exam 3 questions

Photovoltaic Panels

Devices that convert light into electricity.

Solar Thermal Collectors

Systems that capture heat and transfer it to a hot fluid.

Wind Farms

Large-scale operations that harness wind energy.

Golden Eagles

A species of bird particularly affected by wind energy exploitation due to spinning turbine blades.

Bay of Fundy

Location in Canada known for the largest tidal variations, reaching up to 40 feet.

Salinization

The build-up of salt in agricultural soil caused by irrigation processes.

Dust Bowl Events

Periods characterized by loss of fertile topsoil due to wind erosion during drought.

Wetlands

Ecosystems that are crucial for biodiversity, flood protection, and carbon storage.

U.S. Wetland Loss

Approximately 50% overall loss of wetlands in the U.S., with California losing about 90%.

Annual Plants

Plants that complete their life cycle in one year with smaller root systems.

Methane Emissions

Contributions to global warming primarily linked to agriculture and natural gas systems.

Biofuels

Alternative fuels that recycle atmospheric CO2 through plant growth.

Ogallala Aquifer

A significant water resource located in the U.S., crucial for agriculture.

Seawater Intrusion

Contamination of freshwater aquifers caused by over-pumping of groundwater.

Vernal Pools

Seasonal pools formed by winter rains, essential for specific ecosystems.

Government Oversight of Wetlands

Managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USCOE).

Challenges of Biofuel Production

The energy input required may negate the environmental benefits from biofuels.

Impact of Dams

Negative effects include disruption of river ecosystems and creation of methane.

Irrigation Processes

Methods that lead to salinization in agricultural soils when water evaporates.

California Aqueduct

One of the major aqueducts in Southern California for water supply management.

Tides

Caused mainly by the gravity of the moon, creating water bulges influenced by Earth's rotation.