Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
7 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
|
What are fossil fuels? How are coal, oil, and natural gas formed?
|
Fossil Fuels- Combustible deposits in the Earth’s crust. 300 million years ago, when the climate was mild, vast swamps covered most of the land and dead plant material decayed slowly in the swamp environment. Coal- Heat, pressure and time turned the plant material into carbon-rich rock Oil-Sediment deposited over microscopic plants. Heat pressure and time turned them into hydrocarbons. Natural Gas- Formed the same way as oil, but at temperatures higher than 100 degrees C. |
|
|
Discuss the environmental impacts associated with extracting fossil fuels, specifically:
|
Surface mining of coal-Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act (1977) requires filling of surface mines after mining, reduces acid mine drainage, requires permits and inspections of active coal mining sights, prohibits coal mining in sensitive areas Sub-surface mining of coal- Hydraulic fracturing for natural gas- Water, sand and chemicals are pumped into well. Environmental impacts consist of: contamination of ground water, depletion of fresh water, air quality, noise pollution, surface contamination and health effects of chemicals & gases. |
|
|
Explain what is meant by “Peak Oil” and why it might concern us.
|
Peak Oil- An event based on M. King’s Hubbert’s theory, is the point in time when the maximum rate of extraction of petroleum is reached, after which the rate of production is expected to enter terminal decline.
|
|
|
List the 7 major types of air pollution and briefly explain their effects on the environment and human health. Additionally, describe PM 2.5 and PM 10 pollution, their sources, and their importance.
|
Particulate Matter (Dust, lead and sulfuric acid)- Thousands of different solid particles are suspended in the air which is dangerous because it may contain materials with toxic/carcinogenic effects and small particles can get lodged in lungs. Nitrogen Oxides- Gases produced by the chemical interactions between atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen at high temperature. Greenhouse gases can cause difficulty breathing. Sulfur Oxides- Causes acid precipitation. Carbon Oxides- Greenhouse gases.Hydrocarbons- Some are related to photochemical smog and greenhouse gases. Ozone- Component of photochemical smog, damage to grape leaves. PM 2.5- Tiny particles that are two and one half microns or less. They reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy. They come from cars, trucks, tobacco smoke, cooking and burning candles. Can enter lungs. PM 10- Are 2.5 to 10 micrometers in diameter. Sources include crushing/grinding operations and dust stirred up by vehicles on road. Accumulate in lungs. |
|
|
Distinguish between primary and secondary air pollutants and be able to identify them from description. You do not need to memorize the names or chemical formulas of these types of pollutants.
|
Primary Air Pollutant- Harmful substance emitted directly into the atmosphere Secondary Air Pollutant- Harmful substance formed in the atmosphere when a primary air |
|
|
Discuss the Clean Air Act, its major goals, and its effectiveness.
|
A U.S. federal law intended to reduce air pollution and protect air quality. Authorizes EPA to set limits on amount of specific air pollutants. It focuses on: lead, particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and ozone. It has led to a decrease on air pollutants.
|
|
|
Explain the function of the Ozone Layer, the causes and consequences of its depletion (the “hole” in the Ozone Layer), and how we have facilitated the recovery of the Ozone Layer.
|
The ozone thinning/hole- was first identified in 1985 over Antarctica. It is caused by human-produced bromine and chlorine containing chemicals Effects of Ozone Depletion- Higher levels of UV radiation on earth (eye cataracts, skin cancer and weakened immune system) May disrupt ecosystems and may damage crops/forests. Recovery of Ozone Layer- Montreal Protocol (1987) Phase out of all ozone-destroying chemicals, underway globally satellite photos in 2000 indicated ozone layer is recovering. Full recovery not expected until 2050. |
