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Questions and Answers
What is one of the primary causes of soil degradation related to intensive farming?
Which of the following is NOT a result of excessive irrigation?
What does reduced tillage aim to achieve in soil conservation?
Which human activity contributes to soil degradation by destroying vegetation?
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What is a consequence of overgrazing?
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Which method is considered a soil conservation technique?
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What human activity is specifically associated with excessive soil degradation?
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Which practice helps to reduce soil erosion during rainstorms?
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What is the intended increase in the pipeline's capacity from the existing Trans Mountain pipeline?
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Which group was NOT mentioned as a shareholder in the Trans Mountain expansion project?
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What did the Federal Court of Appeal decision in August 2019 primarily concern itself with?
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In what year did the operation of the Trans Mountain Pipeline begin?
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What type of oil will the new pipeline primarily transport?
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How long is the new section of the pipeline expected to be added to the existing pipeline?
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Which environmental concern was specifically highlighted by the Federal Court of Appeal regarding the pipeline?
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During which project was 160 km of new pipe added through Jasper National Park?
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What is the primary source of energy emitted by Earth?
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Which gases are mentioned as important for absorbing terrestrial energy in the atmosphere?
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What does the natural Greenhouse Effect primarily result from?
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What primarily drives atmospheric circulation?
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What role does atmospheric transport of water play?
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Which phenomenon is an example of a short-term oscillation in Earth's system?
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Which of the following is NOT a component of the Earth system's cycles?
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What can abrupt interactions in the Earth system lead to?
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What is a biogeochemical cycle primarily concerned with?
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Which element is critical to the three-dimensional shape of proteins?
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Which of the following statements about carbon is true?
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Autotrophs are defined as organisms that:
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Which of the following elements is NOT typically found in organic molecules?
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What role does phosphorus play in living organisms?
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Which statement best describes heterotrophs?
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Where can the six most common elements associated with organic molecules be found?
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Which greenhouse gas is primarily released from raising farm animals?
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What is the impact of greenhouse gases on Earth's temperature?
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Which of the following is NOT considered a greenhouse gas?
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How does carbon dioxide primarily enter the atmosphere?
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Which air pollutant is categorized as a primary pollutant generated by human activity?
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What distinguishes greenhouse gases from other air pollutants?
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Which greenhouse gas is known for having a long-term effect and stronger heat-trapping abilities?
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Which of the following is an example of an indoor air pollutant?
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Study Notes
Trans Mountain Pipeline
- The Trans Mountain Pipeline began operation in 1953, delivering oil to Burnaby Terminal
- The pipeline has been expanded twice; the first expansion in 1957, and the Anchor Loop project in 2008.
- In 2012,Kinder Morgan announced an expansion project that would increase the pipeline's capacity from 300,000 barrels per day to 890,000 barrels per day.
- The expansion project consists of 980km of new pipeline along the existing route, increasing its total length to 2,130km.
- The expansion will carry heavier oils, known as bitumen, unlike the existing pipeline which primarily transports refined products, synthetic crude oils, and light crude oils.
- The expansion includes three new berths at Westridge Marine Terminal, improving access to new markets.
- Stakeholders in the expansion project include: The Federal Government, the Alberta Provincial Government, the British Columbia Provincial Government, Indigenous communities, and environmental groups/associations.
- In 2019, the Federal Court of Appeal struck down the federal government's approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, citing concerns about the National Energy Board’s inadequate environmental assessment.
- Specifically, the court highlighted the lack of consideration for the effects of increased oil tanker traffic on the BC coast, including potential impacts on southern resident killer whales, and the risks of a bitumen spill in the water.
The Circulation of Matter on Earth
- Biogeochemical cycles involve the movement of elements (like carbon, nitrogen, and water) between living organisms and their non-living environment.
- Understanding these cycles requires examining the storage pools (stocks) of the element and the pathways (fluxes) through which it moves.
The Six Most Common Elements in Living Organisms
- The six most common elements found in organic molecules are carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
- These elements exist in various forms across different environmental compartments; atmosphere, land, water, and beneath Earth's surface.
The Carbon Cycle
- Carbon is a crucial element for life, being the second most abundant element in organisms.
- Carbon forms the backbone of organic molecules, including those essential for energy storage.
- Carbon is cycled through different forms, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) which is essential for photosynthesis.
- Fossil fuels are derived from ancient carbon-containing remains of plants and algae.
Soil Degradation Due to Intensive Farming
- Soil degradation can occur naturally, or be exacerbated by human activities.
- Intensive farming practices can deplete soil organic matter and nutrients, requiring inputs of manure or fertilizers.
- Excessive irrigation can lead to salinization, harming soil fertility through accumulated salt buildup.
- Waterlogging, caused by excessive irrigation, can suffocate plant roots leading to further soil degradation.
Soil Degradation due to Other Human Causes
- Additional human activities contributing to soil degradation include:
- Excessive mining for metals, diamonds, graphite, and potash.
- Excessive fossil fuel extraction of gas, coal, and oil.
- Deforestation, converting forested land to farms, ranches, or urban areas.
- Overgrazing, leading to excessive plant depletion and soil erosion.
- Use of off-road vehicles causing compaction and erosion.
Soil Conservation Methods
- Soil conservation focuses on maintaining a vegetative cover and minimizing runoff.
- Key methods include:
- Reduced tillage or no-till farming practices.
- Leaving crop residue in the field.
- Implementing crop rotation.
- Adding manure or compost as mulch.
- Planting nitrogen-fixing cover crops.
- Planting across slopes instead of up and down.
- Establishing filter strips along stream channels.
- Building terraces on slopes.
Human Activities
- This section focuses on the impact of mining and fossil fuel extraction on the environment.
Earth's Energy
- Earth emits electromagnetic radiation mostly generated from absorbed solar energy.
- Atmospheric trace gases like water vapor and carbon dioxide absorb terrestrial energy, contributing to the greenhouse effect.
- The greenhouse effect traps heat, keeping Earth's temperature habitable.
Atmospheric Circulation of Energy and Matter
- Energy imbalances due to uneven solar heating drive atmospheric and oceanic circulation.
- Energy is exchanged within the atmosphere and across its interfaces with land and ocean, influencing Earth's cycles and atmospheric circulation patterns.
- Atmospheric circulation distributes matter and energy globally, shaping weather patterns and climate.
Atmospheric Interactions
- Interactions and feedbacks among various Earth system components lead to diverse outcomes:
- Short-term oscillations like El Niño and La Niña.
- Long-term changes such as global warming.
- Abrupt, unexpected events like sudden methane release from permafrost.
Greenhouse Effect
- The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon essential for life on Earth.
- Greenhouse gases trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to sustain life.
- However, human activities have increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a stronger greenhouse effect and global warming.
- The primary greenhouse gases are: Carbon Dioxide, Methane, Ozone, Nitrous Oxide, Fluorinated gases (CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs), and Water vapor.
- Human activities releasing greenhouse gases include:
- Burning fossil fuels.
- Raising livestock, particularly cattle.
- Cement production.
Air Pollution
-
Outdoor air pollutants commonly include:
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
- Sulfur Oxides (SOx)
- Particulate matter (PM)
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Ozone (O3)
-
Indoor air pollutants commonly include:
- Molds
- Radon
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
- Asbestos
- Acid Deposition is a process where energy and matter cross system boundaries.
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Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) are essential to regulate Earth's temperature:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
- Methane (CH4)
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)
- Fluorinated Gases
- Water Vapor
- Methane Gas (CH4): The main component of natural gas.
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Nitrogen Oxides (NOx) : Usually refer to:
- Nitrogen Oxide (NO): A colorless, odorless gas.
- Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2): A reddish-brown gas with a pungent odor. NO can react with oxygen or ozone to form NO2.
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Description
Explore the history and details of the Trans Mountain Pipeline, which began operations in 1953 and has undergone several expansions. This quiz covers significant milestones, including the recent expansion project aimed at increasing capacity and accessing new markets. Understanding the dynamics involving stakeholders such as government and Indigenous communities is also crucial.
