exam 3 questions

Key Concepts on Energy Exploitation and Environmental Issues

1. Exploitation of Solar Energy

   • Photovoltaic Panels: Convert light into electricity.

   • Solar Thermal Collectors: Capture heat and transfer it to hot fluid.

   • Other Related Concepts:

     • Wind power as a byproduct of solar heating the Earth's surface.

     • Photosynthesis powered by sunlight.

     • Solar heat contributing to river flow via the water cycle.

2. Exploitation of Wind Energy

   • Wind Farms: Large-scale operation for harnessing wind energy.

   • Misconceptions: Terms like "wind pump" or "wind generator" are not appropriately descriptive.

3. California Wind Farms

   • Major locations include:

     • San Gorgonio Pass near Palm Springs

     • Tehachapi/Mojave

     • Altamont Pass east of the Bay area.

4. Impact of Wind Energy on Wildlife

   • Primary issue: Spinning blades harming birds, particularly protected species like golden eagles.

   • Notable figures (e.g., Donald Trump) have made statements regarding this issue, often highlighting misconceptions.

5. Causes of Tides

   • Main cause: Gravity of the moon creating water bulges. Earth's rotation also influences tidal movement.

6. Largest Tidal Variations

   • Bay of Fundy in Canada exhibits the most significant tidal rises and falls, reaching up to 40 feet.

7. Energy from River Flow

   • Most effective method: Construction of dams to harness flow energy.

8. Negative Effects of Dams

   • Environmental impacts include disrupting river ecosystems, flooding habitats, and creating methane from decaying organic matter in flooded areas.

9. Salt Build-Up in Agricultural Soil

   • Caused by irrigation processes where dissolved minerals remain after water evaporation, leading to salinization.

10. Annual Plants vs. Perennials

    • Annuals complete their life cycle in one year with smaller root systems, making them less effective for soil stabilization.

11. Dust Bowl Events

    • Key factor: Loss of fertile topsoil due to wind erosion during drought conditions.

12. Wetlands Destruction

    • Historical perspective on wetland loss due to agriculture subsidies over a century ago.

13. U.S. Wetland Loss Statistics

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

14. Importance of Wetlands

    • Crucial for biodiversity, flood protection, and carbon storage.

15. Government Oversight of Wetlands

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

16. Vernal Pools

    • Seasonal pools formed by winter rains that dry out in summer, crucial for certain ecosystems.

17. Conversion of Tropical Rainforests

    • Primary reasons include agriculture (cropland, cattle grazing), contributing to global warming due to methane emissions.

18. Methane Contributions

    • Major source previously attributed to cattle but may now include natural gas systems based on latest satellite data.

19. Biofuels and Global Warming

    • Biofuels emit CO2; however, they recycle atmospheric CO2 through plant growth, unlike fossil fuels.

20. Challenges with Biofuel Production

    • The energy input for production may negate the benefits of the biofuels themselves, especially with mechanized agriculture.

21. Water Resource Issues

    • Location and significance of the Ogallala Aquifer in the U.S.

    • Overview of Southern California’s three aqueducts for water supply management:

      • Los Angeles Aqueduct

      • Colorado River Aqueduct

      • California Aqueduct.

22. Domestic Water Usage

    • Most single-family homes use water primarily for landscaping rather than personal consumption.

23. Seawater Intrusion Problems

    • Caused by over-pumping in Long Beach, leading to saltwater contamination of freshwater aquifers. Solutions include recycled water injection to restore pressure.