Environmental Final Study Guide PDF

Environmental Final Study Guide Environmental WorldView Anthropocentric ~ human centered, focusing on the environment for human wellbeing, focusing on economic and human interests. Biocentric ~ life centered, valuing all living beings and their well-being equally, advocating for the intrinsic val...

Environmental Final Study Guide Environmental WorldView Anthropocentric ~ human centered, focusing on the environment for human wellbeing, focusing on economic and human interests. Biocentric ~ life centered, valuing all living beings and their well-being equally, advocating for the intrinsic value of all species. Ecocentric ~ ecosystem centered, emphasizing the independence of all living organisms and ecosystems, and advocating for the stability of entire ecological systems. Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) TEK is local knowledge, it is cumulative knowledge. TEK is understanding interconnectedness. TEK is necessary to survival and practices sustainability. Understanding Environmental Sciences Ecology ~ the branch of biology that deals with the relations of organisms to one another and to their physical surroundings. Atmospheric Science ~ study of weather analysis and predictability, climate and global change, weather systems and their impact, and other atmospheric processes. Biology ~ the study of living organisms, divided into many specialized fields. Chemistry ~ the branch of science that deals with the identification of the substances of which matter is composed, how they interact, combine, and change. Physics ~ the branch of science concerned with the nature and properties of matter and energy. Oceanography ~ the branch of science that deals with the physical and biological properties and phenomena of the sea. Geology ~ the science that deals with the earth’s physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that act on it. Human Geography ~ the branch of geography that deals with how human activity affects or is influenced by the earth’s surface. Environmental Science vs. Environmental Studies Environmental Science ~ branch of science that focuses on the study of the environment and the solutions to environmental problems using scientific principles. It includes: biology, chemistry, and geology to understand natural processes and human impacts. Environmental Studies ~ an interdisciplinary field that examines the environment from various perspectives, including social, economic, political, and cultural factors. It includes insights from: humanities, social sciences, and policy studies to address environmental issues. Industrial Revolution The industrial revolution affected the environment in many negative ways: environmental degradation, depletion of natural resources, water and air pollution, and urban overcrowding. Green Revolution The green revolution affected the environment in many negative ways: deforestation, land degradation, loss of biodiversity, and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Three Pillars of Sustainability 1.​ Environmental: preservation and protection of natural resources and ecosystems. Ex. discussions about reducing pollution, climate change, energy sources, and stability 2.​ Economic: ensure that economic practices support long-term resource availability and stability. Ex. concepts of green tech., sustainable business practices. 3.​ Social Justice: fair and equitable treatment of all people, ensuring that communities have access to resources and opportunities. Human Activities and Technologies that Affects Air Quality Activities: -​ Transportation ~ emissions from vehicles, fuel combustion releases nitrogen oxide and particulate matter -​ Industrial Processes ~ releases pollutants -​ Agriculture ~ fertilizers and pesticides release ammonia -​ Household Activities ~ cleaning products, paints, and wood burning stoves Technologies: -​ Energy Production ~ coal, oil, natural gas -​ Consumer Electronics ~ manufacturing process and energy consumption of devices -​ Waste Management ~ landfills and waste incinerators Structure and Function of the Ozone Layer Structure: -​ Location: Found in the stratosphere, approximately 10-30 km (6-19 miles) above Earth's surface. -​ Composition: Made up of ozone (O₃) molecules. -​ Distribution: Most concentrated in the "ozone layer," although ozone exists in small amounts throughout the atmosphere. Function: -​ UV Radiation Absorption: Absorbs 97-99% of the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially UV-B and UV-C. Protects living organisms from DNA damage and skin cancer. -​ Temperature Regulation: Plays a role in maintaining stratospheric temperature balance by absorbing UV radiation, which releases heat. -​ Supports Ecosystems: Protects phytoplankton and other base-level organisms essential to the food chain. Shields plants and animals from excessive UV exposure. -​ Environmental Impact: Helps preserve the balance of natural biological and chemical cycles. Effects of Air Pollution On Human Health -​ Causes respiratory diseases like asthma and bronchitis. -​ Increases risk of heart attacks and strokes. -​ Long-term exposure leads to lung cancer. -​ Contributes to premature deaths globally. On the Environment -​ Causes acid rain, harming soil and water bodies. -​ Contributes to global warming through greenhouse gases. -​ Forms smog, reducing air quality and visibility. -​ Degrades soil. -​ Affects wildlife health and reproduction. On Water Bodies -​ Pollutes water and disrupts aquatic ecosystems. -​ Leads to ocean acidification, affecting marine life. On Economy -​ Increases healthcare costs due to pollution-related illnesses. -​ Reduces crop yields, impacting food security. -​ Deters tourism due to environmental degradation. On Climate and Weather -​ Intensifies extreme weather events. -​ Alters weather patterns. Climate vs. Weather Climate ~ long-term average of weather patterns in a region; typically observed over decades ​ Describes overall weather patterns and seasonal patterns ​ Saskatchewan is freezing, snowy winters and hot dry summers Weather ~ short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time ​ Temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation ​ A sunny summer 30 degree day in Langenburg Sk Aquatic Ecosystem Health ​ Chemical Indicators: -​ pH ~ acidity or alkalinity -​ Dissolved Oxygen -​ Nutrients ~ nitrogen and phosphorus -​ Temperature -​ Turbidity Physical Indicators: -​ Water Temperature -​ Habitat Structure (presence of vegetation) Biological Indicators -​ Indicator Species ~ organisms sensitive to environmental changes -​ Keystone Species ~ species that have a disproportionate effect on their environment -​ Invasive Species ~ non-native species that disrupt ecosystems Abiotic Factors in Aquatic Ecosystems ​ -​ pH -​ Dissolved oxygen -​ Turbidity (clearness) -​ Temperature -​ Total dissolved solids -​ Phosphorus -​ Nitrogen -​ Stream flow -​ Biochemical oxygen demand ​ Water ​ Water Supply ~ provision of water by public utilities, commercial organizations, or individuals through a system of pumps and pipes. Drainage ~ removal of water Stormwater Runoff ~ generated from rain and snowmelt that flows over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground ​ Habitat Protection ~ management practice of conserving, protecting, and restoring habitats to prevent species extinction, fragmentation, or reduction in range Water Rights ~ legal entitlements and frameworks governing water use and management Ecological Goods and Services Ecological Goods ~ tangible benefits obtained from ecosystems (e.g. fish, plants, water) ​ Ecological Services ~ benefits that contribute to the functioning of ecosystems (e.g. water purification, flood control) ​ Lake Characteristics and Eutrophication ​ ​ Characteristics: Chemical ~ -​ pH -​ Dissolved oxygen -​ Nutrients -​ Temperature -​ Turbidity Physical ~ -​ Water temperature -​ Flow rate -​ Habitat structure Biological ~ -​ Indicator species -​ Keystone species -​ Invasive species Eutrophic Lakes Eutrophic Lakes: murky, high nutrient levels (especially nitrogen and phosphorus), lower oxygen levels, rich in plant life. Causes of Cultural Eutrophication -​ Land clearing for agriculture or urban development -​ Excessive fertilizer runoff -​ Discharge from wastewater treatment plants -​ Livestock waste and industrial discharges Consequences of Eutrophication -​ Hypoxia (low oxygen level) leading to dead zones -​ Loss of biodiversity -​ Harmful algal blooms and toxins affecting water quality and health -​ Economic impacts on fisheries and tourism Health Challenges in Aquatic Systems -​ Pollution -​ Climate Change -​ Habitat Destruction -​ Overfishing and Unsustainable Practices -​ Invasive Species -​ Water Scarcity -​ Toxic Algal Blooms -​ Loss of Biodiversity Impacts of Irrigation Irrigation- the artificial application of water to soil to assist in the growing of crops Soil Salinization- the accumulation of salts in the soil, often caused by improper irrigation practices, leading to soil degradation ~ Poor irrigation practices- soil salinization ~ Salinization can lead to degradation and then abandonment of arable land, making farming less sustainable. Groundwater- water stored beneath the Earth’s surface in aquifers, which is used for drinking, irrigation, and other purposes Excessive use of groundwater ~ Regions where surface water is limited, farmers turn to the groundwater for irrigation. Over extraction can deplete aquifers- long term shortages ~ Groundwater recharge (Filling aquifers) Water Quality ~ Over extraction can also cause problems like groundwater salinization (salt water from underground sources contaminate freshwater supplies) Water Availability- the quantity of water that is accessible for use in agriculture, households, and industries Increased Water Demand ~Irrigation can increase the overall demand for more water ~In areas where water resources are shared over extraction for irrigation can decrease the availability of water for other purposes like drinking and industrial Diminishing Water Sources ~In many regions unsustainable irrigation practices deplete rivers, lakes and aquifer leading to reduced water availability for future generations Point Source vs. Non-Point Source Pollution Point Source Pollution ~Pollution that comes from a single, identifiable source Examples of Point Source Pollution are industrial factories, sewage treatment plants and oil spills. Effects of Point Source Pollution can include contaminated drinking water, health risk from toxins, bioaccumulation in fish, high nutrient load, toxic chemicals. Non-Point Source ~Pollution that comes from diffuse sources, often carried by runoff from land (e.g. agricultural runoff, urban stormwater) Examples include pesticides, fertilizers, oil, trash, and deforestation. Effects of Nonpoint Source Pollution are waterborne diseases, eutrophication, and increased water treatment costs Key Processes in Soil Formation Weathering: The process by which rocks break down into smaller particles due to physical, chemical, or biological factors PHYSICAL WEATHERING: occurs through mechanical forces like temperature changes, water, wind CHEMICAL WEATHERING: involves reactions with water, oxygen, acids, and other chemicals that changed the mineral composition of the rock BIOLOGICAL WEATHERING: involves living organisms like plants, fungi, and bacteria breaking down rocks through root expansion or erosion Erosion: The process by which soil particles are moved from one place to another often by wind, water, or ice. This leads to the loss of topsoil. Deposition: The settling of soil particles carried by wind, water, or ice. This process can form new soil layers in different areas and can affect the texture and composition of soil. Decomposition of Organisms: The breakdown of dead plant and animal material by decomposers like bacteria, fungi, and worms. This contributes to the organic matter of the soil, affecting its fertility and nutrient content. Soil Properties Colour ~ Soil colour can tell us about its mineral concentration and drainage. For example, dark brown or black soils indicate high organic matter content, while red or yellow soils often indicate iron-rich content. Texture ~ Soil texture refers to the proportion of sand, silt, and clay in soil. Different textures impact water retention, root penetration, and nutrient availability. -​ Sandy soil is well-drained, low in nutrients, and fast-draining. -​ Clay soil is dense, holds water well, but drains slowly, and can be compacted. -​ Loamy soil is a balanced mixture of sand, silt, and clay. Ideal for most plant growth. Structure ~ Soil structure refers to how soil particles are arranged into aggregates or clumps. Good soil structure promotes air circulation and water filtration. -​ Soil structure is influenced by organic material, root activity, and microbial organisms. For example, decomposing organisms contribute to the formation of aggregates pH ~ Soil pH measures the acidity or alkalinity of the soil, which affects nutrient availability for plants. -​ The weathering processes can influence the pH. For example, weathering of silicate minerals can lead to acidic soils, while limestone parent material can produce alkaline soils. Soil Degradation and Mitigation Wind Erosion -​ The process by which wind removes the topsoil -​ Occurs in dry, open areas with little to no vegetation -​ Dust storms can move large amounts of soil Water Erosion -​ The removal of soil by rain and runoff, especially in areas with steep slopes or intensive farming -​ Caused by rainfall, flooding, and improper land use -​ Leads to soil being carried away by rivers or runoff Salinity -​ The build-up of salts in the soil, often irrigation practices, or inadequate drainage -​ Caused by excessive irrigation with poor water quality or overuse of water in arid regions -​ It harms plant roots and reduces agricultural productivity Desertification -​ The transformation of fertile land into desert due to overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change -​ A form of land degradation where fertile land turns into desert Mitigation: -​ Erosion Control: Planting cover crops, terracing, and contour farming. -​ Soil Fertility Management: Using organic compost, crop rotation, and green manures. -​ Reforestation and Afforestation: Restoring vegetation cover to stabilize soil. -​ Salinity Management: Improved irrigation techniques and planting salt-tolerant crops. -​ Pollution Reduction: Proper disposal of chemicals and using bioremediation techniques. -​ Conservation Tillage: Minimal soil disturbance to maintain structure. -​ Integrated Land Management: Combining agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and sustainable grazing Parts of a Plant Roots: -​ Anchor the plant in the soil. -​ Absorb water and nutrients. -​ Store food and nutrients. Stem -​ Supports the plant and holds it upright. -​ Transports water, nutrients, and food between roots and leaves. -​ Stores food in some plants (e.g., sugarcane). Leaves -​ The site of photosynthesis (food production). -​ Facilitate gas exchange through stomata. -​ Help in transpiration (water loss through leaves). Flowers -​ Reproductive structures of the plant. -​ Contain male (stamens) and female (carpels) reproductive organs. -​ Attract pollinators with colors, scent, and nectar. Fruits -​ Develop from the ovary after fertilization. -​ Protect and help in the dispersal of seeds. Seeds -​ Contain the embryo of the plant. -​ Store nutrients needed for germination. -​ Aid in reproduction and propagation. Parts of a Flower Stamen (Male Part) -​ Anther: Produces and releases pollen. -​ Filament: Supports the anther and holds it in position. Pistil/Carpel (Female Part) -​ Stigma: Sticky surface where pollen grains land. -​ Style: Tube that connects the stigma to the ovary. -​ Ovary: Contains ovules; develops into fruit after fertilization. -​ Ovules: Contain the egg cells; develop into seeds after fertilization. Petals -​ Brightly colored to attract pollinators. -​ Protect the reproductive organs. Sepals -​ Green, leaf-like structures at the base of the flower. -​ Protect the bud before it opens. Plant Life Cycle -​ Seed Stage -​ Germination (The seed absorbs water, swells, and breaks open.) -​ Seedling Stage -​ Vegetative Growth -​ Flowering -​ Pollination and Fertilization -​ Fruit and Seed Development -​ Seed Dispersal -​ Dormancy or Regrowth Agriculture Industrial Agriculture Environmental Impact: Causes soil erosion, deforestation, and significant greenhouse gas emissions. Economic Impact: Increases food production efficiency but often benefits large agribusinesses over small farmers. Societal Impact: Provides affordable food but raises concerns about health effects of chemicals and monocropping. Traditional Agriculture Environmental Impact: Promotes soil health and biodiversity through natural methods. Economic Impact: Supports local economies but may struggle with lower yields compared to industrial methods. Societal Impact: Preserves cultural farming practices and traditions. Subsistence Agriculture Environmental Impact: Minimal environmental impact but may lead to overuse of local resources if poorly managed. Economic Impact: Generates little surplus for market trade, limiting financial growth for farmers. Societal Impact: Provides direct food security for families but may lack resilience during environmental changes. Organic Farming Environmental Impact: Reduces pesticide use, protects water quality, and enhances soil health. Economic Impact: Higher production costs result in premium-priced products, benefiting niche markets. Societal Impact: Encourages healthier eating habits and consumer demand for sustainable food. Urban Agriculture Environmental Impact: Reduces food transportation emissions and utilizes underused urban spaces. Economic Impact: Creates job opportunities and supports local economies in urban settings. Societal Impact: Improves access to fresh produce and fosters community engagement. Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) Environmental Impact: Promotes sustainable farming practices and reduces food waste. Economic Impact: Provides farmers with steady income and reduces reliance on large supply chains. Societal Impact: Builds strong community relationships and connects consumers with their food sources.