Water Lecture 9

UOGD

Unconventional oil and gas development, known as fracking.

Fracking

Extraction method for oil and gas from deep formations.

Active UOG Wells

Approximately 150,000 wells operating in the U.S.

Water Contamination Risks

Potential pollution from fracking fluids and wastewater.

Fracturing Fluids

Chemicals used in fracking, often toxic and carcinogenic.

Surface Spills

Accidental release of fluids at the well site.

Wastewater Treatment

Process to manage and treat fracking wastewater.

Spill Statistics

1-4% of UOG wells report spills.

Violation Statistics

20% of Pennsylvania wells have violations.

Health Effects of UOGD

Increased risks of various health issues from exposure.

Perinatal Outcomes

Health effects related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Childhood Cancer Incidence

Higher rates of cancer in children near UOGD.

Elderly Mortality

Increased death rates in older populations near UOGD.

IPCC

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change organization.

Global Warming

Average temperature rise of approximately 1.1°C since pre-industrial.

Future Temperature Projections

Potential rise of up to 4.4°C by century's end.

Extreme Weather Events

Increased frequency of heatwaves, droughts, and flooding.

Water Cycle Changes

Altered precipitation patterns and intensity due to climate change.

USGCRP

U.S. Global Change Research Program focusing on climate impacts.

Climate Change Impacts

Affects public health, infrastructure, and natural resources.

NOAA Climate Summaries

State-specific climate data and trends analysis.

CenCO₂PIP Consortium

Research group studying carbon cycle changes due to climate.

Carbon Emissions

Increasing emissions altering natural carbon sinks.

Feedback Mechanisms

Warmer temperatures release more CO₂, accelerating warming.

Carbon Sequestration

Efforts to capture and store atmospheric CO₂.

Climate Change

Global phenomenon affecting regions differently.

Deforestation

Reduces carbon storage and alters climate patterns.

Urban Heat Island Effect

Urbanization increases heat absorption in cities.

Albedo

Land reflectivity affecting climate and temperature.

Methane Emissions

Released from livestock and rice paddies.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Fossil Fuels

Burning coal, oil, and gas releases CO₂.

Industrial Emissions

Processes releasing methane and nitrous oxide.

Aerosols

Particles that can cool or warm the atmosphere.

Global Temperature Records

Reliable data began in the 1880s.

Recent Warming

Most warming occurred in the last 35 years.

Surface Temperature Increase

Earth's average temperature rose about 2.0ºF since 1880.

Record High Temperatures

2024 was the hottest year recorded.

Greenhouse Effect

Natural process trapping heat to support life.

Solar Radiation

Energy from the Sun warming Earth's surface.

Infrared Radiation

Heat radiated back into space from Earth.

Water Vapor Feedback

Increased warmth leads to more atmospheric water vapor.

Positive Feedback Loop

Amplified warming from increased water vapor.

Human Activities

Actions like deforestation increasing greenhouse gas levels.

Global Warming

Long-term increase in Earth's average temperature.

Global Financial Crisis

Event in 2008 causing lower emissions in 2011.

COVID-19 Pandemic

Event in 2020 leading to reduced emissions.

China

Largest emitter of carbon dioxide globally.

United States

Second largest emitter of carbon dioxide.

CO₂ Dissolution in Oceans

25%-30% of CO₂ dissolves in ocean waters.

Atmospheric CO₂ Absorption

55% of CO₂ enters the atmosphere directly.

Plant CO₂ Absorption

15-20% of CO₂ absorbed by plants.

CO₂ Fertilization Effect

Temporary boost in plant growth from CO₂.

Ocean CO₂ Sources

Warm tropical oceans release CO₂ into the atmosphere.

Ocean CO₂ Sinks

Cool high-latitude oceans absorb more CO₂.

Population Growth Impact

Increased energy demand leads to higher emissions.

Economic Growth Impact

Industrial activity increases emissions from fossil fuels.

Technological Change

Advancements can reduce emissions and improve efficiency.

Standard of Living

Higher living standards often increase energy consumption.

Natural Gas

Less CO₂ than coal but still contributes to warming.

Coal Emissions

Major source of CO₂ emissions from burning.

Tar Sands and Oil Shale

Carbon-intensive sources with high emissions during processing.

Solar and Wind Energy

Renewable sources that can significantly reduce emissions.

Nuclear Power

Produces no CO₂ during operation, but has waste concerns.

Ice Age Duration

Lasted 20-33 million years with permanent ice.

Eocene Warm Period

Warmest period, 15 degrees warmer than today.

Pleistocene Climate Cycles

Cycles of glacial and interglacial periods.

Holocene Epoch

Current epoch with stable climate since last ice age.