Outline for Environmental Science

EXPECTATION6.3 The student will analyze the relationships between humans and the earth’s resources.

INDICATOR6.3.1 The student will evaluate the interrelationship between humans and air quality.Ozone

○ what is Ozone?■ Ozone is a triatomic form of oxygen (O3) found in Earth’s upper and lower

atmosphere. It is a very unstable gas and it rapidly breaks down. ○ What is the Ozone layer?

■ The ozone layer is located in the stratosphere about 15 to 30 km above the earth's surface and its purpose is to protect living organisms by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation (UVB) from the sun. Unfortunately, the ozone layer is being destroyed by CFCs and other substances. This destruction and depletion is progressing globally except in the tropical zone. if the rate of depletion and breakdown is faster than formation then the Ozone layer thins and could develop into a hole.

http://www.makeitgreen.webs.com/Ozone_depletion.html

The ozone layer is only a few cm thick

An ozone hole was first observed over the Antarctic in 1985 Above information retrieved from: http://www.ozonelayer.noaa.gov/science/basics.htm

○ What is the Ozone hole?■ A combination of low temperatures and elevated chlorine and

bromine concentrations are responsible for the destruction of ozone in the upper stratosphere which forms a“hole”

○ What is good ozone and what is bad ozone?■ Good Ozone: The stratosphere layer is 10 to miles above sea level

in the atmosphere. The ozone in this layer protects humans from solar radiation

■ Bad Ozone: The troposphere is everything from sea level to 10 miles above sea level. Having ozone is this layer isn’t good because of the chemical reactions that happen between the ozone and the atoms and molecules that all life is made up of

■ Above information retrieved from: http://www.nasa.gov/missions/earth/f-ozone.html This website gives an overview of good vs bad ozone

● UV radiation○ What is UV radiation?

■ Ultraviolet radiation is (UVR) high energy electromagnetic wave emitted from the sun. It is made up of wavelengths ranging from 100nm to 400nm. UV radiation includes UV-A, the least dangerous form of UV radiation, with a wavelength range between 315nm to 400nm, UV-B with a wavelength range between 280nm to 315nm, and UV-C which is the most dangerous between 100nm to 280nm. UV-C is unable to reach Earth’s surface due to stratospheric ozone’s ability to absorb it

○ What are UVR’s effects on humans?■ the effects of UVR on human health are too numerous to count

however some of the most common are: ● Skin cancer● Cataracts or other eye damage● Immune system damage● Reduction in phytoplankton● Damage to DNA● Faster aging

● CFC’s○ What are CFC’s?

■ Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, non flammable chemicals that contain atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. They are used when manufacturing aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packing materials, solvents, and refrigerants

■ Man-made CFCs are the main cause of stratospheric ozone depletion.

■ CFCs have a lifetime in the atmosphere of about 20 to 100 years,one free chlorine atom from a CFC molecule can do a lot of damage, destroying ozone molecules for a long time from the point

■ Above information retrieved from: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/ozone-depletion-overview, http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/ozone-layer/?ar_a=, http://www.atm.ch.cam.ac.uk/tour/part3.html, http://www.clean-air-kids.org.uk/ozonehole.html

● Greenhouse gases○ What is the greenhouse effect?

■ the trapping of the sun's warmth in a planet's lower atmosphere due to the greater transparency of the atmosphere to visible radiation from the sun than to infrared radiation emitted from the planet's surface.

○ How does the greenhouse effect cause global warming?■ Energy [radiation] from the sun passes through the atmosphere,

where most of it is absorbed by Earth. Some infrared radiation [heat] is reflected back into space. Greenhouse gases act like a blanket, trapping some of this infrared radiation and warming Earth and its atmosphere, a process called the greenhouse effect.

○ How do human activities produce greenhouse gases and cause climate change?

■ the largest component of greenhouse gas emissions is carbon dioxide, which has exponentially increased in the atmosphere since the preindustrial age. Most of this increase comes from the burning of fossil fuels, which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In the United States, burning coal, petroleum, and natural gas provides people with electricity, power for cars, and the energy to run factories

■ the effects of the aforementioned activities include about 6 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.

http://epa.gov/climatestudents/basics/today/greenhouse-gases.html ○ What causes greenhouse gases

■ Electricity production: Electricity production generates the largest share of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States. More than 70 percent of our electricity comes from burning fossil fuels, mostly coal and natural gas.

■ Transportation: Greenhouse gas emissions from transportation primarily come from burning fossil fuels for cars, trucks, ships, trains, and airplanes.

■ Industry: Greenhouse gas emissions from industry primarily come from burning fossil fuels for energy as well as greenhouse gas emissions from certain chemical reactions necessary to produce goods from raw materials.

■ Commercial and residential: Greenhouse gas emissions from businesses and homes arise primarily from fossil fuels burned for heat, the use of certain products that contain greenhouse gases, and the handling of waste.

■ Agriculture: Greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture come from livestock such as cows, agricultural soils, and rice production.

■ Above information retrieved from: http://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/ghgdata/index.html, http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/, http://www.epa.gov/ghgreporting/ http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/greenhouse-effect/?ar_a=1, http://climatechange.maryland.gov/site/assets/files/1454/chap8_ad

aptation_final_lowres.pdf, http://epa.gov/climatestudents/basics/today/greenhouse-gases.htm

● Volatile Organic Compounds○ What are Volatile organic compounds?

■ Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. they include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Concentrations of VOC’s are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors.

○ Where do VOC’s come from?■ VOCs are emitted by thousands of different products including:

● paints and lacquers,● paint strippers,● cleaning supplies,● pesticides,● building materials and furnishings,● office equipment such as copiers and printers, correction

fluids and carbonless copy paper,● graphics and craft materials including glues and adhesives,

permanent markers, and photographic solutions○ What are the health risks of VOCs?

■ Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system.

■ Some can cause cancer in animals;■ some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans■ the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many

factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed.■ Levels in home■ Smog

● Smoke + fog = smog● The primary component of smog is ozone

○ What can we do to help reduce VOC’s?■ Drive less. Walk, bike, carpool, and use public transportation

whenever possible.■ Take care of cars. Getting regular tune-ups, changing oil on

schedule, and inflating tires to the proper level can improve gas mileage and reduce emissions.

● Fuel up during the cooler hours of the day—night or early morning. This prevents gas fumes from heating up and producing ozone.

● avoid products that release high levels of VOCs. For

example, use low-VOC paints● Avoid gas-powered yard equipment, like lawn mowers. Use

electric appliances instead● Human health● pdf for smog and human health:

http://www.epa.gov/airnow/health/smog.pdf■ Above information retrieved from:

http://weather.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=weather&cdn=education&tm=13&f=00&su=p284.13.342.ip_&tt=7&bt=5&bts=5&zu=http%3A//www.smogcity.com/, http://www.epa.gov/iaq/voc.html, http://education.nationalgeographic.com/education/encyclopedia/smog/?ar_a=1, http://www.epa.gov/airmarkets/envissues/smog.html, http://scorecard.goodguide.com/env-releases/cap/report-descriptions.tcl#air_rankings

● Acid rain○ What is acid rain?

■ "Acid rain" refers to a mixture of wet and dry deposition (deposited material) from the atmosphere containing higher than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids.

■ Wet deposition● Refers to acidic fog, rain, snow● Acid water can affect a variety of different plant

■ Dry deposition● the acid chemicals may become incorporated into dust or

smoke and fall to the ground● It then sticks to the ground, buildings, homes, cars, and

trees.● What are the causes of Acid rain?

○ roughly 2/3 of all sulfur dioxide and 1/4 of all nitrogen oxide come from electric power generation that relies on burning fossil fuels, like coal.

○ Acid rain occurs when these gases react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form various acidic compounds.

● What are the effects of acid rain○ Acid rain causes acidification of lakes and streams and contributes

to the damage of trees at high elevations and many forest soils.○ Trees and plants○ Acid rain washes away important minerals and vitamins in soil

○ Without these minerals plants can die or become very weak○ When soil is alkaline and acid rain falls making it neutral the living

things that depend on this soil no longer get proper nutrients○ Water life and lakes○ Even when acid rain doesn’t dump directly into the lakes it can

enter them from rivers or streams○ Many fish cannot survive in the acid water○ An acid lake is recognizable because it is crystal clear because not

even small plants can survive in it○ Human health

■ Particulates - very small particles of debris found in some of the air pollution - are one of the main causes of health problems.

■ In towns and cities, these are released mainly by diesel engines from cars and trucks.

■ These very fine particulates can easily enter our body, where they can cause breathing problems, and over time even cause cancer.

■ Tap water can be contaminated by acid rain, which can damage the brain

■ Accelerates the decay of building materials and paints, including irreplaceable buildings, statues, and sculptures that are part of our nation's cultural heritage.

○ How to Fight Acid Rain? ■ Burn fewer fossil fuels■ Coal alternatives■ Conserve energy■ Carpool/ public transportation/bicycling/ walking rather than

driving will reduce CO2■ Above information retrieved from:

http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/, http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/acid-rain-overview/

INDICATOR6.3.2 The student will evaluate the interrelationship between humans and water quality and quantity.*almost of Maryland is covered in water!⅕

● Water Supply

○ Where is the earth's fresh water supply?

■ Out of all of the water that exists on earth, a tiny percentage is fresh water. to be precise it is exactly 2.5%. Out of this small percentage, 30% of the water is underground and about 69% of earth’s fresh water is frozen in ice caps and glaciers. This leaves a mere 1.2% accessible surface water for humans to utilize. Out of this even smaller percentage a good 69% is solidified in the form of ice in the ground. Apparently groundwater can still be used, but over 77% of the water that the US uses is surface water. Humans need surface water to survive. Fresh water is also necessary for thermoelectric uses which essentially cools down machinery that gets hot when it generates electricity.

http://md.water.usgs.gov/freshwater/withdrawals/

■ Data from the year 2000 tells us that almost 1500 million gallons of freshwater was withdrawn per-day from surface water and ground-water sources in Maryland for various uses. (interactive map)

● Point and NonPoint Solution ○ What is point source/nonpoint source pollution?

■ Nonpoint source pollution results from runoff from rain, snow melting that runs over or through the ground taking along with it harmful chemicals like insecticides, oil, toxic chemicals, acid

drainage, salt, and bacteria. ■ These harmful substances end up in bodies of water. According to

the United States Environmental Protection Agency, “[states report that nonpoint source pollution is the leading remaining cause of water quality problems.”

■ Point source pollution is pollution that has one single source which is usually a pipe. Industrial places with pipes that give off polluted water have legal limits imposed on them that attempts to control the amount of pollution in order to keep humans healthy and aquatic animals safe.

■ Above information retrieved from: http://www.in.gov/idem/nps/3416.htm, http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/whatis.cfm

http://sanibelseaschool.org/classroom/eutrophication

● Waste Water Treatment ○ What is Waste Water treatment?

■ According to the water environment federation, “Wastewater treatment refers to the physical, chemical, and biological processes used to remove pollutants from wastewater before discharging it into a water body.”

■ There are over 16000 waste-water treatment facilities in the US since the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972.

○ What is waste water used for?■ Waste-water is essentially used water that can contain human fecal

matter, food particles, oils, and chemicals. ■ Houses, businesses, and storms that create run-off water all

generate water that is treated by waste-water treatment facilities. ■ Levels of Waste Water treatment

● Primary: mechanical treatment uses screens to trap and remove solids from wastewater, along with the separation of solids from sedimentation where the particles make their way to the bottom of the body of water, accelerated with the help of chemicals as well.

● Secondary: or biological treatment involves the consumption by single-celled organisms or microbes of remaining organic matter that still remains in the waste-water. This stage also uses sedimentation, sludge processes, and trickling filters, all of which are using biological processes to further purify the waste water.

● Tertiary Treatment: is the name for anything done beyond secondary treatment. This stage involves complicated and expensive technology. Disinfection by chlorine is sometimes used after the tertiary stage, however some authorities believe that the residual chlorine that is present in the end-result water can be problematic. Apparently disinfection is usually built in to treatment facilities but often not used well due to factors such as the high cost of chlorine.

■ Above information retrieved from: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/wuww.html, http://water.worldbank.org/shw-resource-guide/infrastructure/menu-technical-options/wastewater-treatment, http://www.wef.org/AWK/pages_cs.aspx?id=583, http://statestat.maryland.gov/gallery/?tag=waste-water-treatment

http://cagesun.nmsu.edu/~rjaquez/CE_356/treatment_plants.html

● Thermal Pollution ○ What is thermal pollution?

■ Thermal pollution is when large amounts of heated water gets released into natural bodies of water, often from power plants. This elevates the temperature of the bodies of water thus harming the aquatic life living there.

■ Thermal Pollution can also refer to the release of cooler water than the natural body’s temperature.

○ How does thermal pollution affect animals? ■ Aquatic animals are extremely sensitive to changes in water

temperature as small as one degree Celsius. ■ water-dwelling organisms are affected by the warmer water

because higher temperatures lower the water’s dissolved oxygen content, forcing respiration rates to rise. These organisms also become more susceptible to diseases and toxins.

■ This pollution can kill young fish and affect the reproductive cycle of fish as well.

■ Another result of thermal pollution is a decrease in biodiversity as animals that were originally inhabiting the water migrate to less taxing conditions and this invites alien species to inhabit the bodies of water in which they are not originally meant to exist.

■ Humans have attempted to regulate thermal pollution through legal processes. An example of this is that construction was shut-down on two power-plants in an attempt to control thermal pollution levels.

○ What is an example of thermal pollution in Maryland? ■ The Jabez branch of the Chesapeake Bay watershed is

unique because it is the only body of water in the Maryland Coastal Plain that can support a naturally reproducing population of trout. According to the study, small amounts of runoff or non-point pollution have the potential to significantly change the temperature of the stream water due to the low base flow. Since trout are especially sensitive to changes in temperature, their population declined until there were no more trout in the branch by 1990.

■ Above information retrieved from: http://www.rpi.edu/dept/chem-eng/Biotech-Environ/Environmental/THERMAL/tte1.htm, http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/156599/

■ Go to : http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CZIC-td427-h4-y48-1991/html/CZIC-td427-h4-y48-1991.htm for a report from 1991 Maryland department of natural resources “Study of Non-Point Source Thermal Pollution”

● Chesapeake Bay and Watershed ○ What is the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed?

http://www.riverwatershed.org/

■ Over 17 million people live in the 64,000 square miles that is the Chesapeake Bay watershed spanning over six states.

■ This area contains 11,684 miles of shoreline with 150 major rivers and streams.

■ the Chesapeake Bay has the highest land-to-water ratio in the world (14:1).

■ According to the US environmental protection agency, a watershed is “the area that drains to a common waterway, such as a stream, lake, estuary, wetland, aquifer, or even the ocean.”

■ Every river, stream, and creek has their own watershed called “sub-watersheds” or “local watersheds.” Many things depend on clean and healthy watersheds, including tourism, manufactured goods, and 450 billion in food and fiber

■ Go to: http://www.chesapeakebay.net/discover/baywatershed for some good info and to find your watershed by zipcode

■ Above information retrieved from: http://water.epa.gov/type/watersheds/approach.cfm

● Eutrophication ○ What is eutrophication?

■ According to the US geological survey, “Eutrophication is the process by which a body of water acquires a high concentration of nutrients, especially phosphorus and nitrogen.”

■ A large increase in algae results from this. From excessive amounts of algae results a lack of oxygen for other organisms such as fish.

■ it is normal for a body of water to experience eutrophication as if it is a slow aging process but human activity does significant damage accelerating the process.

■ Normally, eutrophication is a good thing for water seeing as “eutrophic” means “well-nourished” but in such large quantities it does more harm than good to bodies of water.

■ Eutrophication occurs in the Chesapeake Bay when oxygen-rich surface waters and bottom waters are unable to mix and phosphorous and nitrogen are produced in greater quantities. Because of these occurrences low oxygen conditions are produced and therefore aquatic life suffers.

■ Above information retrieved from: http://toxics.usgs.gov/definitions/eutrophication.html

■ The United States Geological Survey (USGS) - found at: http://www.usgs.gov/faq/?q=categories/9816/324

● Human Health ○ How does water relate to human health?

■ More than 2/3 humans’ body weight is made up of water. All of our organ functioning depends on water to function.

■ Many body processing including moving our arms and legs, chewing a swallowing food, and digesting food all are aided by the lubricating properties of water.

■ Water also helps to regulate our body temperatures by allowing us to sweat.

■ Nutrients are only useful to us when dissolved in water and then they can be carried through the body via the bloodstream.

■ Above information retrieved from: http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/water-education/water-health-page2.htm

INDICATOR6.3.3 The student will evaluate the interrelationship between humans and land resources.

● Wetlands○ What is a wetland?

■ “Wetlands are characterized as having a water table that stands at or near the land surface for a long enough period each year to support aquatic plants.”

■ They are the most biologically diverse of all ecosystems

■ They aid in flood control, groundwater replenishment, shoreline stabilization and storm protection, and water purification

■ They consist of dry and wet land■ The Chesapeake Bay is a salt marsh wetland■ Information above retrieved from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wetland

http://www.idahogeology.org/services/Hydrogeology/PortneufGroundWaterGuardian/my_drinking_water/water_quality_reports/reports_text/wetland_text_reports.html

○ How has the Chesapeake Bay, as a wetland, been affected by environmental issues?

■ American Indians used the resources from the Bay but had little impact on them - when the first settlers arrived in 1600s, serious resource depletion began; Some of the issues include:

● Soil erosion and runoff (used fire to corner animals for food) → declines in soil fertility → natural fertilizers → manufactured fertilizers = fewer bay grasses today (fertilizers, sewage, animal manure, toxins from mining, petroleum, agriculture, and manufacturing pollute the bay)

■ Decline in fish ● Overharvesting● Dams and other man-made obstructions stopped migration

which impedes reproduction● Increase of sawdust, chemicals from factories, and sediment

in the area impacts the fish population dramatically■ Decline in oysters

● Colonists were in awe by their size (4 times larger than English oysters) when they first arrived

● Overharvesting

Disease led to depleted harvests■ Impact on food webs

less oysters = less filter-feeders = less filtration of phytoplankton = less nutrients in bottom of bay

■ Decline in crabs, striped bass, and shadCrab harvests declining since 1994Decline of soft clam harvest because of escalator dredgeDecrease in striped bass in 1970s → fishing moratorium in 1980s to allow for population recoveryMoratorium on shadBecause of disease of oysters, industrial pressure to introduce Asian species of oyster

■ Many are working towards restoring the bay. While it will most likely never return to it’s pre-colonial conditions, changes can be made.

■ Information above retireved from: http://www.erf.org/news/human-influences-chesapeake-bays-aquatic-resources

■ Go to http://www.chesapeakebay.net/track/health/factors - for:Statistics on bay, watershed, and river healthEnvironmental factors: pollutants, land use, some natural factors (rain and snowfall, river flow)

● Soil Conservation○ What is soil conservation?

■ Management strategies to prevent erosion and alteration of soil such as:Farming and terracing methods to increase soil retentionPerimeter runoff control to impede surface flow and create friction - planting trees, shrubs and other plants to keep water from eroding soilWindbreaks which act as barriers to prevent wind erosion

■ Information above retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil_conservation

■ Go to: http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/newsroom/features/?cid=nrcs143_021978 for exploratory questions that are very kid-friendly and to get a worm’s perspective on soil

http://www.co.randolph.nc.us/pz/PWQatConstructionSites.htm

○ What is being doing in Maryland?■ When soil is exposed, runoff increases which causes flooding and a

decline in water quality which creates a lack of photosynthesis and therefore fewer plants

■ Sediment control initiative in 1970■ Information above retrieved from:

http://www.mde.maryland.gov/PROGRAMS/WATER/STORMWATERMANAGEMENTPROGRAM/SOILEROSIONANDSEDIMENTCONTROL/Pages/Programs/WaterPrograms/SedimentandStormwater/erosionsedimentcontrol/index.aspx - you can also read more about the 2011 standards and specifications here

● Mining○ What is mining?

■ “The extraction of valuable minerals or other geological materials from the earth . . . which forms the mineralized package of economic interest to the miner.”

■ There are two types of or techniques to mining:Surface mining which includes open-pit mining, quarrying, strip mining, mountaintop removal, and landfill mining

https://confluence.furman.edu:8443/display/GGY230F10/Surface+Mining2

Underground mining which includes drift mining, slope mining, and shaft mining.

■ Information above retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mining

○ What about mining in Maryland?■ Coal mining programs to protect Maryland residents and the

environment from potential impacts of current and past mining are split into 3 sections:Coal permitting which issue permitsAbandoned mine lands which reclaims the 9500 acres of abandoned mine lands based on health, safety, and environmental priorities. Acid mine drainage abatement which improve waters that have been impacted by abandoned coal mines

■ Non-coal mining, or surface mining, to extract:Dimension stone, limestone, various types of hard rock aggregate, clay, fill dirt, topsoil, sand and gravel.

minerals, oils, and gas (drilling)■ Information above retrieved from:

http://www.mde.maryland.gov/programs/Land/mining/Pages/Programs/LandPrograms/Mining/index.aspx

○ What are gobs? ■ Piles of toxic waste that have built up from abandoned mine land

programs - “waste coal” that rocks miners had to move to enter mines, and are full of hazardous minerals known as “gobs” - EWE!

■ How and why to get rid of them?● Very expensive● Burning them creates air pollution and ash full of hazardous

metal● Could possibly be used for an alternative energy source● Leak sulfuric acid into waterway

■ Information above retrieved from: http://www.corpwatch.org/article.php?id=14258

http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/lrp/creighton-mine-fire.htm● Solid waste management

○ What is solid waste management? ■ “the collection, transport, processing or disposal, managing and

monitoring of waste material”■ Landfills, incineration, recycling■ Information above retrieved from:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waste_management ■ Programs to ensure health and safety of people and environment■ when dealing with solid waste:

● Solid Waste Acceptance Facilities: municipal landfills, rubble landfills, non-hazardous industrial waste landfills, land clearing debris landfills, waste-to-energy facilities, municipal incinerators, special medical waste incinerators, special

medical waste processing facilities, solid waste processing facilities, solid waste transfer facilities

● Natural Wood Waste Recycling (NWWR) Facilities - kind of like recycling natural materials such as limbs, stumps, leaves, etc to sell back to consumers

■ Information above retrieved from: http://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Land/SolidWaste/Pages/Programs/LandPrograms/Solid_Waste/index.aspx

● Land use planning○ What is land use planning?

■ Methods to use land in an efficient and ethical way to prevent land-use conflicts

■ Types of land use planning used today include■ Strategic planning■ Environmental planning■ Information above retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land-

use_planning ● To view maps and stats on land use in Maryland go to :

http://planning.maryland.gov/ourwork/landuse.shtml● To read an article about land use plannign specific to the

Cheapeake Bay go to: http://www.mdsg.umd.edu/coastal-planning-and-land-use

INDICATOR6.3.4 The student will evaluate the interrelationship between humans and biological resources.

● Maryland and Biological Resources○ Maryland is known as “America in Miniature”

■ unique landscapes

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Publiclands/Natural_Areas/Statewide_Map.asp

● Maryland natural Areas ○ What are its goals?

■ commit to preserving these features■ Want to preserve for future generations■ Educate the public about these special place■ Natural Areas are not: Places where management cannot take

place■ Information above retrieved from:

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Publiclands/Natural_Areas/index.asp

● Biological Resource ○ What is a Biological resource?

■ “a substance or object required by an organism for normal growth, maintenance, and reproduction. Resources can be consumed by one organism and, as a result, become unavailable to another organism”

■ Information above retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_resource

● Department of Natural Resources○ What are it’s intentions in Maryland?

■ Vision Statement: “In a sustainable Maryland, we recognize that the health of our society and our economy are dependent on the health of our environment. Therefore, we choose to act both collectively and individually to preserve, protect, restore, and enhance our environment for this and future generations.”

■ Statement recognizes the interrelationship and dependence of

humans and biological resources;Health of society and Economy■ Information above retrieved from:

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/mission_vision.asp● Food Production and Agriculture

○ How did Food Processing begin? ■ Started 2 million years ago■ Flame to food and “discovered” cooking■ Following cooking

● Fermenting, drying, preserving with salt○ What is food Processing?

■ “Any deliberate change in a food that occurs before it’s available for us to eat. It can be as simple as freezing or drying food to preserve nutrients and freshness, or as complex as formulating a frozen meal with the right balance of nutrients and ingredients.”

○ What are the different types/ levels of processed foods?■ Foods that require little processing or production (also called

“minimally processed”).■ Foods processed to help preserve and enhance nutrients and

freshness of foods at their peak.■ Foods that combine ingredients such as sweeteners, spices, oils,

flavors, colors, and preservatives to improve safety and taste and/or add visual appeal. (Does not include “ready-to-eat” foods listed below.)“

■ Ready-to-eat” foods needing minimal or no preparation.■ Information above retrieved from:

http://www.health.state.mn.us/foodsafety/clean/xcontamination.htm, http://www.foodinsight.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=6aMsmHu8Y%2fc%3d&tabid=1398

● Farmer’s Perspective ○ What is Farm Bureau?

■ Independent, non-government, voluntary■ Grassroots organization■ represented at national, state, and county levels. Bottom up

approach○ What is the History of Farm Bureau?

■ 1919■ Group of farmers from 30 states gathered in Chicago■ Their Mission: “The purpose of Farm Bureau is to make the

business of farming more profitable, and the community a better place to live. Farm Bureau should provide an organization in which members may secure the benefits of unified efforts in a

way which could never be accomplished through individual effort.” – Statement originally approved by Farm Bureau members in 1920.”

■ Information above retrieved from: http://www.fb.org/index.php?action=about.home

● Food Preparation○ Why is it important?

■ Essential for our health■ Dangerous foods have toxins that weaken the immune system■ Bacteria hides in raw meats and can be found in many kitchen

items if not cleaned properly■ Cross contamination

○ What is Cross- Contamination?■ “is the physical movement or transfer of harmful bacteria from

one person, object or place to another.”■ Cross-contamination can occur easily, resulting in bacterium-

riddled food that can cause illness.■ Avoid cross-contamination by washing equipment and your

hands in hot soapy water before using

http://www.foodinsight.org/Resources/Detail.aspx?topic=A_Consumer_s_Guide_to_Food_Safety_Risks

● Forest and Wildlife ○ What is Maryland history of Forestry?

■ 1996 marked the 90th anniversary of Forestry in Maryland and the birth of what is known as the Department of Natural Resources Forest Service.

○ What is their mission? ■ "To conserve and enhance the quality, quantity, productivity and

biological diversity of the forest and tree resources of Maryland."

■ Maryland forest service; Manages 145,394 acres--2.7 million acres of forest land

○ What are the benefits of Forest Harvesting? ■ Utilize mature and dead, dying, and diseased trees■ thin out overstock stands■ Improve and diversify wildlife habitat■ Control invasive exotic plants■ Effectively correct public safety concerns and issues■ Reduce the forest vulnerability to insect attack or wildlife hazards

○ Why are trees important? ■ Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values

as much as 20%.■ One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and

produces four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of eighteen people. USDA Forest Service

■ For every 10,000 miles driven in a vehicle that gets 20 mpg plant 15 trees to offset the CO2 production.

■ Tree loss has a financial cost. Tree loss in the Baltimore-Washington region since 1973 has resulted in a 19% increase in stormwater runoff (540 million cubic feet) at a cost of $1.08 billion American Forest

● These quick facts demonstrate the importance of preserving and planting trees. They produce oxygen and help to decrease carbon monoxide.

○ How does Maryland honor Trees? ■ State Tree

● White Oak

http://api.ning.com/files/0*h2mz8qI1*5BN0UpyO86tv1dTp7RLf*kMiCC-R*MxwRXafUv2eEUNZU6jMOdcYZ*FU7WTZZr0BohJqZV*GNM9z6r-uLF5J3/April4_MD.jpg

■ Arbour Day● National: Last Friday in April ● Maryland: First Wednesday in April

■ Information above retrieved from: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/forests/mdforests.asp

● Wildlife○ What is the Wildlife like in Maryland?

■ estimated■ 90 species of mammals■ 93 subspecies of reptiles and amphibians■ over 400 species of birds■ several hundred species of marine and freshwater fishes■ unknown number of insects and over invertebrate species■ Endangered

● 110 of these species threatened or endangered in Maryland● Invasive species ( mute swans, zebra mussels, and nutria to

name a few)○ What are Invasive Species?

■ Come over to United States from somewhere else■ Affect our environment negatively■ Compete with native species for food sources ( mess up the food

chain)○ What are Native Species?

■ Species evolved in the Chesapeake bay watershed■ “Nature is in a very delicate balance, much altered by humans, and

the protection of remaining natural interactions between native species and their habitats are responsibility of local, state, and federal agencies and all citizens.”

■ Information above retrieved from: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlif e

● Blue Crabs in Chesapeake Watershed ○ What is the blue crab?

■ Most valuable fishery in Chesapeake Bay ● Maryland is known for it crabs ( economic benefits)

○ How does Maryland manage blue crab fishing and regulations? ■ Maryland Department of Natural Resources (state jurisdictions)

● Sustainable Fisheries Goal Implementation team ○ A forum that bases decisions and discussions on

scientific evidence ■ In the past decade blue crab population has been declining due to

overexploitation and habitat degradation

○ What is the role of the blue crab in MD ecosystem? ■ Important part to Chesapeake Bay ecosystem ( group of organisms

depending on one another) ■ high economic and iconic value in Chesapeake bay ■ considered to influence many parts of bay’s ecosystem ■ Information above retrieved from:

http://chesapeakebay.noaa.gov/fish-facts/blue-crab

http://cbf.typepad.com/bay_daily/2012/04/the-number-of-blue-crabs-in-the-chesapeake-bay-has-nearlytripled-over-the-last-five-years-to-the-highest-point-in-nearly-two.html

● Project Wild○ What is it?

■ “Project WILD is an interdisciplinary conservation and environmental education program emphasizing awareness, appreciation and understanding of wildlife and natural resources.”

■ Check it out here: http://www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife/Education/projectwild.asp

● Genetically Modified ○ What does this mean?

■ Genetically engineered foods have had foreign genes (genes from other plants or animals) inserted into their genetic codes.

■ Genetic engineering can be done with plants, animals, or microorganisms.

http://www.seedsnow.com/pages/everything-you-need-to-know-about-genetically-modified-gmo-foods

○ How did this develop? ■ Historically farmers bred plants and animals for desired genes

● For example, they produced dogs ranging from poodles to Great Danes,

● Selective breeding over time created these wide variations, but the process depended on nature to produce the desired gene.

○ What are the benefits of genetically modifying? ■ Genetic engineering allows scientists to speed this process up by

moving desired genes from one plant into another -- or even from an animal to a plant or vice versa.

■ For food production and food processing: ● More nutritious food● Tastier food● Disease- and drought-resistant plants that require fewer

environmental resources (water, fertilizer, etc.)● Decreased use of pesticides● Increased supply of food with reduced cost and longer shelf

life● Faster growing plants and animals● Food with more desirable traits, such as potatoes that

absorb less fat when fried● Medicinal foods that could be used as vaccines or other

medications○ What are the potential risks of genetically modifying?

■ Modified plants or animals may have genetic changes that are unexpected and harmful

■ Modified organisms may interbreed with natural organisms and out-

compete them, leading to extinction of the original organism or to other unpredictable environmental effects.

■ Plants may be less resistant to some pests and more susceptible to others

○ What does FDA ( food and drug administration) think about GM? ■ FDA regulates

● worry about inserting genes from foods into others and not having proper identification

● someone with an allergy could eat a food without knowing it carries the gene of the food they are allergic to

○ How is politics involved? ■ GMO free MARYLAND

● Grass roots movement in the state of MARYLAND.● Mission; “is to publish the newest research and educational

materials regarding the health risks, environmental impacts and social ramifications of genetically engineered food and it's supportive technologies.”

● Progress: Introduced 3 GMO labeling bills in the last 2 years in MARYLAND

■ Information above retrieved from: http://www.righttoknow-gmo.org/states/maryland

● Integrated pest management○ What are examples of pests?

■ Plants, Insects, mold, rodents, bacteria, examples of pests in environment

● Pesticides ○ What are pesticides?

■ “substances meant for preventing, destroying or mitigating any pest”

■ Information above retrieved from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pesticide

■ “Pesticides can stay in our bodies for years, even after washing, and thrive in our environment while traveling miles by water, dust and wind. Food-borne pathogens can taint the foods that we consume before it even hits our kitchens.”

○ What are the benefits of Pesticides? ■ They help farmers provide an affordable and plentiful food supply.■ Pesticides also are used in other settings such as our homes and

schools to control pests as common as cockroaches, termites, and mice.

○ What method is recommended to manage pests?

■ Integrated pest management■ As stated in the EPA website

● “IPM is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management in agricultural settings. For example, growers inspect crops and monitor for damage before they use pesticides. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means and with the least risk to people, property, and the environment.”

○ What is Integrated pest management? ■ an approach to pest control that offers a means to reduce the risk

from -- and in some cases, the amount of -- chemical pesticides needed.

● Information above retrieved from: http://www.amalpest.com.au/LearningCentre/PestControlStrategies

○ What are the four steps to IPM? ■ 1. setting action thresholds;

2. monitoring and identifying pests;3. preventing pests; and4. controlling pests when necessary

■ Information above retrieved from: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/basic-info.htm

INDICATOR6.3.5 The student will evaluate the interrelationship between humans and energy resources.

● Renewable● Solar energy

○ What is Solar energy?■ Solar energy technologies use the sun's energy and light to provide

heat, light, hot water, electricity, and even cooling, for homes, businesses, and industry.

○ There are five types of solar energy technology: Photovoltaic systems, solar hot water, solar electricity, passive solar heating and daylighting

■ Photovoltaic systems: also known as solar cell energy, Photovoltaic is when electricity is produced directly from sunlight. Solar cells are made of semiconducting materials. When sunlight is absorbed by these materials, electrons become loose from their atoms, which allows the electrons to flow through the material to produce electricity. The ability to convert light (photons) from the solar cells to electricity (voltage) is called the photovoltaic (PV) effect.

■ Solar Hot Water: Solar hot water is when water is heated through solar energy. Solar hot water systems typically have two parts a solar collector and a storage tank. The solar collector is mounted on the roof and tubes run through the box and allow the water to be heated. This happens because the tubes are attached to a black absorber plate for maximum heat absorption. As heat builds in the collector the fluid passing through the tubes gets warmed. A storage tank then holds the hot liquid.

■ Solar electricity: There are three types of concentrating solar power systems: parabolic-trough, dish/engine, and power tower.

● Parabolic-trough systems: these systems retrieve the sun's energy through long rectangular, curved mirrors which are tilted toward the sun, and therefore focus sunlight on a pipe that runs down the center of the trough. This process heats the oil which flows through the pipe. The hot oil is then used to boil water in a conventional steam generator to make electricity.

● Dish/Engine system: uses a mirrored dish to collect and

concentrate the sun's heat onto a receiver, which then absorbs the heat and transfers it to fluid within the engine. The heat this reaction causes causes the fluid to expand against a piston or turbine to produce mechanical power. The mechanical power is used to power a generator or alternator which produces electricity.

● Power Towers: this system uses a large field of mirrors to concentrate sunlight onto a receiver at the top of a tower. This heats molten salt flowing through the receiver. Then, the salt's heat is used to generate electricity through a conventional steam generator. Molten salt keeps heat well, therefore it can be stored for a long time without needing to be converted into electricity. this means that even on cloudy days or after sunset electricity can still be produced

■ Passive Solar Heating and Daylighting: the goal of passive solar heating is to utilize naturally occurring resources to create energy. the South side of buildings always get the most sun therefore materials that can soak up, absorb the sun’s heat are built into south-facing, sunlit areas which then slowly release the heat at night when its needed. This is the most popular solar heating design, although there are others

■ Solar Process Space Heating and Cooling: this system provides large quantities of hot water or space heating for nonresidential(industry) buildings. A normal system would have solar collectors that work with a pump, a heat exchanger, and/or one or more large storage tanks. There are two main types of solar collectors - anevacuated-tube collector and a parabolic-trough collector - both of which can operate at high temperatures with high efficiency. The heat from the solar collector can also be used as a cooling mechanism for any given building

http://lerablog.org/technology/green-tech/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-solar-panels/

● Wind energy○ What is Wind energy/ how is it made?

■ Wind energy comes from wind turbines, which are the modern form of windmills. A wind turbine works by using the wind to turn the blade which spins the shaft which is connected to a generator which produces electricity. “Lift” is the force that allows an airplane to work but it is also the same force that allows wind turbines blades to spin. The blades are connected to a hub which spins as the blades turn. the combination of blades and hub together are called the rotor. A drive shaft spins as the rotor turns. the drive shaft is connected to the generator which then produces electricity.

■ The generator takes the mechanical energy made by the wind converts it into electrical energy that can be used in homes, businesses and industry.

○ Who uses Wind energy?■ wind turbines can either be used as a stand alone application or

they can be used as part of an utility power grid. ■ When they are used used as a stand alone purposes it is usually

for water pumping or communication purposes.■ When used for a utility grid there will be multiple wind turbines close

together to form a wind plant. Many electricity providers use wind to provide power to their customers

○ http://learn.kidwind.org/learn/wind_basics_power

http://certifiedsolar.net/wind/wind-basics/

● Geothermal energy ○ What is geothermal energy?

■ Geothermal energy is the heat from the earth. since the earth is constantly heating itself it has basically an endless supply of energy. The upper 10 feet of the Earth's surface stays at a near constant temperature between 50° and 60°F (10° and 16°C). Geothermal heat pumps are able to tap into the earth to use this resource to heat and cool buildings. most geothermal reservoirs in the USA are on the west coast, hawaii and Alaska.

○ How is Geothermal energy made?■ it is made up of a heat pump, an air delivery system (ductwork),

and a heat exchanger (a system of pipes buried in the shallow ground near the building). During wintertime, the heat pump takes the heat from the heat exchanger and pumps it into the indoor air delivery system. In the summer, it does the opposite, where the heat pump moves heat from the indoor air into the heat exchanger. The heat the the pump removes from the indoor air during the summer can be used as a free source of hot water.

○ Types of Geothermal energy■ Geothermal Electricity production: Generates electricity from the

earth’s heat■ Geothermal Direct Use: Producing heat directly from water under

the surface of the earth ■ Geothermal Heat Pumps: Using the shallow ground to heat and

cool buildings ○ What is Geothermal energy used for?

■ heating buildings ■ growing plants in greenhouses■ drying crops ■ heating water at fish farms ■ industrial processes such as pasteurizing milk.

○ Information above retrieved from: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/tech/geothermal-energy

■ this is where all information on geothermal energy comes from, it does a great overview and it also has links to more information about the types of Geothermal energy

http://www.epa.gov/climatestudents/solutions/technologies/geothermal.html

● Bio energy○ What is Bioenergy?

■ Bioenergy is energy from organic matter. it has been used by humans for thousands of years. Wood is our largest bioenergy however plants, residues from agriculture or forestry, and the organic component of municipal and industrial wastes can also be transformed into bioenergy. Biomass could potentially greatly reduce our use of greenhouse gas emissions however it expels approximately the same amount of carbon dioxide as fossil fuels, however every time a new plant is planted carbon dioxide is reduced, even if its only a little. as long as plants continue to be planted at the same rate that they are used for bioenergy the net carbon dioxide emissions will be zero.

○ What are the types of Bioenergy?

■ Biofuels: When biomass is converted into liquid fuels for transportation. The most commonly found types of biofuels are ethanol and biodiesel.

■ Biopower: When biomass is burned directly, or converting it into a gaseous fuel or oil, to generate electricity. There are multiple types of biopower systems, they are: direct-fired,cofiring, gasification, anaerobic digestion, pyrolysis, and small, modular.

■ Bioproducts: When biomass is turned into chemicals for making products that typically are made from petroleum

○ What is Bioenergy used for? ■ Ethanol is most often used as a fuel additive to lessen cars carbon

monoxide emissions. recently, however, vehicles with flexible-fuel have become available, they run on mixtures of gasoline and up to 85% ethanol.

■ Biodiesel can be used as an additive to reduce vehicle emissions (typically 20%) or in its pure form as a renewable alternative fuel for diesel engines.

■ Biosynthesis gas can be used to make plastics and acids, which are then used making photographic films, textiles, and synthetic fabrics.

■ biopower, in its gaseous form of methane is used to produce steam for industry electricity use.

http://alternativeenergyatunc.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/bioenergy-cycle-med2.jpg

● Hydropower

○ What is Hydropower?■ energy that has been created through the capture of flowing water

to create electricity ○ What are the types of hydropower?

■ Power plants: hydroelectric power plants use dams along rivers to store water in a reservoir. Water is released from the reservoir to flow through a turbine, which spins it, and activates a generator to produce electricity. This doesn’t have to be a large dam for this to work. there are hydroelectric power plants that only have a small leeway for the river water to go through the turbine

■ Pumped storage plant: In this instance the power is sent from a power grid into the electric generators which then spin the turbines backward, causing them to pump water from a river or lower reservoir to an upper reservoir, where the power is stored

○ a small micro hydroelectric system can produce enough energy to sustain and supply energy to a small farm/ranch/ house

● Ocean energy○ What is Ocean energy?

■ The ocean produces two different types of energy: thermal energy which comes from the sun's heat, and mechanical energy which comes from the tides and waves.

○ What are the types of Ocean energy?■ Thermal energy

● the ocean is the worlds largest solar collector. ● the difference between the surface temperature and bottom

temperature of the ocean creates thermal energy ● a small portion of heat from the ocean could power the world ● there are three types of ocean energy electricity conversion

systems: closed-cycle, open-cycle, and hybrid● closed-cycle system: by using the ocean's warm surface

water to vaporize a working fluid, which has a low-boiling point, the vapor can expand and turn a turbine. after this, the turbine activates a generator to produce electricity.

● open-cycle system: the goal of these systems are to boil the seawater by operating at low pressures. This will then produce steam which passes through a turbine/generator

● hybrid: these systems combine both open and closed cycle systems

http://www.bellpirie.com/information.html ■ Mechanical energy

● tides are driven by the gravitational pull of the moon/ wave are driven by the winds therefore these are an intermittent source of energy, not constant like ocean thermal energy.

● A barrage (dam) is what is typically used to convert tidal energy into electricity. it does so by forcing the water through turbines which activates a generator

● Wave energy conversion has three systems: ○ channel systems: systems that funnel the waves into

reservoirs○ float systems: drive hydraulic pumps○ oscillating water column systems: use the waves

to compress air within a container ● when mechanical power is created from these systems it

activates a generator or it can transfer to a working fluid, water, or air, which will then drive a turbine/generator.

● Hydrogen and Fuel cells○ What is Hydrogen?

■ Hydrogen is found in many organic compounds, they are most recognizable in the hydrocarbons that make up many fuels, such as gasoline, natural gas, methanol, and propane.

■ Hydrogen can be separated from hydrocarbons through the application of heat - a process known as reforming.

■ at present most hydrogen is made through reforming from natural gas.

■ another way to make hydrogen is to use an electrical current to separate water into its components of oxygen and hydrogen. This process is known as electrolysis.

■ Some algae and bacteria, using sunlight as their energy source, even give off hydrogen under certain conditions.

○ What are Fuel cells ?■ A fuel cell is when hydrogen and oxygen combine to produce

electricity, heat, and water.■ Fuel cells provide usable electric power from the energy provided

as a result of chemical reactions.■ the fuel cell will continue to produce electricity for as long as energy

is supplied to it ■ Fuel cells work best with pure hydrogen. ■ fuels such as natural gas, methanol, or even gasoline can be

reformed to make the hydrogen required to be used by fuel cells.■ Uses

● heat ● electricity for buildings, ● as an electrical power source for electric motors propelling

vehicles● Go to: https://data.maryland.gov/goals/renewable-energy for info specifically in

Maryland● Go to: http://energy.maryland.gov/mdGoals.html to view Maryland goals

Nonrenewable ● What is a nonrenewable resource?

○ “a resource that does not renew itself at a sufficient rate for sustainable economic extraction in meaningful human timeframes.” OR, more plainly a resource that we are running out of.

○ Information above retrieved from: http://www.green.maryland.gov/mdgpi/16a.asp

○ They can be extracted from the ground in liquid gas and solid forms○ Fossil Fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas, and propane which have all

formed from plant and animal fossils) are nonrenewable resources, but not all nonrenewable resources are fossil fuels. Uranium is mined and converted into a fuel.

● What are the most frequently used types of nonrenewable resources?■ crude oil and petroleum (gasoline, diesel fuel, and petroleum):

formed from aquatic animal and plant fossils that lived even before the dinosaurs

● can be found in underground reservoirs by studying rock samples and drilling a hole to place a ‘derrick’ which is a

pipe that can extract the liquid● drilling can take place up to 200 miles off the coast of the

U.S■ natural gas: like oil, natural gas formed from fossils but is in gas

form● It escapes from small gaps in rocks into the air and with

lightning or fire, it burns● It is drilled for both on and off land

http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=nuclear_home

■ coal: a rock that takes millions of years to form and comes from energy that plants stored

● 4 types depending on levels of carbon it contains and heat it produces; from highest ranking to lowest ranking, the types are as follows: anthracite, bituminous, subbituminous, and lignite

● Is mined with large machines that remove it from the ground either through underground or surface and mountaintop mining

● Can be used for electricity and other industrial purposes, usually burned

● Environmental impacts: surface mining disturbs land surfaces which can cause harmful runoff, methane gas can leak into the air when mining underground, burning coal releases harmful emissions

● Many acts and cautions have been and are being put into action to reduce the impacts of coal

http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=coal_home

■ uranium (nuclear): energy stored in the core of an atom● Nuclear energy is released either through nuclear fusion

(when atoms are joined) or nuclear fission (when atoms are split)

● The most widely used type of nuclear energy by power plants is uranium, which is a metal naturally found in rocks but most be converted into fuel through nuclear fission

● Environmental impacts: does not produce carbon dioxide but produces radioactive waste

http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=nuclear_home

○ Information above retrieved from: http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=nuclear_home