. E. Renewable energy is expected to fall out of favor with the American public in the next decade.
D
The leading renewable energy resource that is used to produce electricity in the world today is ____. A. biomass B. wind power C. geothermal D. tidal power E. hydropower
E
A major concern about the Ogallala aquifer is that ________. A. it contains a dead zoneB. it is reliant on government subsidies for its continued useC. it is not being used at maximum capacityD. it is severely pollutedE. it is experiencing over-pumping
E
A small pellet of uranium dioxide is about the size of an eraser on a pencil and contains the energy equivalent of ____. A. a million barrels of crude oil B. several years all solar energy reaching the earth C. several tons of tar sand D. a million cubic feet of natural gas E. a ton of coal
E
Because _____ is colorless and odorless but can be highly toxic, it is important to have home detectors for it. A. methane B. ozone C. carbon dioxide D. nitrous oxide E. carbon monoxide
E
In a small town, residents begin to notice that earthquakes seem to be occurring more frequently. Some begin to wonder whether new methods of obtaining energy may be responsible. Which of the following is the most likely culprit? A. The extraction of heavy oil from oil sands B. The extraction of oil from crude oil C. Increased burning of coal to provide larger amounts of energy D. The use of powerful wind turbines that are environmentally friendly but disruptive E. The extraction of natural gas through fracking that is leading to movement in the bedrock
E
In addition to natural drought cycles, what could cause as much as 45% of Earth's land surface to experience extreme droughts? A. Lack of rainfallB. Freshwater scarcity stressC. Insufficient water for some urban areasD. Pollution of rivers, lakes, and groundwaterE. Climate change
E
In less developed countries, _____ is responsible for the loss of 30-60% of water supplies, making this a major concern to address in improving the sustainability of water supplies. A. excessive irrigation B. damaged aquifers C. salination D. over-pumping E. leakage
E
Lands that can be used for sustainable agriculture and forestry to reduce flood damage are ____.A. swampsB. coastal areasC. near lakesD. in areas with high rainE. floodplains
E
Monoculture is a method of growing food that is characteristic of ____. A. traditional subsistence agriculture B. polyculture C. both industrialized agriculture and traditional intensive agriculture D. traditional intensive agriculture E. industrialized agriculture
E
Proponents of pesticides claim that they provide some advantages, primarily by ____. A. promoting genetic resistance B. reducing expenses for farmers over the long term time as pest levels consistently decrease C. reducing the risk of erosion associated with agriculture D. reducing pollution E. saving human lives by reducing the transmission of disease
E
Recycling, reuse, and composting create many new ____. A. landfills B. expenses C. problems D. pollutants E. jobs
E
The U.S. EPA estimates that recycling and composting in the United States in 2010 reduced emissions of climate-changing carbon dioxide by an amount roughly equal to that emitted by 36 million ____. A. tons of coal B. power plants C. barrels of oil D. hydraulically fractured gas wells E. passenger vehicles
E
The formation of photochemical smog forms as a reaction between VOCs, NOx, heat, and ____. A. automobile exhaust B. sulfur dioxide C. ground level ozone D. carbon dioxide E. sunlight
E
The latest scientific research indicates that the net global effect of ____ cover changes is likely to increase atmospheric warming. A. aerosol B. water C. soot D. ice E. cloud
E
The majority of reliable freshwater runoff usage in the southwestern states of the U.S. is for ____. A. cooling towers of power plantsB. industrial processesC. domestic useD. water theme parks in tourist areasE. irrigation
E
To measure concentrations of carbon dioxide over time, scientists use ____. A. samples from fossils B. samples from different levels of the atmosphere C. samples from trees around the world D. samples from plants of various ages E. samples from air bubbles in ice core at varying depths
E
What agricultural practice is least beneficial in trying to reduce crop-eating insect damage? A. Genetic engineering of crops B. Bringing in natural enemies C. Planting polycultures D. Rotating crops E. Planting monocultures
E
What are the countries with the largest proven reserves of natural gas? A. Russia, Venezuela, and Canada B. Canada and the United States C. India, Venezuela, and the United States D. Nigeria and Algeria E. Russia, Iran, and Qatar
E
What is a disadvantage of producing energy by burning solid biomass? A. There is a high CO2 emission problem even if it is done sustainably. B. The availability of biomass is relatively low. C. There are high costs associated with growing suitable plants at sufficiently high densities. D. The net energy yield is low. E. There can be a loss of biodiversity and increased risk of colonization by invasive species.
E
What is a disadvantage of solar thermal systems? A. The high technology requirements could displace jobs for local workers. B. There are some direct emissions of CO2 and other air pollutants. C. There is low potential for growth. D. There are high costs associated with the necessary natural gas turbine backups. E. The systems have low net energy yield and high costs.
E
What is an advantage of hydrogen fuel? A. It has a positive net energy yield. B. It produces no CO2 when engineered from carbon compounds. C. It requires no new storage and distribution systems. D. Its low cost eliminates the need for subsidies. E. It can be produced from plentiful water at some sites.
E
What is an advantage of using passive or active solar systems? A. The blocking of sunlight by structures has no impact. B. The installation and maintenance costs are very low. C. There is no need to access the sun for most of the day. D. There is no need for a backup system on cloudy days. E. The net energy yield is medium.
E
What is gray water?A. Water that is heavily pollutedB. Water that is stored in an aquiferC. Water that is only slightly pollutedD. Water that has been lost through leakageE. Water that has been previously used for washing and bathing and that can be reused
E
What is the root cause of food insecurity? A. Poor organization B. Insufficient food resources C. Climate change D. Political disputes E. Poverty
E
When ultralight and ultra-strong materials are used to construct car bodies, the resulting cars are ______. A. less energy-efficient compared with cars constructed using conventional materials B. unusually slow C. unable to use hybrid technology D. less expensive to manufacture and purchase E. able to provide more protection in an accident compared with traditional cars
E
Which form of air pollution is most directly linked to increased incidence of asthma and bronchitis? A. VOCs B. Radon C. Carbon monoxide D. Sulfur dioxide E. Suspended particulate matter
E
Which of the following is categorized as a secondary pollutant? A. Carbon dioxide B. Sulfur dioxide C. Carbon monoxide D. Hydrocarbons E. Ozone
E
Which population is least vulnerable to air pollution? A. Infants B. People with heart and respiratory disease C. Pregnant women D. Elderly people E. Adult males
E
One example of a renewable energy resource is _____. A. natural gas B. natural minerals such as lithium C. hydroelectric power D. wood that is harvested more quickly than it can be regrown E. fracking
c