environmental science - quiz 8

soil erosion

the wearing away of tip soil by natural forces

major causes of soil erosion

water, wind, and human activities

why is conservation important for agriculture and ecosystems

conservation is about using resources wisely so that agriculture can remain productive without destroying the ecosystems it depends on. without conservation, both farms and natural environments risk collapse from soil degradation, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and climate instability

soil erosion prevention techniques

cover crops, contour plowing, and terracing

agroforestry

combining trees and shrubs with crops

no-till farming

minimizing soil disturbance

riparian buffers

planting vegetation along waterways

aquaculture

the farming of aquatic organisms

types of aquaculture

freshwater, marine, and brackish water aquaculture

common aquaculture species

fish, shellfish, aquatic plants

sustainable aquaculture practices

-recirculating aquaculture systems (ras)

-integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (imta)

-aquaponics

aquaponics

combining aquaculture with hydroponics

sustainable forestry

managing forests for long-term health and productivity

key principles of sustainable forestry

biodiversity conservation, ecosystem maintenance, social benefits

techniques of sustainable forestry

selective harvesting, reforestation, and forest certification

forest management strategies

-reduced impact logging (ril)

-agroforestry in forest margins

-community based forest management

air pollution

the presence of harmful substances in the air

major air pollutants

particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide

sources of air pollution

industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, agricultural activities

types of air pollutants

-primary pollutants

-secondary pollutants

-criteria pollutants

-hazardous air pollutants

primary pollutants

directly emitted (e.g. carbon monoxide)

secondary pollutants

formed in the atmosphere (e.g. ground-level ozone)

criteria pollutants

6 common air pollutants that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates because they are known to harm human health and the environment

ex: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide

hazardous air pollutants

188 pollutants known or suspected to cause serious health effects such as cancer, birth defects, or organ damage—even at low levels

ex: benzene, asbestos, mercury, arsenic

photochemical smog

a type of air pollution formed by sunlight-driven chemical reactions

key components of photochemical smog

ground-level ozone, nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds

where is photochemical smog commonly found

urban areas with high traffic and sunny, warm climates

formation of photochemical smog

-nitrogen oxides (NOx) from vehicle exhaust

-volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from various sources

-sunlight triggers complex chemical reactions

thermal inversion

when a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground

normal conditions of thermal inversion

air temperature decreases with altitude

what do inversion layers prevent

vertical air mixing, trapping pollutants

impacts of thermal inversion

-increased concentration of air pollutants

-reduced visibility (fog and smog)

-health risks for vulnerable populations

natural causes of air pollution

-volcanic eruptions: ash, gases, and particulate matter

-wildfires: smoke and carbon

-dust storms: particulate matter from arid regions

biogenic volatile organic compounds

-emitted by plants, especially trees

-can contribute to ozone formation

examples of biogenic volatile organic compounds

isoprene, terpenes, and methanol

sources of indoor air pollution

cooking fuels, tobacco smoke, building materials, and household products

common indoor air pollutants

particulate matter, carbon monoxide, radon, and VOCs

health impacts of indoor air pollution

respiratory diseases, allergies, and long-term health effects

strategies for improving indoor air quality

-proper ventilation and air filtration

-use of low-emission materials and products

-regular maintenance of HVAC systems

reducing air pollution (global efforts)

-international agreements: paris agreement and montreal protocol

-emission standards for vehicles and industries

-promotion of renewable energy sources

personal actions to reduce air pollution

-use of public transportation, carpooling, or biking

-energy conservation at home and work

-proper disposal of waste and reduced use of harmful chemicals

the future of clean air

-emerging technologies: air purification towers, smog-eating buildings

-smart city designs for improved air quality

-continued research on health impacts and mitigation strategies