Natural Resources: Land Resources (Unit 5) Flashcards
True or False: Beach erosion and shifting shorelines are more prevalent today than in the past
True
What is beach erosion and how does it occur?
Beach erosion occurs when sand is removed from the beach and deposited in deeper waters offshore.
What are the three causes of beach erosion?
Human activity, ocean currents, and storm waves
How do ocean currents and storm waves cause beach erosion? What are sandbars? How long does it take for sand from sandbars to return back to the shore?
The movement of waves and ocean currents removes sand from beaches. As waves crash against the shore, the current removes and carries the sand out to deeper waters. When a storm occurs, the waves grow bigger and stronger. These storm waves deposit a lot of sand in large, offshore sandbars. It can take weeks and even months before this sand returns to the beach.
Ocean Current Definition
Human activity can cause and sometimes accelerate erosion. Building close to the coast can have an effect on beaches and speed up erosion. Sand dunes, which separate low-lying beaches from higher grounds, can be damaged during the building process. These dunes help to prevent water from going too far inland. If the dunes are damaged, water is able to flow inland, causing shorelines to change.
How can human activity accelerate and cause beach erosion? How does building close to the coast accelerate erosion?
Human activity can cause and sometimes accelerate erosion. Building close to the coast can have an effect on beaches and speed up erosion. Sand dunes, which separate low-lying beaches from higher grounds, can be damaged during the building process. These dunes help to prevent water from going too far inland. If the dunes are damaged, water is able to flow inland, causing shorelines to change.
True or False: Because of erosion, beaches have become narrower and the elevation lower. Less sand simply means less beach.
True
What does it mean when a shoreline shifts?
It moves inland
True or False: In places that are uninhabited, shifting shorelines mean beaches are created farther inland
True
Remember: News reports indicate that beach erosion from Hurricane Irma has severely impacted Miami Beach, Florida. It has been determined that one-third of the sand on Miami Beach was lost due to huge storm waves produced by Hurricane Irma. Since then, beach erosion continues to worsen due to severe weather. The width of the beach has narrowed greatly. The erosion has caused cliffs to form along the shore. The shoreline is moving inland, causing a concern for public safety and private properties. The city is working to bring in more sand as part of a $1.5 million emergency project to restore Miami Beach.
News reports indicate that beach erosion from Hurricane Irma has severely impacted Miami Beach, Florida. It has been determined that one-third of the sand on Miami Beach was lost due to huge storm waves produced by Hurricane Irma. Since then, beach erosion continues to worsen due to severe weather. The width of the beach has narrowed greatly. The erosion has caused cliffs to form along the shore. The shoreline is moving inland, causing a concern for public safety and private properties. The city is working to bring in more sand as part of a $1.5 million emergency project to restore Miami Beach.
Is beach erosion a worldwide problem? What does beach erosion impact?
Beach erosion is a worldwide problem. Beach erosion causes shorelines to move inland or shift, impacting both the surrounding environment and human activity.
Beach Erosion Definition
The movement of sand and sediment from off the shore to deeper waters
What do many beach management strategies include? What are the various hard structures used in these strategies?
Many beach erosion management strategies involve building hard structures to protect sand and sediment loss on beaches. These structures include, but are not limited to, the following: jetties, groins, seawalls, and coconut coir logs.
What are jetties and groins? What do they protect the shoreline from? How do they compare in size? Although viable, what problems do they pose, especially on the downdrift side? What must be done to combat erosion by jetties?
Jetties and groins are hard structures built perpendicular to the shoreline. They both protect from erosion caused by waves and current. Groins tend to be smaller, shorter structures, whereas jetties can reach farther out into the ocean. While both are viable management options, they can actually cause some erosion in places as sand piles up on the updrift side of the structure, resulting in less sand on the downdrift side. Erosion caused by jetties can be severe with unintended consequences for beaches on the downdrift side of the jetty. Because of this, multiple jetties have to be built to help reduce this effect.
What are seawalls? What do they protect the land from? What happens when a wave crashes into a seawall? What additional protection compensates for the seawall’s expensive installment?
Seawalls are structures built at the water’s edge or slightly inland. They protect the land from rising tides as well as from strong waves or tsunamis. As a wave crashes into a seawall, the energy of the wave is reduced, causing it to pick up and erode less sand. While seawalls can be expensive to install, they have an additional benefit of flood protection.
What are coconut coir logs, and where are they placed? What are they used for? What are their properties? What is the negative of this hard structure beach erosion management strategy?
Coconut coir logs are placed along shorelines to help reduce beach erosion. They are round logs made of coconut fibers. They are biodegradable, safe for surrounding wildlife, and can help to stabilize the area long enough for natural seagrass to establish a strong root structure. However, this can take time to allow for growth of plant life and may not have immediate results.
What are vegetation management and beach nourishment known as, in terms of beach management strategies? What do they involve doing?
Vegetation management and beach nourishment, also known as soft alternative strategies, involve relocating materials to the beach and just offshore to help fight erosion.
What is beach nourishment? What does it accomplish? When is beach nourishment preferred over hard-structures? How is the cost of beach nourishment a negative? How about its longevity?
Beach nourishment involves adding sand and sediment to a beach. Unlike structures that help to keep existing sand and sediment on the shores, beach nourishment replaces what has been lost. It helps to create new natural environments, rebuild sand dunes, and protect sediment volume during sea level rise. In some areas, beach nourishment is the preferred method over hard structures for fighting erosion when the threat of flood or sea level rise is not prevalent. However, beach nourishment is a very expensive strategy. It requires the pumping or trucking of sand onto beaches. In some cases, this can cost millions of dollars. It is also not a long-term solution to the problem of erosion.
How is vegetation management similar to beach nourishment? What is vegetation management? What does it work to do? How does vegetation aid in less erosion?
Vegetation management is similar to beach nourishment in that they both bring materials to the shore and beach to help fight erosion. Vegetation management works to maintain and bring in plant life around shorelines to help trap more sand and sediment and keep it on the beach. The thicker and larger the vegetation, the more sand and sediment build up over time.
True or False: Beach erosion is mainly a natural occurrence. While it is nearly impossible to prevent, finding ways to manage beach erosion is a vital task that coastal cities worldwide are undertaking.
True
Review: What are the various materials groins can be made out of? What do they do? What are their negatives? What are multiple groins in one area known as?
Groins are steel, concrete, stone, or wood barriers. They are built perpendicular to the shoreline to slow the movement of sediment along the shore. Sand builds up on the updrift side of a groin. However, erosion can occur on the downdrift side. Multiple groins are known as a groin field.
Review: What are jetties? What materials can jetties be made out of? What do jetties protect and keep open? What is its negative?
Jetties are long, narrow structures built perpendicular to the shoreline. They are made of stone, steel, or concrete. Jetties protect inlets from currents and tides while keeping the channel open for navigation. A buildup of sand occurs on the updrift side. However, erosion on the downdrift side can be severe.
What are breakwaters? What materials can they be made of? Where are they built? What is their purpose? How do breakwaters help ships in harbors?
Breakwaters are rock or concrete structures that are built parallel or at an angle to the shore. Their primary purpose is to protect the coast or harbor from the waves and reduce erosion on the shoreline. Breakwaters create calm water, which facilitates safe passage into the harbor for ships.
Review: Seawalls are concrete, stone, wood, or steel structures built along the coastline. They have a stepped, sloped, or curved face. They prevent or limit erosion by directing waves back to the ocean. Seawalls also provide coastal flood protection and, if maintained, can last a long time.
Seawalls are concrete, stone, wood, or steel structures built along the coastline. They have a stepped, sloped, or curved face. They prevent or limit erosion by directing waves back to the ocean. Seawalls also provide coastal flood protection and, if maintained, can last a long time.
Review: What is beach nourishment? What are its negatives?
Beach nourishment is the process of depositing more sand on a beach in order to make it wider and combat erosion. However, the process can disturb wildlife habitats and kill animals or organisms that reside on the beach. This technique is usually costly, and the benefits are temporary.
Review: Vegetation can control shoreline erosion. Planting marsh grass on the shore and seagrass underwater creates an anchor for the sand so it’s not carried away by waves. Vegetation also helps keep sand dunes in place. If the grass grows tall enough, it can act as a wind barrier.
Vegetation can control shoreline erosion. Planting marsh grass on the shore and seagrass underwater creates an anchor for the sand so it’s not carried away by waves. Vegetation also helps keep sand dunes in place. If the grass grows tall enough, it can act as a wind barrier.
True or False: Communities often employ multiple beach erosion management strategies
True
How are sand and sediment for beach nourishment often obtained?
They are usually dredged from offshore
Beach Nourishment Definition
Act of adding sediment and sand to a beach to elevate and extend the shoreline into the water
Dredge Definition
To dig or pull up
Where and when was the first beach nourishment project in the United States? Since then, how many more projects have there been, over how many kilometers of U.S. shoreline?
The first project of beach nourishment was in 1922 at Coney Island, New York. Since then, at least 970 projects have brought sand to more than 6,050 kilometers of U.S. shoreline along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts.
True or False: When beaches are eroding, beach nourishment can protect people and property from the effects of hurricanes and coastal storms. Many projects in the United States are responses to strong hurricane erosion
True
Remember (Beach Nourishment): The task of moving sand from one location to another is an expensive feat. It requires machines, manpower, and time in order to pump sand from an offshore location and relocate it to the beach.
The task of moving sand from one location to another is an expensive feat. It requires machines, manpower, and time in order to pump sand from an offshore location and relocate it to the beach.
What is the process of beach nourishment and dredging step-by-step?
- Dredging begins with a ship offshore sucking up sand and water from the bottom of the body of water.
- A vacuum-like tube pumps sand and water into a large container on the ship.
- The water is filtered out and dumped back into the ocean.
- The remaining sand and sediment is piped to the beach, where bulldozers and other machinery move the sand around and evenly place it on the beach.
True or False: Depending on the size of the beach, the process of beach nourishment can take many months.
True
What was the project at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina in August 2018? How much was it projected to cost? How many cubic yards of sand needed to be dumped, over how many miles of land? What was the rate at which work continued in this project?
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina started a project in August 2018. The project was projected to cost $34.8 million and involve dumping 1.4 million cubic yards of sand over 14 miles of beach. For this project, operations occurred around the clock. Pumping moved along the shoreline at a rate of 200–300 feet per day, leaving most of the beach available for public use.
Fact: One cubic yard of sand can weigh between 2,600 and 3,000 lbs.
One cubic yard of sand can weigh between 2,600 and 3,000 lbs.
In 1955, Carolina Beach, North Carolina began a beach nourishment project. Ever since 1985, what has it been doing?
In 1955, Carolina Beach, North Carolina began a beach nourishment project to restore sand as part of a plan to combat beach erosion. Since 1985, it has undertaken multiple operations to continue its efforts of beach nourishment.
What conclusions can be made based on the beach nourishment data for Carolina Beach, North Carolina? (Both Remember & Study)
Clearly, beach nourishment is a temporary solution. It is only a matter of time before the pumped sand is eroded again. However, on coasts such as North Carolina where hurricanes are more prevalent, the upkeep of a project such as beach nourishment is more constant. As shown in the data, Carolina Beach had to pump sand in every 3–4 years to keep up with beach erosion.
Carolina Beach, North Carolina: The beach nourishment process required more sand each time between the years of 1985–1998 in an effort to rebuild the beach. Hurricanes during this time period contributed to massive sand erosion, causing beach nourishment projects to be continually undertaken to maintain beachfront.
The beach nourishment process required more sand each time between the years of 1985–1998 in an effort to rebuild the beach. Hurricanes during this time period contributed to massive sand erosion, causing beach nourishment projects to be continually undertaken to maintain beachfront.
What were the details of the beach nourishment project at Buxton Beach, North Carolina in 2018?
In 2018, Buxton Beach, North Carolina finished a beach nourishment project.
Details: 2.6 million cubic yards of sand, 2.9 miles of beach restored, $22 million spent
What are the details of the beach nourishment project in Southampton, New York in 2013-2014?
In 2013–2014, the town of Southampton, New York underwent a beach nourishment project.
Details: 2.5 million cubic yards of sand, 6 miles of beach restored, and $25 million spent
Remember: To find the amount of sand pumped per mile, divide the total amount of sand pumped by the total miles of beach restored. To find the cost per cubic yard of sand, divide the total project cost by the total amount of sand pumped. To find the project cost per mile, divide the total project cost by the miles of beach restored.
To find the amount of sand pumped per mile, divide the total amount of sand pumped by the total miles of beach restored. To find the cost per cubic yard of sand, divide the total project cost by the total amount of sand pumped. To find the project cost per mile, divide the total project cost by the miles of beach restored.
In Panama City Beach, Florida, since what year have beach nourishment efforts been underway? Which hurricane in 1995 caused this? Since then, what has been their primary way to replenish sand?
In Panama City Beach, Florida, beach nourishment efforts have been underway since 1998, as a result of Hurricane Opal causing massive beach erosion in 1995. Since then, beach nourishment efforts have continued as the primary way to replenish sand and mitigate the effects of beach erosion.
Remember: A 2016 study by researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego County found that the size and texture of the sand and sediment brought in to nourish a beach does matter in helping to keep the sand on the beach longer. The researchers found that grains of sand that are larger and more coarse are more effective in combating beach erosion.
A 2016 study by researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego County found that the size and texture of the sand and sediment brought in to nourish a beach does matter in helping to keep the sand on the beach longer. The researchers found that grains of sand that are larger and more coarse are more effective in combating beach erosion.
What is a negative of hard-structures in beach erosion management strategies concerning currents?
Waves reflected off the hard surfaces can create turbulent currents that could carry away even more sand.
Beach Nourishment — Cost
The cost of beach nourishment is extremely high. Each project ranges in the millions of dollars. Projects are federally and locally funded, spreading the cost burden.
Beach Nourishment — Time and Materials
Each beach nourishment project can last months, closing parts of beaches as a result. Materials and equipment brought in to extract sand are heavy and costly, and workers toil around the clock to complete projects.
Beach Nourishment — Long-term Effectiveness
Unlike hard structures such as jetties or seawalls, beach nourishment is not permanent. While the short-term outcome produces wider beaches, bad weather and hurricanes can continue to erode beaches. Beach nourishment has to be redone approximately every 5–7 years.
What is sustainable agriculture? What factors vary sustainable agricultural methods? What does sustainable agriculture accomplish?
Sustainable agriculture is farming by methods that meet a community’s current needs while preserving and protecting resources for the future. These methods vary based on the land and water resources available in a given area, but sustainable methods can help farmers produce enough crops while reducing deforestation, erosion, and water usage, and sustaining the land for future farming.
Sustainable Agriculture Definition
Farming that meets current needs while preserving and protecting resources for the future
How does the type of climate zone affect the type of sustainable agriculture method?
Different climate zones demand different methods for sustaining the land and crops that occupy them. Sustainable farming methods are responsive to the varying conditions.
What is the sustainable agriculture practices of agroforestry? What are two examples of this and what are their benefits?
One sustainable practice is agroforestry, which is the intentional use of trees and shrubs in farming. One example is planting tall trees to prevent winds from damaging weaker crops. Another example of agroforestry is introducing cover crops and shrubs to retain water, slow erosion, smother weeds, and improve the health of the soil.
What is the sustainable agriculture practice of crop rotation? How does it help the soil?
The rotation of crops is another sustainable farming practice. A different crop is planted each year, allowing the soil time to rebuild its nutrients.
What is slash-and-burn agriculture? Is it sustainable?
In the rain forest region, it is common for farmers to cut down or burn vegetation to make space for planting crops. This technique is called slash and burn, but it is not sustainable.
Instead of using slash-and-burn agriculture, why may a more sustainable farmer use Inga seedlings?
A sustainable farmer would instead plant Inga seedlings. These plants shade out weeds and grasses, which creates space and restores the soil.
How is terrace farming used as a sustainable agriculture practice in mountainous regions? What is it? How does this method help during heavy precipitation?
In more mountainous regions, terrace farming is used as sustainable farming. Terrace farming is creating steps on steep slopes of hills or mountains. In heavy precipitation, these steps control the release of water, preventing the soil nutrients and crops from washing away.
Agroforestry Definition
The intentional use of trees and shrubs in farming
Crop Rotation Definition
Planting a different crop each year
Terrace Farming Definition
Creating flat steps for farming on slopes of hills or mountains
What can happen if a farmer keeps on planting the same crop continuously?
If farmers plant a single crop in a field over many years, nitrogen and other nutrients in the soil may be reduced, which can cause farmers to rely on commercial fertilizers or cause significantly reduced production in future years.
What is the sustainable farming practice of hydroponics? What do hydroponic systems do? What portion of the water from conventional farming does a hydroponic system use? In which climates does hydroponics allow farmers to grow crops in? What does it help conserve?
Hydroponics systems use water rather than soil to deliver nutrients to crops. These systems use only 5 to 30 percent of the water required for conventional farming. Hydroponics also allows farmers to grow crops in hot and dry climates while conserving water and land.
What are greenhouses? In which climates would they be most helpful? How do new designs utilize sea water?
Greenhouses provide spaces where farmers can control the climate for their crops, which is helpful in hot and dry areas. New designs even make it possible to use seawater to cool the greenhouse and water crops.
True or False: Agroforestry — Rather than clearing vast areas of the rain forest, farmers plant trees that can provide shade and nutrients for their crops.
True
What is alley cropping?
Alley cropping is cultivation where rows of trees are planted in between rows of crops.
True or False: Alley cropping is a type of agroforestry
True
What is the sustainable farming practices of polyculture? What are its benefits?
Rain forests are known for supporting a wide variety of species. Polyculture, or growing more than one crop in an area of land, helps maintain the rain forest’s biodiversity. It also reduces the need to clear more farmland. Polyculture also more closely resembles a natural ecosystem than a farm that grows a single crop.
Review: How does crop rotation work? What are its benefits?
Crop rotation, the practice of planting different crops each year, helps to restore the health of the soil in any climate. Switching between crops with shallow roots and deep roots improves the soil structure and nitrogen levels. Rotating different crops for each growing season can also lead to higher yields for farmers.
What is tillage? How can reducing tillage help the environment and farmland?
Tillage refers to plowing soil before planting crops. When farmers reduce tillage, they plant seeds directly into the soil with little digging beforehand. By not disturbing the soil, farmers can reduce the use of diesel-powered machinery and the risk of soil erosion.
Alley Cropping Definition
A type of agroforestry in which rows of trees are planted in between rows of crops
Hydroponics Definition
The use of water rather than soil to deliver nutrient to crops
Polyculture Definition
The practice of growing more than one crop in an area of land
Tillage Definition
Plowing or digging soil before planting crops
True or False: Cover crops and no-till methods can increase the risk of pest problems and disease, so farmers need to plan ways to mitigate these risks.
True
Review: Sustainable farming practices are tailored to the specific needs of a region based on geography, climate, and the crops being cultivated. Farmers need to consider carefully the short- and long-term costs and benefits of each conventional and sustainable farming option.
Sustainable farming practices are tailored to the specific needs of a region based on geography, climate, and the crops being cultivated. Farmers need to consider carefully the short- and long-term costs and benefits of each conventional and sustainable farming option.
What are rainforests home to? As the human population continues to grow, what will happen to rainforest land? What do farmers need to balance as a result?
Rain forests are home to millions of species of plants, animals, and insects. However, as the human population increases, more and more rain forest land is used for agriculture. Farmers need to balance the need for expanding farm lands with the potential impact that many farming techniques have on the region.
How can the sustainable farming practices of intercropping, alley cropping, and agroforestry be used in rainforests?
The sustainable practice of intercropping involves growing multiple crops on the same plot of land. (Inter- means “between,” so intercropping often involves planting rows of one crop in between rows of another crop.) With alley cropping, rows of trees are planted in between rows of crops. Intentionally using trees and shrubs in farming via agroforestry is increasingly popular in rain forest regions.
Intercropping Definition
Growing multiple crops on the same plot of land
What must farmers consider when weighing the costs and benefits of a particular farming practice?
When weighing the costs and benefits of a particular farming practice, farmers need to consider the impacts in the short term and the long term. Some environmental consequences may not be immediately clear, but may help or harm the region in years to come.
How can planting trees in alley cropping and agroforestry slow down climate change? (Positive effect)
For example, trees are able to absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a process known as carbon sequestration. When farmers plant trees for alley cropping—or even maintain existing forests in more complex forms of agroforestry—they allow for greater carbon storage. When more carbon dioxide is stored, less carbon dioxide is in the atmosphere, which slows down the process of climate change.
Carbon Sequestration Definition
The process by which carbon dioxide is removed from the atmosphere and stored
True or False: Sustainable farming can increase job opportunities in a community due to the increased labor needs of sustainable methods. Some experts define sustainable agriculture not just in terms of environmental impact, but its impact on health, safety, and fair wages for farm workers.
True
What is the rainforest plant oil palm? What is it used for and what does it produce? Why demand for palm oil increasing?
Another crop that thrives in a rain forest environment is the oil palm. The fruit of the oil palm is the source of palm oil, a vegetable oil commonly used by industries. Palm oil is used in about half of all consumer products, from shampoo to chocolate bars. Demand for palm oil is increasing as companies use palm oil instead of trans fats in food products and look to palm oil as a biofuel.
What is the negative impact of planting oil palm, concerning biodiversity? What percentage of the world’s palm oil do Indonesia and Malaysia produce?
Planting trees may seem like it should have a positive impact on the environment. After all, trees help reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. However, oil palm plantations are often referred to as “green deserts” due to their lack of biodiversity. Clearing existing rain forest to make room for monoculture oil palm plantations has had a significant environmental impact in Indonesia and Malaysia, which produce over 80 percent of the world’s palm oil.
What are differences and similarities between the effect of palm oil and coffee production?
Conventional cultivation of oil palms and coffee both lead to deforestation and a decrease in biodiversity in the area. There is increasing demand for sustainable coffee as well as sustainable palm oil. However, while coffee production only affects the coffee industry, palm oil production effects a wide range of industries. Palm oil has more potential substitutes than coffee.
Given the negative environmental impacts of palm oil production, do the benefits of using palm oil outweigh the costs?
Compared with other crops, oil palms require less land to produce the same amount of vegetable oil. Since less land needs to be cleared to cultivate oil palms than to cultivate soy or other substitutes, palm oil’s benefits outweigh its environmental costs.
How should farmers maximize the benefits of oil palm plantations while minimizing their costs?
Farmers should try to maximize efficiency on land that has already been cleared rather than causing further deforestation. Farmers can repurpose land that was previously used for grazing or agriculture instead of clearing new areas of the rain forest. Farmers should also adhere to policies on environmental and social responsibility, which will protect communities and also make the palm oil more attractive to companies seeking sustainable solutions.
Today, how much of the world’s population lives in cities? How will this increase by 2050? Due to this, why will green spaces become important? What are green spaces? What are some examples of urban green spaces?
Over half of the world’s population currently lives in cities. By 2050, that will increase to 70%. Because of this, green spaces, especially in urban areas, are more important than ever. Green space refers to land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation. There are many benefits to green spaces. Some examples of urban green spaces include: parks, sport fields, woods, community gardens, green roofs, and natural wetlands
What three categories do the benefits of green spaces fall in?
Environmental, Economic, and Health
How do green spaces benefit the environment?
Green spaces help to reduce both noise and air pollution. The trees and plants clean the air and produce oxygen. They help slow global warming by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases that are present in a city. Green spaces prevent soil erosion and provide a habitat for wildlife. They moderate the temperatures in a city by having a cooling effect on the urban heat island.
How do green spaces benefit the economy and other economic practices?
There are several economic benefits of green spaces. They increase the property values of buildings and homes in their vicinity. Because green spaces have a cooling effect, they can help to reduce the energy costs for neighboring buildings. They absorb rainwater and lower the costs of stormwater management.
How do green spaces benefit both physical and mental health?
Green spaces provide multiple health and wellness benefits. They provide locations for exercise, relaxation, and social interaction. Community gardens provide healthy foods while increasing physical activity. Green spaces have been shown to reduce stress levels and depression for some people.
What are three examples of how green spaces can have benefits in multiple categories? (Environment, Economy, Health)
A green space can provide benefits in more than one category at the same time. For example, a park might make commuting to work by bicycle more attractive, thereby promoting physical activity for better health and reducing the economic costs of driving a car. A rooftop garden can provide a habitat for insects while increasing the sense of well-being for those who work the garden. An apartment near an urban wood will have lower cooling costs and improved air quality.
What are the challenges of developing green spaces?
While green spaces are necessary and bring many benefits, there are challenges that come along with them. Creating a new green space means trying to determine the size, placement, and type of green space that will provide the most benefits to the most people. Too often, green spaces are not created close to disadvantaged groups, such as people with low incomes. Often, the greatest challenge in creating urban green space is simply the lack of space. With most land already covered with buildings or pavement, proponents of green space must consider how to renovate buildings to add green roofs or walls. Since older buildings were not designed to bear the weight of green roof or wall materials and do not have adequate drainage systems built in, significant planning, money, and effort are required to successfully complete a renovation.
Remember: Sometimes green spaces are created by modifying or replacing native habitats. For example, a golf course may be constructed on the site of former prairie grasslands. While both can be considered green spaces, the golf course does not have the biodiversity of the grasslands.
Sometimes green spaces are created by modifying or replacing native habitats. For example, a golf course may be constructed on the site of former prairie grasslands. While both can be considered green spaces, the golf course does not have the biodiversity of the grasslands.
What are the concerns with park trails in green spaces?
Park trails typically require maintenance in the form of patching asphalt or adding gravel. In northern climates, they may require plowing in the winter. If safety is a concern, additional police officers may be required to patrol the trails.
What are the concerns with pesticides in green spaces?
Pesticide use can help minimize weeds and undesirable insects, but it may also kill pollinators like bees. Pesticides in runoff water can flow into ponds, where they increase the growth of algae and sometimes kill fish.
What are the concerns with green roofs?
Green roofs require people to maintain them. The materials used, such as vegetation, waterproof sheets, and drainage pipes, may need replacement. The roofs may not be accessible to the disabled.
What is the current population of Singapore? What is its population density in terms of people per square mile? How many square miles is Singapore? What is this compared to Los Angeles? What is Singapore striving to be the leader of?
Singapore is a city-state with a population of over 5.6 million and a population density of about 21,700 people per square mile. It has an area of 278.8 square miles, which is about half the size of Los Angeles. Despite being small and densely populated, Singapore is striving to be a leader in urban green space, and sustainable and green practices.
What is Singapore’s nickname, as well as the name of a urban greening program launched in 1967? What does the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint plan to do from today through 2030? (Plan does not need to be known, just Read)
“Garden City” is the nickname for Singapore, and is also the name of a program launched in 1967 that sought to make Singapore a highly livable city filled with greenery. Today, the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint provides a framework for sustainability efforts through 2030. The efforts include the following plans for green space:
- Increase the amount of park space, which was 16.108 square miles in 2015 or 6% of the city’s land, to approximately 18.3 square miles in 2030.
- Increase the number of households within a 10-minute walk of a park from 83% in 2015 to 90% in 2030.
- Increase the number of “Community in Bloom” community gardens from 995 in 2015 to 2,000 in 2030. This is an increase of 101%.
- Increase the amount of greenery on buildings from 0.278 square miles in 2015 to 0.772 square miles in 2030. This is an increase of 178%.
Sustainability Definition
The ability to use a resource so that it is not depleted or permanently damaged
Remember: The Skyrise Greenery Incentive Scheme, introduced in 2009, has aided in greening over 110 older buildings, resulting in green roofs, edible gardens, recreational rooftop gardens, and walls of greenery. New construction also focuses on producing buildings with green space. A recent public housing project built seven 50-story towers that are connected with gardens on both the 26th and the 50th floors.
The Skyrise Greenery Incentive Scheme, introduced in 2009, has aided in greening over 110 older buildings, resulting in green roofs, edible gardens, recreational rooftop gardens, and walls of greenery. New construction also focuses on producing buildings with green space. A recent public housing project built seven 50-story towers that are connected with gardens on both the 26th and the 50th floors.
What are the characteristics that qualify a roof as a green roof?
Green roofs are not simply potted plants on a roof. To be considered a green roof, the roof should be partially or completely covered with vegetation. A green roof also includes a growing medium, a drainage system, and a waterproofing structure.
What are the two types of green roofs?
Extensive and Intensive
What are the characteristics of an extensive green roof?
- use low-growing plants such as mosses, herbs, succulents, and grasses
- have a soil depth of less than 6 inches
- have a dry weight of vegetation between 10 and 50 pounds per square foot
- require relatively minimal maintenance and have low start-up costs
What are the characteristics of an intensive green roof?
- use a wide variety of plants, possibly including large shrubs and trees
- have a soil depth of 6 inches or more
- have a dry weight of vegetation between 50 and 150 pounds per square foot
- require significant structural support
- require routine maintenance and have high start-up costs
Why is it important that green roofs are designed and installed properly?
It is important for green roofs to be designed and installed properly. This keeps the building underneath safe and secure from leaks and damage. Proper installation also ensures the longevity of the plants on the roofs.
What are the different layers of a green roof in order?
- plants: the layer of vegetation visible to visitors of the green space
- growing medium: a mix made up of materials that ensure a suitable growing surface
- filter cloth: prevents growing medium and other materials from reaching drain
- drainage layer: drains excess water off the roof
- root barrier: helps protect membrane from being penetrated by roots
- waterproof membrane: overall protection for building underneath
How do green roofs benefit biodiversity, habitats for insects, and the replacement of lost green spaces?
Green roofs can protect and maintain biodiversity by allowing many different types of plants to coexist together. These plants can provide crucial habitats for insects. Urban green roofs also help to replace green spaces that were lost to buildings and infrastructure.
How do green roofs benefit cost saving efforts? How is the longevity of green roofs compared to traditional roofs a benefit? How do green roofs act as natural insulators? How do they increase energy performance? How they manage runoff?
In addition, green roofs can help with cost-saving efforts. Green roofs tend to last longer than traditional roofs, which helps reduce the cost of replacements. They also act as natural insulation, keeping heat out during the summer and inside during the winter. They increase the energy performance of buildings, as cooling and heating costs can significantly drop in buildings with green roofs. They also absorb and then slowly release stormwater, preventing runoff that can overwhelm and damage a city’s sewer system.
How do green roofs benefit air quality, climate in cities, mental health and relaxation, and local produce?
Green roofs improve air quality by absorbing pollutants and carbon dioxide, and producing oxygen. They help regulate the climate of a city, reducing extremes in temperature. Green roofs have been shown to promote mental health and relaxation for those who spend time in them, and green roof gardens can also provide a source of fresh, local produce.
What are the two main concerns when developing a green roof plan?
Cost of installation and maintenance costs
What must be done if a house or building is not suitable for green roofing? How does this impact cost? How much can the installation of green roofs cost? What does the Environmental Protection Agency estimate the cost of extensive and intensive green roofs to be?
If a house or building is not suitable for green roofing, it may require special modifications. In addition to this cost, the installation of the green roof layers can cost thousands of dollars more than a regular roof. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the cost of installing an extensive green roof is about $10 per square foot. For intensive roofs, the cost is about $25 per square foot.
In 2006, what did the University of Michigan find about the price difference between a traditional roof and a green roof covering 21,000 square feet? Although the initial cost difference can be seen as a disadvantage for green roofs, what are the overall lifetime savings of a green roof?
In 2006, the University of Michigan researched the difference in cost between a traditional roof and a green roof. According to their research, the cost of a conventional roof covering 21,000 square feet was about $335,000, while the cost to install a green roof was about $464,000. This initial cost difference could be considered a disadvantage. However, the research also revealed that the overall lifetime savings of a green roof was about $200,000. Most of the savings came from decreased energy needs for the building.
In what ways do green roofs need to be maintained? According to the Environmental Protection Association (EPA), what are the yearly maintenance costs per square foot for both extensive and intensive green roofs?
Once installed, the maintenance costs for a green roof include both time and money. Just as with any garden, a green roof must be consistently maintained. Watering plants, keeping them safe from pests, and ensuring the equipment is properly inspected are all part of the proper care of a green roof. According to the EPA, yearly maintenance costs for both types of green roofs can range from 75 cents to $1.50 per square foot.
Green Roofs — Washington D.C.
Having the largest area of square feet dedicated to green roofs in the United States, Washington D.C. currently has more than 3 million square feet of green roofs. Washington, D.C. started a District RiverSmart Rooftops Program in 2006. This has increased green roofs District- wide. There are rebates offered for voluntary installation of green roofs. The Department of Energy and Environment offers a $10-$15 rebate per square foot in Washington, D.C.
Green Roofs — Germany
Since the 1960s, Germany has been a global leader in developing green roofs Today, Germany is considered to be the leader in both green roof technology and usage. It has more green roofs than any other country in the world. An estimated 12% of all flat roofs in Germany are green. More than 1,000 million square feet of new green roofs are constructed each year. This growth is fueled by a mixture of federal and local laws, which provide subsidies for green roofs and punitive higher taxes on run-off from conventional roofs.
Green Roofs — Fukuoka, Japan
The Acros Fukuoka in Fukuoka City, Japan is an office building known for its green roof. One side of the building looks like an office building with glass walls. However, the other side is a huge roof that merges a terrace with a park. The terraces rise up to about 60 meters. The roof is home to more than 35,000 plants including 76 different species. This building was built on the last remaining green space in the city center. This green roof was created to make sure as much green space was preserved as possible.
Are floods are worldwide occurrence? When do floods occur? What are some events that can cause floods?
While some areas are more prone to flooding than others, floods can and do occur anywhere in the world. Floods occur when an overflow of water overtakes land that is usually dry. This typically occurs after heavy rains or snowfalls when existing drainage can’t handle the increased amount of water. Hurricanes, large storm waves, and tsunamis can also cause floods.
What are socioeconomic impacts? How do floods cause these kinds of impacts? What does the degree of an impact from flooding depended on?
Nearly all major floods have socioeconomic impacts, meaning the people in the communities affected by the flood experience both social and economic consequences. The degree of the impact depends on the extent of the flooding and the resulting loss of structures, possessions, livelihoods, or even lives.
Socioeconomic Definition
Relating to a combination of social and economic factors
How does flooding impact infrastructure? What does this mean for homes that are not effected by the floods? How could floods disrupt the flow of goods and services? How can relocation and reconstruction pose a socioeconomic threat?
Flooding often causes damage to infrastructure such as roads, bridges, airports, communication systems, power plants, and schools. This means that even those whose homes or places of business were spared from the flood still experience socioeconomic impacts. The flow of goods and services into and out of the community may be disrupted for a long period of time. With limited access to important products, loss of customers, or loss of a home, many people find it necessary to relocate or rebuild. Relocation and reconstruction disrupt the social and economic norms that existed prior to the flood.
How can flooding impact agricultural areas?
Flooding in agricultural areas can mean loss of crops, livestock, equipment, and structures. Wet fields may make it difficult to harvest a crop or allow cattle to graze. Transportation of supplies to a farm or products from a farm may prove impossible. If agricultural production is severely impacted across a large area, food shortages might result, driving up the prices of particular products. Dramatic changes in routine cause stress for both humans and animals.
What can the amount of money it takes for a town to recover climb into? Despite this, what are possible benefits of flood recovery?
While the amount of money that it takes for a town to recover can climb into the billions of dollars, flood recovery can ultimately result in improvements to a community. Tourism dollars that were lost immediately after a flood might someday be regained by building recreational areas in newly created floodplains. Buildings that are rebuilt or replaced can include improvements that are attractive to homeowners or business owners.
How can floodwater have a positive impact on ecosystems? What are its negative impacts?
Floodwater contains more than just water. On the positive side, it can contain sediment, organic material, and nutrients that nourish the soil, improving plant growth and improving the health of an ecosystem. On the negative side, it can contain debris that obstructs shorelines or pollutants that damage fields. One of the biggest concerns is that flooding will degrade water quality and contaminate the drinking supply that a community depends on. Floodwater can overwhelm sewage and water runoff systems.
How can large floods negatively impact wildlife and biodiversity?
Large floods can have severe impacts on wildlife and biodiversity. Habitats might be altered or washed away. Food supplies might be diminished. Microbial communities and earthworms in the soil might not survive. A disruption at the bottom of a food chain can have impacts all the way up to the top of the food chain.
What is groundwater recharge? What are two ways it can occur?
Groundwater recharge refers to the process of water moving down into the soil from surface water to groundwater. Groundwater recharge occurs in many ways. It happens when rainwater seeps directly into the soil. It also happens when runoff from a freshwater source seeps into the ground.
How does groundwater recharge positively impact aquifers and the water table? How does this show a benefit of flooding?
Groundwater recharge is the primary way water enters an aquifer underground. As water is removed from aquifers for human consumption and irrigation, the water table beneath the surface is lowered. Groundwater recharge helps to restore the water supply and raise the water table. Floods are beneficial in this way, as they provide the water to help replenish aquifers.
True or False: It only takes six inches of moving floodwater to knock a person off his or her feet. And it only takes two feet of moving water to carry a car away. Never drive into a flooded roadway. The water is often deeper than it appears and hides hazards.
True
How does flooding cause mold?
Homeowners and business owners must act quickly during flood cleanup efforts. Mold can develop within 24–48 hours. If not addressed, mold can cause serious health problems
True or False: Flooding delays crop harvests. If the soil is too damp, oxygen and nitrogen levels in the soil are depleted. Crops are unable to grow. Valuable livestock can also be lost. This creates supply shortages and higher prices for consumers.
True
Remember: The environmental impacts of flooding vary. Floods can recharge groundwater resources, renew wetlands, distribute sediments and nutrients around the land, and increase fish production. However, floods can also disrupt sewage systems, damage habitats, cause severe soil erosion, contaminate water supplies, and disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems
The environmental impacts of flooding vary. Floods can recharge groundwater resources, renew wetlands, distribute sediments and nutrients around the land, and increase fish production. However, floods can also disrupt sewage systems, damage habitats, cause severe soil erosion, contaminate water supplies, and disrupt the natural balance of ecosystems
True or False: Flooding leads to a depletion of tourism, effecting the economy
True
