Geography10 Revision

HASS Revision

Test: 14^th March

Chapters: 1.1, 2.12,  2.8,  2.9,  2.1,  2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 4.6, 6.1

The Anthropocene (1.1)

Key Question = What is the Anthropocene?

• Students can describe the importance of protecting our Earth.

Protecting Earth sustains life, preserves resources, and combats climate change. It ensures clean air, water, and biodiversity for future generations.

• Students can describe the structure and composition of our Atmosphere

The 5 main layers our of our atmosphere:

Troposphere

·       The lowest layer of the atmosphere, where all life and weather exist.

·       It contains about 75% of the atmosphere’s mass and water vapour.

·       Temperature drops as you go higher (About 6.5 degrees Celsius per km).

Stratosphere

·       The ozone layer is found here, which absorbs harmful UV radiation from the Sun.

·       Unlike the Troposphere, temperature increases as you go higher due to ozone absorbing sunlight.

·       Very stable and dry making it ideal for airplane travel with almost no clouds.

Mesosphere

·       Coldest layer of the atmosphere, temperatures dropping to -90 degrees Celsius. (The Mesopause to be precise is the coldest point of Earth’s Atmosphere).

·       Meteors burn up here due to friction with the air molecules creating shooting stars

·       Air is very thin but still thick enough to slow down meteors.

Thermosphere

·       Extremely hot (approx. 2500 degrees Celsius), feels cold due to very thin air.

·       Auroras occur here when solar particles hit earth’s magnetic field.

·       Satellites in low Earth orbit are found here. The ISS orbits here.

Exosphere

·       Outermost layer where Earth’s atmosphere merges with space

·       Extremely thin with few gas molecules (mostly Hydrogen and Helium).

The Anthropocene:

The Anthropocene is the proposed geological epoch defined by the dominant influence of human activities on the environment and climate, marking a significant departure from previous eras.

Impacts:

Climate Change – The release of greenhouse gases from human activities has led to global temperature rise, sea level rise, and more extreme weather events.

Biodiversity Loss - Habitat destruction, overexploitation, and invasive species have contributed to the rapid decline of plant and animal species worldwide.

Resource Depletion - Unsustainable extraction and consumption of natural resources, such as fossil fuels, minerals, and fresh water, has put significant strain on the planet's systems.

Pollution - The accumulation of plastics, chemicals, and other waste products in the environment has created widespread contamination and disruption of ecosystems.

Why does Anthropocene matter?

Environmental Sustainability - Understanding the Anthropocene is crucial for developing sustainable practices and technologies to mitigate the impacts of human activities on the planet.

Ecological Resilience - Protecting and restoring biodiversity is essential for maintaining the health and resilience of the Earth's ecosystems, which provide vital services for human wellbeing.

Intergenerational Responsibility - Addressing the challenges of the Anthropocene requires a long-term, global perspective and a sense of responsibility towards future generations who will inherit the consequences of our actions.

WORLD Population Growth

Key Question = What is the future for population growth

Climate Change (2.12)

Key Question = What is climate change?

What is Climate Change? (2.12)

Climate Change is the long-term changing of our temperature and weather primarily due to human activities. A large part of climate change is Greenhouse Gases trapping the Sun’s energy in our atmosphere. This is known as Global Warming.

There are 4 main types of greenhouse gases:

Carbon Dioxide – Burning of fossil fuels such as coal

Methane – Large scale farming of livestock

Nitrous Oxide – Use of Fertilisers

Fluorinated gases – Refrigerators and Solvents

The Greenhouse Effect:

•       Natural: The natural ‘Greenhouse Effect’ is a good thing. It keeps our planet warm enough to sustain life.

•       Enhanced: The ‘Greenhouse Effect’ is NOT a good thing. This is the natural greenhouse effect that has been enhanced due to human activities that contribute to the emissions of gasses.

The Greenhouse effect involves radiation from the sun reaching the surface of the Earth. Some of this radiation is re-emitted from the Earth’s surface back into space resulting in some heat being lost. The rest of this radiation is reflected from the earth and absorbed by gases in the atmosphere (Greenhouse gases) and reflected back to Earth.

As a result of the atmosphere absorbing this radiation, the mean temperature increases. The enhanced greenhouse effect comes into play when there’s an increase in greenhouse gases from things like human activities which then absorb more radiation resulting in a greater increase in temperature.

Causes of climate change.

·       Burning fossil fuels - coal, oil, and natural gas contribute to CO₂ emissions in cars, industry and homes.

·       Melting Permafrost - Melting of permafrost releases frozen bacteria and plants/animals that produce methane once they begin to decay.

·       Deforestation – cutting down trees kills the natural carbon filters that create O₂ for us to breathe. Decaying organic material releases CO₂ and methane. Burning of trees releases more stored carbon into the air.

·       Farming - animals produce methane through digestion, fertilizers release nitrous oxide and rice paddy fields produce methane_.

Environmental responses to climate change:

Ecosystems adapt to changing conditions in four ways:

Biological Changes: Animals may reproduce less or lay smaller eggs.

Timing Shifts: Plants may flower earlier or later, impacting species that rely on them for food.

Extinction: Species dying out can disrupt entire ecosystems.

Migration: Many species move toward the poles or higher altitudes, affecting existing habitats

Key Question: What is the impact of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef?

• Climate change and the Great Barrier Reef

• Students can explain the effects climate on the Great Barrier Reef

Climate change threatens the Great Barrier Reef by causing coral bleaching, rising ocean temperatures, and ocean acidification. These changes weaken coral structures, disrupt marine ecosystems, and reduce biodiversity, impacting tourism and fisheries.

Ecosystems

Key Question: What is an ecosystem

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants and animals) interacting with each other and the abiotic (non-living) environment.

What are ecosystem services:

Ecosystem services are the many and varied benefits provided to humans by the natural environment and from healthy ecosystems. These services can be grouped into four main categories, including: provisioning, regulating, supporting & cultural.

Provisioning: Natural products that can be used or converted by humans for our use.

Examples: Mineral deposits such as coal (We turn into fuel) and iron ore which we use in manufacturing, food sources from plants and freshwater, natural resources like timber.

Regulating: Regulating services that regulate natural processes and absorb waste

Examples: Global climate regulation, purification of water and air, pollination of plants and crops.

Supporting: Supporting services don’t produce consumable resources but instead support regulating services and help natural processes to work.

Examples: Formation of soil, photosynthesis, carbon absorption, oxygen production.

Cultural: Cultural services refer to the relationship humans have with the environment.

Examples: Spiritual connection to the land, recreation, relaxation, physical and mental health, aesthetic values and artistic inspiration.

Sustainability (2.8, 2.9)

Key Questions = Define Sustainability

What is sustainability?

Sustainability refers to the ability to meet the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, in terms of environmental, social and economic outcomes.

Land Degradation (2.1, 2.2)

Key Questions = Describe Land Degradation

Land Degradation is the process that reduces the land’s capacity to produce crops, support natural vegetation, and provide food for livestock.

This happens because there is a greater demand for agricultural products, creating more environmental changes as natural environments are stripped away and replaced with crops or livestock.

Main causes of Land Degradation:

Deforestation: The removal of trees disrupts ecosystems, reduces soil stability, and increases the risk of erosion.

Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by livestock strips vegetation, leading to soil degradation and desertification.

Excessive Tillage or Irrigation: Repeated plowing and overwatering degrade soil structure, reduce fertility, and cause salinization.

Erosion: Wind and water erosion strip away topsoil, diminishing soil quality and agricultural productivity.

Mining: Extractive activities disturb the land, leaving behind barren landscapes and contaminated soil.

Urbanization: Expansion of cities leads to habitat loss, soil sealing, and reduced natural land areas.

Disposal of Urban and Industrial Waste: Dumping waste pollutes the soil, affecting its quality and ecosystem health.

Foreign/Invasive Plants and Animals: Non-native species outcompete native flora and fauna, altering natural landscapes and soil conditions.

Types of Land Degradation

Soil Degradation: Refers to the loss of fertility of the soil, often due to soil compaction or chemical change.

Soil Erosion: Soil erosion occurs when soil is gradually worn away by natural phenomena such as rivers, rain, waves, glaciers and the wind. Human activities, particularly clearing trees for farming, accelerate erosion in many places.

Cleared land is more vulnerable to three types of erosion, these include: wind, gully and sheet erosion.

Wind: Wind that rolls or lifts soil particles along or from the surface

Gully: Water scouring away the land

Sheet: The loss of topsoil over a large area

How does this pose problems?

Degraded soil loses its structure, nutrient content, and ability to retain water, leading to reduced agricultural productivity, habitat loss, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters like floods.

Salinity: Salinity refers to the concentration of salt in soil or water. There are two ways in which the soil can become too salty: dryland salinity and irrigation salinity.

Dryland salinity: Dryland salinity occurs when deep-rooted plants are replaced with shallow rooted plants that use less water. As a result, more water is stored in the water table, raising it and bringing salt to the surface where it is left behind as the water evaporates.

Irrigation Salinity: Irrigation-induced salinity can occur when excess water is applied to crops, which inundates the root zone and adds to groundwater, raising the water table and bringing salt to the surface. 

How does this pose problems?

High salinity in soil occurs when excess salts accumulate in the soil, often due to poor irrigation practices or natural processes. This creates a hostile environment for plant growth by hindering water absorption and nutrient uptake. Saline soils can lead to reduced crop yields, abandoned farmland, and economic losses in agricultural communities.

How do we solve this problem of Salinity?

Many programs are in place to identify and monitor problem areas. Action being taken includes:

●      changing irrigation practices to reduce overwatering

●      planting deep-rooted native trees and shrubs in open areas

●      developing new crops that are more salt tolerant, such as new strains of wheat

●      replacing introduced pasture grasses with native vegetation such as saltbush 

●      using satellite technology to map areas at risk to enable early intervention.

Atmospheric Degradation (2.3)

Key Questions = Describe Atmosphere Degradation

What is the Atmosphere?

The atmosphere is the blanket of gases which surrounds Earth. It is held near the surface of the planet by Earth's gravitational attraction. The atmosphere:

●      contains the air we breathe.

●      protects life from harmful radiation from the Sun.

●      helps keep the planet's heat from the Sun from escaping back into space.

●      is a major element of the water cycle.

●      keeps the climate on Earth moderate compared to that of other planets.

Atmospheric Degradation:

The atmosphere is being degraded in many ways. Pollutants such as carbon, nitrogen and sulphur released into the atmosphere from factories and transport are disturbing the natural balance of gases that form the atmosphere. 

Air Pollution: Air pollution is the presence of substances in the atmosphere that are harmful to the health of humans and other living beings, or cause damage to the climate or to materials. There are different types of air pollutants, such as gases, particulates, and biological molecules. 

Causes of Air pollution:

·       Combustion from industry

·       Transportation emissions

·       Agriculture side-effects

·       Home heating and cooking

·       Volcano Eruptions

·       Forest Fires

·       Tobacco Smoke

·       Metal Smelting

·       Aerosols and CFCs

Outline impacts

Health: Causes respiratory diseases, heart issues, and cancer.

Climate Change: Traps heat, worsening global warming and extreme weather.

Water: Leads to acid rain and contaminates water sources.

Energy: Reduces efficiency and increases costs in energy production.

Food: Harms crops, soil, and food security.

Define the ozone layer

The ozone layer is a protective layer of ozone (O₃) gas in the Earth's stratosphere, about 15-35 km above the surface. It absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing it from reaching the Earth and protecting living organisms from its harmful effects, such as skin cancer and ecosystem damage.

Water Degradation (2.4, 2.5, 2.6)

Key Questions = Describe Water Degradation

• Fresh water and marine environments

Freshwater sources include rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Their degradation affects drinking water supplies, agriculture, and biodiversity.

Causes: Industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, sewage and wastewater, deforestation and erosion, climate change, and plastic and microplastic pollution.

Impacts: Eutrophication, loss of biodiversity, water scarcity, and health risks.

Marine: Oceans and seas are being severely affected by pollution, overfishing, and climate change.

Causes: Oil spills, Plastic waste, chemical and heavy metal pollution, sewage and agricultural runoff, ocean acidification, overfishing and habitat destruction.

Impacts: Coral reef decline, loss of marine life, dead zones, food chain disruption, and rising sea levels and coastal erosion.

• Define water Degradation

Water degradation refers to the decline the quality or quantity of water resources on earth's surface through depletion, pollution, damming & diversion of water bodies such as rivers, lakes, wetlands and aquifers.

Explain the causes:

Damming: Alters natural water flow, disrupts ecosystems, and reduces downstream water availability.

Overuse of Groundwater & Surface Water: Leads to water shortages, habitat loss, and increased salinity.

Water Pollution:

Chemical: Toxic waste, pesticides, and fertilizers harm water quality and aquatic life.

Physical: Plastic and debris clog waterways, reducing water quality.

Biological: Sewage and algae blooms spread diseases and disrupt ecosystems.

Explain the impacts:

Water Scarcity: Overuse and climate change reduce freshwater for drinking and farming.

Biodiversity Loss: Habitat destruction leads to species extinction and ecosystem disruption.

Ecosystem Decline: Pollution and climate change weaken natural systems and resources.

Health Effects: Poor air, water, and sanitation increase disease and food insecurity.

Environmental Change and Management

Key Question = What are the challenges related to environment?

• Students can describe the effects of climate change i.e.  - Melting Ice and Rising Sea Levels.

• Challenges related to the environment include;

1. Climate Change

·       Rising global temperatures due to greenhouse gas emissions. More frequent and severe weather events (storms, heatwaves, floods). Melting polar ice caps and rising sea levels.

2. Deforestation

·       Loss of biodiversity and wildlife habitats. Increased carbon dioxide levels due to fewer trees absorbing it. Disruption of indigenous communities and local climates.

3. Pollution

·       Air pollution: Caused by industries, vehicles, and burning fossil fuels, leading to respiratory diseases and global warming.

·       Water pollution: Industrial waste, plastics, and chemicals contaminating water bodies.

·       Soil pollution: Overuse of pesticides, fertilizers, and improper waste disposal.

4. Loss of Biodiversity

·       Habitat destruction, poaching, and climate change leading to species extinction. Imbalance in ecosystems affecting food chains.

5. Water Scarcity

·       Overuse of freshwater resources leading to droughts. Pollution making water sources unsafe for consumption.

6. Waste Management

·       Excessive plastic waste, electronic waste, and improper disposal methods. Landfills contributing to methane emissions and groundwater pollution.

7. Ocean Acidification

·       Absorption of CO₂ by oceans leading to lower pH levels. Negative impact on marine life, including coral reefs and shellfish.

8. Overpopulation & Resource Depletion

·       Increasing demand for food, water, and energy. Overfishing, deforestation, and mining depleting natural resources.

9. Agricultural Impact

·       Overuse of chemicals harming soil and water. Unsustainable farming practices leading to land degradation.

10. Natural Disasters

·       Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods becoming more frequent due to climate change. Damage to communities, economies, and infrastructure.

• Environmental change refers to any alteration to an environment that disturbs natural ecological processes.

• Some environmental changes have beneficial outcomes for humans.

• For example, the clearing of land for agriculture and the grazing of animals, especially when combined with irrigation, have increased food production; and mining and forestry have provided the resources necessary to construct water storage facilities, buildings, machines, vehicles and transport infrastructure.

• All these activities have promoted economic growth and employment.

• Some environmental changes have negative effects especially if they result in land, water and atmospheric degradation, loss of biodiversity and climate change.

Geography of Human Well Being (4.1, 4.2, 4.5, 4.6, 6.1)

Key Question: How can we define Wellbeing?

• Students can define the concept of Wellbeing.

The geographical definition of wellbeing is that it is the ability of people to access the things they need in order to live happy, health and contented lives.

• Student can identify and describe the indicators of Wellbeing.

The 3 most important variables that in fluence wellbeing around the world today are wealth, health and education.

Health:

·       Clean air + water

·       Secure supply of food

·       Healthcare

·       Community to treat and control spread of diseases

·       Emergency Services

·       Care for the vulnerable (Aged, babies)

Access to health care is vital during natural or human-made disasters such as war or droughts or floods, which can limit supply of food and water. People living in war-torn countries often struggle to find the basic requirements needed for a healthy life.

Education:

Being able to read and write gives people access to a greater number of services and provides a range of options that can lead to better jobs, higher wages and improved standards of living.

Wealth:

Basic necessities of life (and any wants we may have) are determined largely by our degree of wealth, and our ability to earn a living.

Key Question: Why does Wellbeing vary?

• Students can identify the factors that affect wellbeing i.e. social, environmental, economic and political.

Social Factors: Access to education, healthcare, and community support systems influence overall quality of life.

Environmental Factors: Clean air, water, and green spaces contribute to better physical and mental health, while pollution and natural disasters can reduce wellbeing.

Economic Factors: Income levels, employment opportunities, and economic stability determine access to basic needs, healthcare, and leisure activities.

Political Factors: Government policies, human rights, and political stability affect access to resources, personal freedoms, and security.

Key Question: What is the relationship between urban problems, wellbeing and liveability?

• Students can identify urban problems and its effect on Wellbeing and Liveability.

Urban problems such as pollution, overcrowding, inadequate infrastructure, and housing shortages negatively impact wellbeing by reducing air quality, increasing stress, and limiting access to essential services.

These issues also affect liveability, which refers to how comfortable and sustainable a city is for its residents. Poor urban planning can lead to traffic congestion, lack of green spaces, and rising costs of living, making cities less desirable to live in.

Addressing these challenges through sustainable urban development improves both wellbeing and liveability by ensuring access to clean environments, efficient transport, and quality housing.

Key Question: What is the role of Directions 2031 for Perth?

• Students can identify the basic Direction 2031 objectives for Perth.

Direction 2031 provides a framework to guide the detailed planning and delivery of housing, infrastructure and services necessary to accommodate a range of growth scenarios and in particular, provides direction on:

                  • how we provide for a growing population whilst ensuring that we live within available resources;

                  • where development should be focused and what patterns of land use and transport will best support this development pattern.

                  • what areas we need to protect so that we retain high quality and natural environments and resources; and

                  • what infrastructure we need to support our growth.

¨  This vision is supported throughout the Directions 2031 document in the form of five strategic themes and objectives namely:

¨  • liveable – living in, or visiting our city should be a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience;

¨  • prosperous – our success as a global city would depend on building on our current prosperity;

¨  • accessible – all people should be able to easily meet their education, employment, recreation, service and consumer needs within a reasonable distance of their home.

¨  • sustainable – we should grow within the constraints placed on us by the environment we live in; and

¨  • responsible – we have a responsibility to manage urban growth and make the most efficient use of available land and infrastructure.

¨  Is a set of planning objectives to meet future demands for Perth & Peel

¨  Also sets a series of targets to measure how well these objectives are met.

¨  The objectives’ focus is the “connected city”