Untitled Document PDF - Environmental Science

9.1/9.2) Ozone Layer Protection: 1. Natural Destruction and Formation of Ozone: Ozone (O3) in the stratosphere absorbs and scatters incoming ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, protecting life on Earth from harmful UV rays. Ozone is constantly formed and destroyed through natural processes invo...

9.1/9.2) Ozone Layer Protection: 1. Natural Destruction and Formation of Ozone: Ozone (O3) in the stratosphere absorbs and scatters incoming ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, protecting life on Earth from harmful UV rays. Ozone is constantly formed and destroyed through natural processes involving oxygen (O2) and UV radiation. 2. Interaction of CFCs with Ozone: Diagram: Anthropogenic Sources of CFCs: Refrigerants, propellants in aerosol sprays, foam-blowing agents. CFCs were previously used in these products but have been largely phased out due to their detrimental effects on the ozone layer. Antarctic Ozone Thinning: Typically occurs during the Southern Hemisphere's spring, particularly in September to November. Importance of Stratospheric Ozone: Protects humans from harmful UV radiation, prevents skin cancer, cataracts, and other health issues. Also crucial for ecosystem health, as excessive UV radiation can harm plant and animal life. (9.3) Natural Greenhouse Effect: Diagram: 1. 2. Effect on Earth's Climate: The natural greenhouse effect regulates Earth's temperature by trapping heat in the atmosphere, keeping it warm enough to support life. 3. Without the Natural Greenhouse Effect: Earth would be much colder, potentially uninhabitable for many forms of life. (9.3) Sources and Reduction Measures for GHGs: Greenhouse Gas Sources (Anthropogenic/Natural) Reduction Measures Fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, CO2 industrial processes landfills Methane capture from agriculture, improved waste management, dietary changes Agricultural practices, fossil fuel N2O afforestation, carbon capture and storage Livestock digestion, rice paddies, CH4 Renewable energy adoption, combustion, industrial processes Nitrogen fertilizer management, soil conservation, renewable energy adoption Order by least to most Global Warming Potential (GWP): N2O, CH4, CO2 (9.4) Effects of GHGs on Environmental Problems: Effect of Increased Related Population GHGs Dynamics Environmental Problem Rising Global Temperatures Rising Sea Levels Increased heatwaves, Threats to Human Health Population displacement, Heat-related illnesses, resource competition respiratory problems Coastal erosion, Population displacement, Infrastructure damage, flooding, loss of land loss of habitats loss of freshwater sources altered weather patterns Increased flooding, Sea level rise, altered Population displacement, ocean currents loss of habitats Sea level rise, coastal Population displacement, flooding loss of habitats Spread of Emerging Expanded range for Population density, Increased disease burden, Infectious Diseases disease vectors migration patterns healthcare challenges Melting Ice Sheets Ocean Water Expansion changes in marine ecosystems Increased risk of flooding, loss of coastal infrastructure (9.5) Effects of Climate Change: Aspect Effects Threatened Ecosystems Loss of biodiversity, habitat destruction Extreme Weather Events Intensification of storms, heatwaves, droughts Coral Die-off Bleaching, loss of coral reefs Increased Coastal Flooding Erosion, loss of land, infrastructure damage Loss of Barrier Islands Coastal erosion, increased flood risk Change in Atmospheric Currents (Hadley Cells) Altered weather patterns, precipitation changes Reduced Crop Yields Decreased agricultural productivity Ecological Range Shifts Changes in species distribution and behavior (9.6) Warming Ocean Effects: Effect Description Marine Habitat Loss Destruction of habitats such as coral reefs and mangroves Metabolic/Reproductive Changes Altered metabolism and reproduction in marine species Coral Bleaching Stress-induced expulsion of symbiotic algae from corals Coral Bleaching Reversal If conditions improve, corals can regain algae and recover (9.7) Ocean Acidification: Diagram: Primary Anthropogenic Activities: Burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial processes. Effect on Corals: Acidic oceans inhibit coral growth and can lead to coral bleaching and eventual death. (9.8) Invasive Species: Invasive Species Characteristics Zebra mussels Rapid reproduction, ecosystem disruption Asian carp Fast growth, outcompeting native species Control Measures Physical removal, chemical treatments Barrier installation, harvest for consumption Kudzu Rapid spread, smothering native vegetation Mechanical removal, herbicide treatment Why Considered Pests?: Invasive species disrupt ecosystems, outcompete native species, and can cause economic and ecological damage. (9.9) Species Extinction Factors and Strategies: Threatening Factors Reducing Factors Habitat destruction Habitat conservation, restoration Pollution Pollution control, cleanup Climate change Overexploitation Protection Strategies Habitat preservation laws, land use planning Pollution prevention laws, environmental regulations Carbon emission reduction, Climate change mitigation policies, adaptation international agreements Sustainable resource management Harvest quotas, fishing regulations (9.10) Mitigation Strategies for Anthropogenic Activities: Anthropogenic Activity Habitat Destruction Invasive Species Description Sketch Mitigation Solution Clearing of natural habitats for Establish protected areas, development reforestation Non-native species disrupting Biological control, eradication ecosystems efforts Population Growth Increase in human population Family planning programs, education Release of harmful substances Waste reduction, clean energy into environment adoption Alteration of global climate Renewable energy transition, patterns carbon pricing Unsustainable harvesting of Sustainable harvesting resources practices, quotas Division of habitats into smaller, Corridor creation, habitat isolated areas restoration Domestication of Taming and breeding of wild Responsible breeding Species animals practices, regulation Pollution Climate Change Overexploitation Habitat Fragmentation Phew, that was a comprehensive set of tasks! 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