1. Earth's Natural Cycles Flashcards
Outline the carbon cycle
Atmosphere
Photosynthesis (plants - glucose)
Food chain (bioaccumulate)
Decomposition ( decomposer bacteria)
Fossilized (sedimental rock)
Absorption ( seas and oceans)
Combustion ( fossil fuels)
Outline the nitrogen cycle
Atmosphere (78%)
Nitrogen fixation - fixing bacteria and plant root noodles
Amonification - convert amonia to nitrites and nitrates
Denitrification - convert nitrates back to nitrogen in air-logged soil
Decompose and animal waste
Human impact on Nitrogen Cycle
Add more nitrogen to the atmosphere and cause imbalances in the natural cycle
Manufacturing and use of fertilizer - eutrophication
Burning of fossil fuels - photochemical smog and acid rain
Emissions of ammonia from intensive farming
Outline the water cycle
Evaporation - liquid into air
Transpiration - exhaling of water vapor from plants
Condensation - formation of clouds
Precipitation - hail, snow, rain and sleet
Infiltration - plant uptake (assimilation)and percolate into the aquifer
Surface runoff - streams, rivers, dams
Human impact on water cycle
Landscape change - building dams
Agriculture - irrigation exploits water
Deforestation - floodings
Urban growth - water demand increase
Human impact on carbon cycle
Global warming - increased Earth temperatures
Burning fossil fuels - energy
Deforestation - carbon sink removal
Cement manufacturing - use of sedimental rock
Ecosystem
A community of independent organisms and the physical and chemical environment they inhabit
Biodiversity
The diversity of plants, animals, and other living things in a particular area or region
Biodiversity benefits
Ecological
Economical
Cultural/spiritual
Recreational - tourism
Education - information
Bio-accumulation
The gradual build-up of substances within a living organism by all means possible
Bio-concentration
The intake and retention of a substance from water in an aquatic system or from air in a land-based system
Bio-magnification
The increase in bio-accumulation/bio-concentration pollutants from the base of the food chain to the top of the food chain
Deforestation impacts
Climate change
Local climate alterations
Soil erosion
Flooding
Reduced biodiversity
Habitat destruction
Precautionary principle
Identify the need to implement change in the absence of absolute scientific proof, as further delays could lead to adverse effects on society and have significant adverse effects on future generations.
Cost-effectiveness is an important factor of the precautionary principle.
It must be ensured that all environmental benefits of the precautionary measures are greater than economic and social cost
Polluters pay principle
That the polluters should pay for any significant damage done to the environment as a result of their environmental aspects
