PBIO 1000- Exam 2 - Ohio University- THOMPSON

Four major green house gases

1. Carbon
2. Methane
3. Nitrous oxide
4. Fluorinated Gases

GWP

measurement of how long certain gas remains in the atmosphere and how it absorbs energy

Describe how carbon dioxide cycles in the biosphere and its effects on the ocean

The transfer of carbon dioxide to the oceans causes the surface oceans to acidify

Describe how water vapor acts to increase the warming caused by other GHG's

the more water vapor in the atmosphere, the hotter it becomes. (water vapor feedback loop)

Carbon Sequestration

CO2 is pulled from the atmosphere and stored for a long period of time

describe the importance of forest resources in mitigating climate change

Forest resources provide new opportunities for forest landowners and managers to enhance forest stewardship in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through forest carbon sequestration

Discuss the role that peat moss plays in carbon sequestration on a global scale

important for water management - peat moss holds in carbon

What is the best way to maintain stored carbon and reduce greenhouse gas emissions?

Manage forests intensely to increase growth rate

Agroforestry

where big trees are planted next to small bushes

benefits of agroforestry

more plant diversity, holds multiple nitches, greater biodiversity

Benefits of Chagga Home Gardens

-carries over 100 plant species
-high diversity
-sustains natural resources

How does agroforestry support community needs while acting to mitigate climate change?

Families work on these farms for a living and depend on the resources for food and also to sell the food for profit

Impacts of livestock production on natural resources

play a role in climate change, water, and biodiversity

Percentage of total GHG emissions produced by livestock and livestock products

18%

Evaluate how levels of GHG emissions correspond to around of protein produced

300kg of CO2 : 1kg of Beef Protein

Main types of crops grown in the US

Corn, wheat

US main cropping system

monoculture

Consequences to the biosphere from fertilizer use

creation of dead zones, public health at risk

Federal subsidization of agriculture

money given to farmers who grow a certain crop

What is one alternative farming practice and what is one advantage of it?

Crop rotation, this helps the soil and creates biodiversity