Properties of Water

CohesionAdhesionPolarityUniversal SolventHigh Heat CapacityDensity

The Importance of Water

• Aquifers

Water Supply• Supply Fresh Water1. 3% fresh2. 2% Glacial3. 1% Ground & Surface

Water Management – Dams & Reservoirs

Pros –• Ensure year-round

water supply• Hydropower• Recreation• Fisheries• Industry• Controls flooding

Water ManagementCons –• Alter ecosystems Increase water loss• Sediment Deposition Controls flooding• Block spawning fish Submerges whitewater• Flood Land

Water Issues• Too Much• Too Little• Distribution• National and State Boarders• Salinization• Desalinization• Disease• Point Vs Nonpoint• E-coli• Dead Zones• Eutriphication• Water Diversion• Combined Sewer Overflows• Waste Water Treatment

Soil Issues

• Erosion• Desertification• Mineral Depletion• Top Soil Loss

What is Soil?• Composed of:• mineral

matter - 45%• organic

matter - 5%• Water - 25%• Air - 25%

• Modified by:• weather• water• organisms

Humus?

Humus

Partially decomposed material

•Acts as a sponge•Holds Nutrients•Leaching

Horizons

The deposition of colloids, soluble salts, and suspended mineral particles in a lower soil horizon through the process of eluviation (downward movement) from an upper soil horizon.

1. O Horizon – layer of decomposing organic matter - leaf litter called humus – this is not considered soil yet

2. A Horizon – Topsoil – rich in organic matter - leaching

3. E Horizon – This “illuviation” (The deposition of soluble salts and suspended mineral particles in a lower soil horizon through the process of eluviation {downward movement] from an upper soil horizon.) layer is light in color & it is made up mostly of sand and silt, having lost most of its minerals and clay as water drips through the soil. Found in older soils

4. B Horizon - Contains clay and mineral deposits from layers above it when mineralized water drips down it collects here.

5. C Horizon - Consists of slightly broken-up bedrock - no plants roots6. R Horizon - The unweathered rock (bedrock)

Horizons

Soil Properties• Availability of nutrient minerals in clay

Positives and Negatives of clay?

Major Soil Types• Major Soil Groups - SAMAO - 17K -

identified soil types

Acidic - Leached Leaf Litter - Deep Humus

Major Soil Types

Deep Soils - rich in humusLimited Humus - few layers

Major Soil Types

• Major Soil Groups

Tragedy of Commons

•Sustainability and the Tragedy of the Commons

Garrett Hardin

In England and Wales, a common (or common land) is a piece of land over which other people—often neighboring landowners—could exercise one of a number of traditional rights, such as allowing their cattle to graze upon it.

Hectares of Land Required

• Ecological footprint

One U.S. Child has a 1:12 Ratio of consumption

New Model IPAT

I = P x A x T1

I = P x A T2

How to move T to the denominator• Emulate Nature•Linear becomes cyclical•Resource extraction Vs renewable

Ray C. Anderson

General Revisions Act

The General Revision Act of 1891 authorizes the President, under the Forest Reserve Act, to create forest preserves "wholly or in part covered with timber or undergrowth, whether of commercial value or not....”

and prevent them from being acquired through the various public land laws.

Antiquities Act 1906The Antiquities Act of 1906 resulted from concerns about protecting mostly prehistoric Indian ruins and artifacts-collectively termed "antiquities ” Authorized presidents to proclaim historic landmarks as national monuments

http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/hisnps/NPSHistory/antiq.htm

Use of the Antiquities Act

Gifford Pinchot

•Appointed by Theodore Roosevelt•1st Chief of the Forest Service, 1905-1910• Forest service motto "greatest good for the greatest number.” •Department of the Interior to the Department of Agriculture.

Manifest Destiny

1600 1700 1800 1900

Dominated by the frontier attitude

What is a frontier attitude?

What is manifest destiny?

Endangered Species Act (1973)

• * Authorizes listing of species as endangered and threatened

• * Prohibits unauthorized taking, possession, sale, and transport of endangered species

• * Provides authority to acquire land for the conservation of the listed species

• * Establishes a recovery plan

Economics and the Environment

Source

Raw Materials

Economy

Production Consumption

Products

Money

Sinks

Waste

How does our economic system compare to natural systems ?Why compare them?

Full Cost Accounting

What are internal and external costs?

Making the aluminum can:http://www.cancentral.com/canc/text/history.htm

Economics and the Environment

• Cost-Benefit Analysis

A. First graph - harm caused by pollution exceeds cost of reducing it - so it makes sense to control the pollution

B. Second Graph - Cost of reducing pollution exceeds the harm of the pollution - so it makes sense to pollute

Green line = cost $$$ Brown line = harm done

SubsidyA payment, generally by the government, to the producer or consumer of a good or service, intended to encourage its production and/or to reduce its cost to consumers.

Earth’s Major Biomes

Earth’s Major Biomes

• Type of biome controlled by temperature and precipitation

Arizona Biomes

Aquatic Ecosystems• Freshwater Ecosystems• Lakes and Ponds

Not always present; anaerobic, dominated by decomposers - below light penetration

Thermocline - lakes• Freshwater Ecosystems• Thermal stratification in temperate lakes

Point of change between warm surface & cold depths

Turnover - Lakes• Turnover in• temperate lakes

Spring Turnover - Melting Ice (40C) & warming surface waters + wind

Fall Turnover - cooling surface water = > density(40C) + wind

Littoral-Limnetic-Profundal Zones

Spheres of Organization

• Landscape Ecology –• encompasses larger area and several

ecosystems• Biosphere –• the whole earth

Types of Energy1. Chemical - energy stored in bonds2. Radiant - wave energy: electromagnetic3. Thermal - energy flow from high heat to low4. Mechanical - the energy of motion5. Nuclear - atomic nuclei6. Electrical - flow of charged particles

The Energy of Life• 1st Law of Thermodynamics –• energy can change forms, but is not created or

destroyed

• 2nd Law of Thermodynamics –• “Entropy Rules!” amount of usable energy

decreases as energy changes forms

• 1st Law deals with quantity of energy • 2nd Law with quality of energy

The Energy of Life

• Photosynthesis6 CO2 + 12 H2O + radiant energy

C6H12O6 + 6 H2O + 6 O2

The Energy of Life

• Cellular RespirationC6H12O6 + 6 O2 + 6 H2O

6 CO2 + 12 H2O + energy

ChemosynthesisAn extremophile is any microbe that thrives in extreme conditions of temperature, pressure, salinity, or concentrations of hostile chemicals.

Extremophiles commonly belong to the kingdom Archaebacteria.

Hydrogen sulfide chemosynthesis 6{CO2}+6{H2O}+3{H2S} → C6H12O6+3{H2SO4}

The Path of Energy Flow

• Food Chains –

The Path of Energy Flow

• Ecological Pyramids

Pyramid of Numbers Pyramid of Biomass

The Path of Energy Flow

• Ecological Pyramids

Pyramid of Energy

The Path of Energy Flow

• Ecosystem ProductivityNet Primary Productivity

Gross Primary Productivity Plant cellular respiration

=

Interactions Among Organisms

• Symbiosis –• Three types

1) Mutualism

Without mycorrhizae With mycorrhizae

Hippo Spa - You Tubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SJq2bnb1VA

Interactions Among Organisms

• Symbiosis –• Three types

2) Commensalism

Epiphytes

The Alien & the Blind Man - you tubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb_UeDVW4pI

Interactions Among Organisms

• Symbiosis –• Three types

3) Parasitism

Tracheal mites

Video of wasp & caterpillarhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMG-LWyNcAs

The Ecological Niche

• Resource partitioning

•Intraspecific competition•Interspecific competition•Fundamental vs. Realized Niche

The Ecological Niche• Limiting Resources

Bald Cypress on campus - knees no knees

Ecosystem Services

Keystone

Biological Communities• Secondary Succession

The Gaia Theory

Dynamic Equilibrium

Negative Feedback

Positive Feedback

The Gaia Theory: The organic and inorganic components of Planet Earth have evolved together as a single living, self-regulating system.

In a phrase, “life maintains conditions suitable for its own survival.”

Carbon Cycle

Billions of Tons

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Vwa6qtEih8&feature=related

Carbon Silicate

A weathering Cycle:1. Atmospheric CO2 forms H2CO3 precipitation which moves through soil2. H2CO3 dissociates & forms H+ & HCO -

3 3. Silicate rich minerals interact with the free H+ to release Ca2+

4. Shellfish5. Subduction – silicate formation at temperatures above 300 °C

Carbon Silicate

Believed to provide important negative feedback mechanisms that control the temperature of the atmosphere.

Carbon Silicate• Carbonate Rocks• 1. Carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere by dissolving in water and forming carbonic

acid CO2 + H2O -> H2CO3 (carbonic acid)

• 2. Carbonic acid is used to weather rocks, yielding bicarbonate ions, other ions, and clays:

• H2CO3 + H2O + silicate minerals -> HCO3- + cations (Ca++, Fe++, Na+, etc.) + clays

• 3. Calcium carbonate is precipitated from calcium and bicarbonate ions in seawater by marine organisms like coral and shellfish

• Ca++ + 2HCO3- -> CaCO3 + CO2 + H2O to become limestone

• Metamorphism of Carbonates1. Some of this carbon is returned to the atmosphere via metamorphism of limestone• at depth in subduction zones CaCO3 + SiO2 -> CO2 + CaSiO3

Nitrogen cycle• Nitrogen cycle: Atmospheric

nitrogen (N2)

Nitrogen fixation by humans

Biological nitrogen 1. fixation

2. Nitrification

NH3 & NH4

-

NO3-

3. Assimilation

5.Denitrification

Plant & animal proteins

Decomposition - urea

4. Ammonification

Internal cycling

(Ammonia)

LightningVolcanoesBacteria

(Nitrates &Nitrites)

(Oxidation)

NO3 - → NO

2 - → NO → N2 O → N

2 gas

Nitrogen Cycle & Steps1. Nitrogen Fixation is the conversion of elemental nitrogen(N2) to

organic ammonia(NH3) by lightning, industry, volcanoes & bacteria.

2. Nitrification - conversion of ammonia or ammonium (NH4) into nitrites(NO-

2) and then into nitrates (NO-3)

3. Ammonification - nitrogen is converted into ammonia from animal waste or dead organisms by aerobic bacteria

4. Assimilation- plants absorb nitrates or ammonia5. Denitrification - anaerobic bacteria convert nitrates & nitrites

to nitrogen gasses off to atmosphere

1. Nitrogen is not a reactive molecule2. 78% atmosphere N2 & 21% oxygen & .038% CO2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4YToXw724w&feature=related

Phosphorus Cycle

Does not include the atmosphere

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKkC2JpjaGc&feature=related

Phosphorus Cycle

Accelerated Eutrophication

Internal Planetary Processes

• Plate boundaries

Internal Planetary Processes

• Plate boundaries

El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)• Chicken and Egg scenario – ocean

temperatures or trade winds?

This decreases during El Niño

Increases during La Niña

http://esminfo.prenhall.com/science/geoanimations/animations/26_NinoNina.html

El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO)Must spend more time on this!!

1. Heavier rainfall over coastal equatorial South America2. Drought in Western Pacific (Indonesia & Australia)3. Increased transmission of disease – mosquitoes and stagnant water4. Migration of fish species5. Death of seals and sea birds due to fisheries changing6. Heavier rains in the southwestern deserts of United States7. Fewer hurricanes in the Atlantic8. Changes in disease due to shifts in temperature and moisture

2010-2011 Australia has record flooding?A. La Nina B. El NinoA. Weak B. Strong

The Atmosphere• Layers of the• Atmosphere

Coriolis Effect

The Atmosphere as a Resource

• Atmospheric composition:• Nitrogen = 78%• Oxygen = 21%• Carbon dioxide = 0.038%

Types of Air Pollutants

Synergism?

(HNO2) Nitrous Acid(HNO3) Nitric Acid(H202) Hydrogen PeroxideSOx - Sulfate Compounds(SO3) Sulfur Trioxide(H2SO4) Sulfuric Acid(PANs) Peroxyacetyl nitrateNox - Nitrate Compounds(O3) Ozone(H2CO3) Carbonic Acid

•Particulate matter•Nitrogen oxides•Sulfur oxides

•Carbon oxides•Hydrocarbons•Ozone

Major Classes of Air Pollutants

Photochemical Smog

Nox + Voc’s = smog

Carbon Sequestering

Scrubbers (dry or wet)

Indoor Air Pollution

Keeling Curve

Winter High & Summer Low

Scientists are pushing for CO2 caps that will stabilized us at 450 ppm in the next few decades. Many believe this goal isn't politically feasible, and prefer 550 ppm

http://co2now.org/Current-CO2/CO2-Now/annual-co2.html

Greenhouse Gasses

Water Vapor - absorbs and releases energy

Greenhouse Gases

Water Vapor - absorbs and releases energy

Effects of Temperature Changes• Change wind and weather patterns• Redistribute global moisture• Shift Agricultural Areas• Alter World’s Biomes

• Alter Some Ocean Currents• Increase Sea Levels• Flood Coastal Wetlands and Cities• Increase Waterborne and Insect-transmitted diseases

Albedo

• The fraction of radiation striking a surface that is reflected by that surface

• High Albedo - reflecting most of the energy

• Low Albedo - absorbing most of the energy

Positive FeedbackCO2 emissions, copious as they are, may just wind up pulling the trigger on the clathrate gun.

Ozone Depletion in StratosphereCFCs / HCFC’s / Bromine / Halons

Acid Deposition

Problems Associated with Sanitary Landfills

• Methane gas production

• Surface water / ground water contamination

• Not a long-term remedy

• Even when closed, considerable cost

http://www.ecomaine.org/electricgen/index.shtmhttp://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/13/science/earth/13trash.html?pagewanted=all

E-Waste1999 average lifespan of a computer 4-6 years.

2005 it dropped to less than 2 years.

Personal computers contain toxic heavy metals such as barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, zinc, nickel and lead.

All of these materials are regulated by the EPA.

http://www.electronicstakeback.com/2011/11/30/new-studies-show-e-waste-exports-still-harming-children-in-china-ghana/

Hazardous Waste

• Examples:

Superfund = abandoned hazardous sites1. A response to “The Love Canal”2. Where does the money come from?• 70% parties responsible pay cleanup

• Those who own the site now and before• Those who transported to the site

• 30% payed for by a tax on polluting companies and or state and federal funds

Love Canal Part Onehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKIM9sE0t6I&feature=related

Part Twohttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXSE9kcBQCI&feature=related

Georgiahttp://www.epa.gov/region4/waste/npl/index.htm#GA