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Questions and Answers
What is the result of net reduction of intergranular space in rocks or sediments?
How does groundwater extraction lead to saltwater intrusion?
Which energy source is considered non-renewable?
What does nuclear fission involve?
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What is a consequence of irreversible subsidence?
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Which of the following is true about the energy produced by nuclear power plants?
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What natural process helps in filtering groundwater?
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Where is saltwater intrusion likely to occur?
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What is the result of the net reduction of intergranular space in rocks and sediments?
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Groundwater extraction can lead to saltwater intrusion.
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What is meant by the term 'irreversible' in the context of subsidence?
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Match the following energy resource with its type:
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The main process of producing electricity from geothermal power involves using heat from deep below the Earth to produce ______.
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Which of the following is a non-renewable energy resource?
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What causes the mixing of saltwater and freshwater in coastal areas?
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Nuclear energy is considered a renewable resource.
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What is the primary environmental concern associated with nuclear energy?
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Hydroelectric power transforms potential energy of ______ into kinetic energy.
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Study Notes
Groundwater Depletion
- Net reduction in intergranular space leads to a decreased volume of rock and sediment.
- Subsidence occurs as a result of the ground level lowering.
- Increased chance of flooding can occur due to subsidence.
- Groundwater depletion is irreversible.
Groundwater Pollution vs Saltwater Intrusion
- Groundwater pollution is caused by contaminants entering the groundwater.
- Natural filtration processes can remove some pollutants but not all.
- Saltwater Intrusion occurs along coastlines.
- A natural boundary separates fresh and saltwater aquifers.
- Excessive groundwater extraction can lower the water table, allowing saltwater to mix with freshwater rendering it undrinkable.
Energy Resources
- Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy resources which are derived from ancient organisms.
- Coal is formed from the decomposition of plants in swamps.
- **Petroleum (oil) ** is a hydrocarbon-based energy source.
- Nuclear Energy is a non-renewable energy resource, as the uranium used as fuel is limited.
- Nuclear energy is generated through nuclear fission.
Subsidence
- A decrease in the volume of rock or sediment leads to a drop in ground level, known as subsidence.
- This happens due to a reduction in intergranular space.
- Subsidence is irreversible and can cause flooding.
Groundwater Pollution
- Groundwater naturally gets filtered through soil, rock, and sediment.
- However, some compounds and ions are too small or dissolve easily, leading to pollution.
- Saltwater intrusion near coastlines occurs when the freshwater-saltwater boundary is disturbed, making water undrinkable.
Energy Resources
Non-Renewable
Fossil Fuels
- Fossil fuels are formed from the remains of ancient organisms through burial and diagenesis.
- Coal is formed from decayed plants in swamps.
- Petroleum (oil) and natural gas are formed from decayed organisms in the ocean.
Oil
- There are approximately 180 oil rigs in the Red Sea.
- Venezuela has the largest oil reserves, particularly within the La Luna Formation.
Nuclear Energy
- Nuclear power plants utilize nuclear reactions to generate electricity.
- Nuclear reactions release significant amounts of heat, used to produce steam and drive turbines.
- Uranium is commonly used in nuclear power plants.
Types of Nuclear Reactions
- Nuclear fission involves splitting atoms using neutron collisions.
- Nuclear fusion involves merging atoms.
- Nuclear decay occurs when unstable nuclei emit radiation.
Nuclear Energy Concerns:
- Waste disposal
- Exposure effects
Renewable
Geothermal Power
- Geothermal power utilizes heat from deep within the Earth.
- This heat produces steam which drives turbines to generate electricity.
Requirements for Geothermal Power:
- Adequate water supply
- Continuous water recharge
- Permeable host rock for water storage
- Heat source capable of sustaining heating for decades
- Strong cap rock to support construction
Hydroelectric Power
- Generates electricity from the movement of water.
- Converts potential energy into kinetic energy.
- Niagara Falls produces 4.9 million kilowatts of electricity, enough for 3.8 million homes.
Solar Power
- Utilizes the photoelectric effect.
- Photons strike metal, liberating electrons.
Other Renewable Resources
- Wind Turbines
- Biofuels from organic waste
- Tidal, wave, and ocean current energies
- Hydrogen fission
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Description
Test your knowledge on groundwater depletion, pollution, and energy resources. This quiz covers key concepts such as subsidence, saltwater intrusion, and the impact of fossil fuels on the environment. Understand the consequences of excessive groundwater extraction and the significance of natural filtration processes.
