...(reusable energy) heat from the inside of the earth. Most of the geothermal energy comes from magma, molten or partially molten rock. Which is why most geothermal resources come from regions where there are active volcanoes. Hot springs, geysers, pools of boiling mud, and fumaroles are the most easily exploited sources. The ancient Romans used hot springs to heat baths and homes, and similar uses are still found in Iceland, Turkey, and Japan. The true source of geothermal energy is believed to come from radioactive decay occurring deep within the earth. Electricity is one of the biggest outputs of geothermal energy. It was first recorded to produce electricity in 1904 in Italy. There are now geothermal power plants in operation in New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, the US and elsewhere. For the generation of electricity, hot water, at temperatures ranging from about 700 degrees F, is brought from the underground reservoir to the surface through production wells, and is flashed to steam in special vessels by release of pressure. The steam is separated from the liquid and fed to a turbine engine, which turns a generator. In turn, the generator produces electricity. Spent geothermal fluid is injected back into peripheral parts of the reservoir to help maintain reservoir pressure. If the reservoir is to be used for direct-heat application, the geothermal water is usually fed to a heat exchanger before being injected back into the earth. Heated domestic water from the output side...
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...(reusable energy) heat from the inside of the earth. Most of the geothermal energy comes from magma, molten or partially molten rock. Which is why most geothermal resources come from regions where there are active volcanoes. Hot springs, geysers, pools of boiling mud, and fumaroles are the most easily exploited sources. The ancient Romans used hot springs to heat baths and homes, and similar uses are still found in Iceland, Turkey, and Japan. The true source of geothermal energy is believed to come from radioactive decay occurring deep within the earth. Electricity is one of the biggest outputs of geothermal energy. It was first recorded to produce electricity in 1904 in Italy. There are now geothermal power plants in operation in New Zealand, Japan, Iceland, the US and elsewhere. For the generation of electricity, hot water, at temperatures ranging from about 700 degrees F, is brought from the underground reservoir to the surface through production wells, and is flashed to steam in special vessels by release of pressure. The steam is separated from the liquid and fed to a turbine engine, which turns a generator. In turn, the generator produces electricity. Spent geothermal fluid is injected back into peripheral parts of the reservoir to help maintain reservoir pressure. If the reservoir is to be used for direct-heat application, the geothermal water is usually fed to a heat exchanger before being injected back into the earth. Heated domestic water from the output side...
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...requiring more care for the earth.(Variety 3) The safety the environment is essential for living and maintaining healthy inhabitants. There are many obstacles facing the environment; in order to understand how to promote sustainability, it is my aim to identify its most critical challenges. Overpopulation It is human nature to expand and reproduce; however, when humans invade an open space, they tend to lose the free services that nature provides. This population growth is viewed as the fundamental cause of environmental decay. While it is an important source of development, it can also be devastating to the environment. (Variety 3). In many places throughout the world population is exceeding its means in which the environment cannot sustain a healthy habitat for all. The ratio of humans to resources is becoming unbalanced, thus causing the scarcity of nature before it can replenish itself. Take China for example, overpopulation has become a serious concern since the end of World War ll. An article by Riviera relays her experience in Beijing in 2013 during its worst pollutant pandemic since 1954. She describes, “The acrid smell of pollution permeated the air.” Another Article by Gioietta Kuo reveals a startling statistic from a study led by scientist Mathis Wackernagel that concluded “...it would take 1.5 earths to sustain our current consumption” (24). Poverty When people are poor and unable to obtain the proper means of dealing with the resources around them it can be...
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...CONFLICT RESOLUTION TOPIC: RESOURCE USE, BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND OUR COLLECTIVE FUTURE WRITTEN BY NSEK, UDUAK OKON REG. NO: 13/PG/AR/HS/006 DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES FACULTY OF ARTS UNIVERSITY OF UYO SUBMITTED TO DR. DOMINIC AKPAN LECTURER IN CHARGE DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY AND INTERNATIOANL STUDIES FACULTY OF ARTS UNIVERSITY OF UYO MARCH, 2015 Abstract Resource use can be defined as the derivation of benefit from that resource in economic or financial, social or cultural, political and ecological respects. Human actions or resource use have altered global environment and reduced biodiversity by causing extinctions and reducing the population sizes of surviving species. Increasing human population size and per capita resource use will continue to have direct and indirect consequences such as distorted values of plant and animal resources, inappropriate resource tenure and ownership structure as well as lack of knowledge on resource management and biodiversity conservation. Inevitably, our collective future becomes bleak as future generations will inhabit a planet with significantly less wildlife, diminished ecosystem services and an increased impoverished people. Keywords: Resource, Biodiversity, future Introduction The most significant environmental issue in the contemporary world has been resource use and biodiversity conservation. This is not unusual because humans benefit directly or indirectly from resources and its biodiversity. In the...
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...Biodiversity is commonly referred to as “The variety of life on Earth” when talking about the Earth’s biological diversity. It includes the numerous and vast variety of species of plants, animals, and microorganisms, the diversity of genes in these species, and the different ecosystems on the planet such as deserts, rainforests and coral reefs. They are all part of a biologically diverse Earth. The role of biodiversity is important in the way ecosystems function and in the many services they provide. Biodiversity boosts ecosystem productivity where each species, no matter how small, all have an important role to play. Just think a larger number of plant species means a greater variety of crops, a greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life forms, not to mention healthy ecosystems can better withstand and recover from a variety of disasters. It’s a big deal that we as humans should preserve the diversity of wildlife. By nature a healthy biodiversity provides numerous services for everybody. Provisioning resources, which are the products obtained from ecosystems that have a diversity includes food. The growth of crops, spices, and meats and vegetables. Medicine which is naturally grown in the wild that is of use to humans and wild animals alike, as well as raw material such as lumber, and fertilizer. For example, Waste eaters like the dung beetle help to turn animal waste into organic material that can be reused by plants, which will further the...
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...University of Phoenix Material Earth and Earth Materials I Worksheet From Visualizing Earth Science, by Merali, Z., and Skinner, B. J, 2009, Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. Copyright 2009 by Wiley. Adapted with permission. Part 1 Complete the WileyPLUS® GeoDiscoveries Earth Drag and Drop from Chapter 1. Label and describe each letter in the space below. [pic] |Ocean; Large bodies of water | |Continental crust; Thick part of crust, forms large land masses | |Oceanic crust; Thin part of the Earth’s crust that underlies the ocean basins | |Solid inner core; Hot solid core. Remains solid due to high pressures regardless of heat. | |Liquid outer core | |Mesosphere; Above the atmosphere and below the stratosphere. About 30-50 miles up | |Asthenosphere; Hot, weak, plastic | |Lithosphere; Cool, rigid, brittle ...
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...Physical Dimension Physical wellness encompasses a variety of healthy behaviors including adequate exercise, proper nutrition, and abstaining from harmful habits such as drug use and alcohol abuse. It means learning about and identifying symptoms of disease, getting regular medical checkups, and protecting yourself from injuries and harm. Developing such healthy habits today will not only add years to your life but will enhance the enjoyment and quality of those years. Tips for optimal physical wellness: * Exercise daily * Get adequate rest * Use seat belts, helmets, and other protective equipment * Learn to recognize early signs of illness * Eat a variety of healthy foods * Control your meal portions * Stop smoking and protect yourself against second-hand smoke * Use alcohol in moderation, if at all Emotional Dimension Emotional wellness is a dynamic state that fluctuates frequently with your other six dimensions of wellness. Being emotionally well is typically defined as possessing the ability to feel and express human emotions such as happiness, sadness, and anger. It means having the ability to love and be loved and achieving a sense of fulfillment in life. Emotional wellness encompasses optimism, self-esteem, self-acceptance, and the ability to share feelings. Tips for optimal emotional wellness: * Tune-in to your thoughts and feelings * Cultivate an optimistic attitude * Seek and provide support * Learn time management...
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...huge volcanic eruptions, or great earthquakes? The principle of uniformitarianism states the processes occurring on Earth today are very similar in manner as those throughout much of geologic times. In other words “the present is the key to the past.”(Murck, B. W., Skinner, B. J., & Mackenzie, D. (2010)). When looking at past geological events and occurrences that happened in the past with additions of new testing and technology they can predict when and if volcanic eruptions may occur, meteorite impacts and their damages, and if plate shifts will occur resulting in earthquakes. Scientists rate the earthquakes on a scale based on how damaging they are. 5. In what ways do geologic processes affect your daily life? Daily activities including the water we drink or the tress we plant to help prevent and control soil erosion are a part of geologic processes. Earth materials and processes affect our lives through our dependence on Earth resources; through geologic hazards such as volcanic eruptions, floods and earthquakes; and through the physical properties of the natural environment (Murck, B. W., Skinner, B. J., & Mackenzie, D. (2010)). Understanding Earth’s materials is important because we depend on its resources for building, soil for agricultural needs, energy resources, the air we breathe, and water needed to sustain life. Earth’s natural resources are not all unlimited some or many need management and conservation because they are not infinite. Chapter 2 1...
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...does it change? Why we have to conserve biodiversity? The aim of this essay is to answer these three questions, so in this paper I will try analyze most important things about biodiversity. MAIN ARGUMENTS The definition of biodiversity has many different connotations, description of species composition interactions between organisms and their environment (Orians, G. H. 1996, p.49). But the major definition of biodiversity is: the variety of life in all its manifestations (Lecture notes). This modern definition can sound like the variety of life on earth, variety of species, and the communities in which they occur. The major elements of diversity are: genetic, taxonomic, and ecological. The first one is Genetic (populations, individuals) – individuals of the same species. It means genetic variations between individuals in a single population and between populations of the same species. Genetic differences are the raw material of evolution. The second element of diversity is Taxonomic (Kingdoms, Phyla, Genera, Species - richness) – variety of species in a particular region. Taxonomic diversity assumes relationship of species with each other. Taxonomic diversity is very important in counting species. Species...
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...ecosystems. Everyday, a piece of Earth’s ecosystem is demolished by human hands for the conquest for timber, minerals, and other resources. Forests cover 2% of the Earth’s surface, 6% of the landmass, and yet they house half the animal and plant species while rainforests cover twice that area. Deforestation is occurring across the globe on a scale that if it were continue at its present rate the forests could disappear within the next one to two hundred years. This raises concerns and questions. First, why should we be concerned? Second, what kind of damage could deforestation lead to animal and plant species, human existence, and to mother Earth and its atmosphere? Third, how and why the rainforests benefit the human race. To answer these questions, this paper will discuss where the most deforestation is occurring and the consequences of deforestation. Tropical rainforests are defined by two primary factors: location and amount of rainfall they receive. Rainforests receive from 4 to 8 meters of rain a year. Most of the rainfall is blocked by heavy vegetation, and water reaches the forest floor by rolling down branches and trunks. A distinctive characteristic is that the rainforests have no seasonality or no dry or cold season of slower growth. In addition, they are the Earth’s oldest living ecosystems. The rainforests are a priceless part of mother earth and their removal through deforestation would mean the loss of one of the planet’s most valuable ecosystems. Rainforests are...
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... Why go caving ? Hidden in the depths of the earth you might find one of those beautiful creations of nature, "The caves.” Long ago, our ancestors were using caves as shelter from wild animals and the forces of nature. Throughout history, the underground architecture, and their make-up, have been explored and documented by cavers, because they can reveal details of past climatic conditions in the structures formed in a cave by the deposition of minerals from water called speleothem, and the origins of life. The caving connects us to the stunning scenery of underground world an it's an amazing experience as well. Can be a strenuous sport, a casual hobby, a means to conducting scientific research, or all of these and more. Caves are found around the world and in a variety of settings, from cold alpine environments to warm tropical rain forests, and are formed through a variety of natural processes, also they are a unique challenge to scientific. The studies of caves and karst systems are important for two major reasons. First, the overwhelming majority of freshwater resources is groundwater. About 25% of the groundwater is located in cave and karst regions. The protection and management of these vital water resources are critical to public health and to sustainable economic development. As identified by the National Geographic Society, water resources are a critical concern as society enters the ...
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...Personal Responsibility Toward Natural Resources Nature is represented by all the living and non-living organisms on this planet. Water, plants, mammals, fish, mountains, all have a role in the ecosystem, and are dependent on one another. Although the most dominant species, humans are also the most dependent of them all. We, humans, depend on nature and its resources to survive; yet it seems that we are unaware of this fact, judging by the way we waste and abuse our natural resources. Our quality of life is directly related to natural resources and using them responsibly would ensure that the next generations will also have those resources available. That is not the case however, not only have we almost depleted the supplies of coal, oil, and natural gas, but we processed them negligently, so our waters, atmosphere, and land are polluted as a result of it. Earth has no rights, unlike us, humans, that are protected by the constitution of the country we reside in. How will Earth defend itself from the species that has the most judgment on the planet and it still ignores the signs that the planet is sending us: ozone layer is thinning, global warming, ice caps are melting, fish dying in the rivers and oceans due to contamination, extinction rates skyrocketing due to deforestation and urbanization. The impact of hundreds of species being extinct and hundreds other considered endangered is also mentioned in Reading Literature and Writing Argument “research shows that preserving...
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...| Midterm Review Project | Chapter 4-14 | | | 1/16/2014 | AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CHAPTER 4 EARTH SYSTEMS AND RESOURCES I. The Nature of Ecology a. Ecology is the study of connections in nature i. Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with one another and with their non-living environment ii. An organism is any form of life. The cell is the basic unit of life in organisms. b. Population i. Members of a species interact in groups called populations. ii. Species of the same population live together in a particular place or habitat. c. Communities and Ecosystems i. A community consists of populations of different species living and interacting in an area ii. An ecosystem is a community interacting with its physical environment of matter and energy. II. The Earth’s life support systems a. The different spheres of life-parts of Earth that support life systems. i. The Earth is made up of interconnected spherical layers that contain air, water, soil, minerals, and life. i.i Atmosphere: thin envelope or membrane of air around the planet. Its inner layer is the troposphere; it extends only about 17 km above sea level. i.ii Stratosphere: subsequent layer; its lower portion contains ozone to filter out the sun’s harmful...
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...Natural Resources and Energy at Wekiva Springs Sharmeen Hugue SCI/256 March 20, 2014 Natural Resources and Energy at Wekiva Springs Wekiva Springs is the 2nd largest spring located in Apopka, Florida within the Wekiwa Springs State Park. In 1970 Wekiva Springs State Park opened to the public. The park occupies 7,000 acres, with the main attraction being the Wekiva Springs. The cool crystal clear water of the springs range in depth from just inches to five feet and maintains a 72 degree temperature. Wekiva means "flowing water" in Creek. The spring flows from a small 20 feet deep cavern, which spreads into a deep cave. This area was once populated by the Timucuan Indians. Wekiva is home to an array of wildlife that includes foxes, river otters, white-tailed deers, Florida bear, great blue herons, great egrets, alligators, and a variety of tropical birds. The aquatic preserve is also the winter home of over 325 West Indian manatees, which is a federally protected species ("Wekiva Spring", 2012). This paper will discuss the springs and the associated agriculture, effects of human population on the spring, sustainability, risk and benefits of nonrenewable and renewable resources, and the sustainability and conservation of Wekiva Springs. Identify Associated with Agriculture The associated topic linked with Florida's agricultural life cycle is a resource located in the central part of Florida. According to the State...
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...of Plate Tectonics The most important and vital development of plate tectonic theory and evolution appeared to be among the most crucial scientific achievements in the 20th century. The theory concept offers a relevant structure towards the knowledge of all natural Earth attributes. It additionally provides one particular framework with regard to the knowledge of both planet's origin and outlook. Notably, the evolution of life on the planet remains significantly impacted by plate tectonic processes. This may involve the historic, societal, and cultural advancement of humanity. In other words, plate tectonic theory is an encompassing conjecture regarding different scientific theories that demonstrate the naturally occurring Earth characteristics have actually formed the historical past from the solid Earth, the oceans, the atmosphere, and all life organisms. Many scientific theories are so well established that no new evidence is likely to alter them substantially. For example, no new evidence will demonstrate that the Earth does not orbit around the sun (heliocentric theory), or that living things are not made of cells (cell theory), that matter is not composed of atoms, or that the surface of the Earth is not divided into solid plates that have moved over geological timescales (the theory of plate tectonics). Like these other foundational scientific theories, the theory of evolution is supported by so many observations and confirming experiments that scientists are confident...
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