Physical Systems and Sustainability Flashcards
1
Q
What problem can arise from over-extracting groundwater without proper replenishment?
A
Over-abstraction leads to water shortages.
2
Q
How does low rainfall impact the availability of groundwater when it is being over-extracted?
A
Water is not replenished due to low rainfall.
3
Q
Why is impermeable granite a problem when extracting too much groundwater?
A
Impermeable granite prevents water storage.
4
Q
What happens to soil moisture when precipitation exceeds evapotranspiration?
A
Precipitation > evapotranspiration leads to surplus.
5
Q
What occurs to soil moisture when evapotranspiration is greater than precipitation?
A
Evapotranspiration > precipitation leads to soil moisture use.
6
Q
How does a precipitation deficit affect soil moisture?
A
Soil moisture is depleted during deficit.
7
Q
What is the effect of precipitation on soil moisture during a period of recharge?
A
Precipitation replenishes soil moisture during recharge.
8
Q
How does deforestation for biofuel production affect the carbon cycle?
A
Deforestation reduces carbon sequestration.
9
Q
What impact does land clearing for biofuels have on methane emissions?
A
Land clearing increases methane emissions.
10
Q
How does biofuel production lead to higher levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere?
A
Increased CO₂ released into the atmosphere.
11
Q
What is one impact of an El Niño event on river flow?
A
Reduced rainfall lowers river flow.
12
Q
How does an El Niño event increase the risk of flooding?
A
Increased rainfall raises flood risk.
13
Q
What environmental impact can occur from increasing unconventional oil production?
A
Increases greenhouse gas emissions.
14
Q
How does deforestation related to unconventional oil extraction affect wildlife?
A
Deforestation leads to habitat loss.
15
Q
What environmental issue can arise from oil extraction in unconventional oil production?
A
Water pollution from oil extraction.
16
Q
Why has solar electricity generation grown in some areas more than others?
A
Government prioritization of renewable energy.
17
Q
How has the cost of solar technology affected its growth in electricity generation?
A
Declining costs of solar technology.
18
Q
Why might solar power not grow as quickly in some countries compared to others?
A
Other countries focus on wind power.
19
Q
What local benefit might communities see from the development of onshore wind farms?
A
Local job creation boosts the economy.
20
Q
How does the development of onshore wind farms impact local land value?
A
Land value and rental income increase.
21
Q
What negative effect might property owners near onshore wind farms experience?
A
Noise from turbines reduces property values.
22
Q
What do river regimes indicate in terms of discharge variations over time?
A
Annual variations in river discharge.
23
Q
Why do river regimes vary between different river basins?
A
Climate, geology, basin size.
24
Q
How does climate impact river regimes in a basin?
A
Rainfall amount, temperature, evapotranspiration.
25
How does the type of geology in a basin influence river regimes?
Permeable rocks: steady regime.
26
How does the size of a river basin influence the complexity of its river regime?
Complex regimes due to diverse climates.
27
How does the conversion of greenfields to urban areas increase flood risk?
Reduces infiltration, increases surface runoff.
28
What specific urban changes increase the risk of flooding in certain areas?
Car parks, driveways, impervious surfaces.
29
How do low bridges and wing dikes contribute to flood risk in urban areas?
Impede flow, increase flood risk.
30
How does the deforestation of land increase flood risk through changes in land use?
Reduces interception, increases runoff.
31
What percentage of London is covered by car parks, and how does it impact flood risk?
25 km² or 5%.
32
How does deforestation in Malaysia increase flood risk, and by what percentage?
Increased by 20% due to deforestation.
33
How many cars got stuck under a low pedestrian bridges in the severe 2004 Boscastle flood?
14 cars, which had a damming effect on
34
How much did flood risk increase in India due to deforestation and agricultural land use?
50% increase due to land use.
35
How does economic development influence a country's energy mix and reliance on different resources?
Determines reliance on biomass, fossil fuels.
36
What type of energy is typically used in developing countries, and why?
Biomass and waste (wood, dung).
37
How does energy use change as emerging economies develop and industrialize?
Increased oil use, shift to gas.
38
What energy sources do developed countries typically rely on, and why?
Oil, gas, nuclear, renewable energy.
39
How do physical features of a drainage basin affect the shape of a storm hydrograph?
Basin size, shape, rock type.
40
How does the size of a drainage basin influence the speed of runoff and the shape of a storm hydrograph?
Smaller basins = steeper hydrographs.
41
How do round river drainage basins affect water reaching the river during a storm?
Quicker runoff.
42
How does the drainage density of a basin impact runoff and the shape of a storm hydrograph?
High density = faster runoff.
43
How does the type of rock in a drainage basin influence storm hydrograph characteristics?
Impermeable rocks = quicker runoff.
44
How do different soil types, like clay, affect storm hydrographs in a drainage basin?
Clay soils = faster runoff.
45
How does the topography of a drainage basin affect the runoff and shape of storm hydrographs?
Steep slopes = quicker runoff.
46
How does the amount and type of vegetation in a drainage basin affect storm hydrographs?
Sparse vegetation = quicker runoff.
47
How does antecedent moisture in the soil affect storm hydrographs during rainfall events?
Saturated soils = faster runoff.
48
What are the key geological processes that influence the carbon levels in the atmosphere over long periods?
Volcanic outgassing, chemical weathering.
49
How does volcanic outgassing contribute to the release of carbon into the atmosphere?
CO2 released into atmosphere/ocean.
50
What happens in subduction zones, and how does it release carbon?
Carbon sources are oxidized to CO2.
51
How does the process of chemical weathering of rocks influence atmospheric carbon levels?
Carbonic acid forms carbonates.
52
How is carbon sequestered in the oceans through biological processes?
Marine organisms form carbonates. (e.g. shells,)
53
What is the long-term carbon cycle, and how does it move carbon between different Earth systems?
Moves carbon between rocks, ocean, atmosphere.
54
How do oceans play a role in regulating the composition of the atmosphere in terms of carbon dioxide?
Oceans absorb more CO2 than release.
55
What is the physical pump in the ocean and how does it affect atmospheric CO2 levels?
CO2 diffuses, moves to deep ocean.
56
How does thermohaline circulation in the ocean contribute to the absorption and movement of CO2?
Warm water absorbs CO2, sinks.
57
How does the biological pump in the ocean contribute to carbon sequestration?
Phytoplankton photosynthesis sequesters CO2.
58
How does the solubility pump in the ocean regulate atmospheric carbon by forming carbonates?
CO2 forms carbonates, stores in oceans.
59
How can water conservation strategies help communities cope with the challenges of a changing climate?
Reduces water stress, recycles water.
60
How is agriculture adapting to the challenges posed by climate change, especially in relation to drought?
Drought-resistant crops, GM crops.
61
What is a case study of successful water conservation strategies in a city facing water stress?
Adelaide uses 30% recycled water.
62
How much has the vineyard area in the South Downs increased over the past decade due to climate adaptation?
135% increase in South Downs.
63
What is an example of new flood defenses built in the UK to adapt to increased flood risks?
New defenses built in Cockermouth.
64
How many homes were protected by the new flood defenses in Cockermouth following the 2009 floods?
1,000 homes protected by defenses.
65
Explain how physical factors like water supply and quality affect water insecurity.
Finite supply, salt contamination, climate change.
66
How does the growing demand for water contribute to water insecurity?
Population growth, industrialization, rising living standards.
67
What is water stress, and how is it linked to water insecurity?
Water stress below 1700 m³ per person.
68
What defines water scarcity and how is it related to water insecurity?
Water scarcity below 1200 m³ per person.
69
How does salt contamination contribute to water insecurity?
Rising sea levels cause salt intrusion.
70
How do human activities like industrial pollution affect water quality?
Polluted rivers and lakes, unsafe water.
71
How does climate change exacerbate water insecurity?
Increased drought, unpredictable rainfall patterns.
72
How do short-term climate changes like El Niño events affect water insecurity?
Physical climate events cause water shortages.
73
What human actions contribute to the over-extraction of water resources?
Over-abstraction for agriculture and industry.
74
How does rising demand from emerging economies impact water insecurity?
Increased water use due to growth.
75
How does economic scarcity lead to water insecurity in certain regions?
Poverty limits access to water despite availability.
76
How does the cost of obtaining water impact global water pricing?
Lower costs where supplies are plentiful.
77
Why do areas with low precipitation have higher water prices?
Higher costs for sourcing and treatment.
78
How does investment in infrastructure affect water pricing in cities?
Cities with high infrastructure investment charge more.
79
What is the role of water demand in determining its cost?
Higher demand leads to higher prices.
80
How do government policies affect water pricing in different regions?
Subsidies reduce costs; taxes increase them.
81
How does the privatization of water supply influence pricing?
Private companies increase prices for profit.
82
How does the lack of piped water affect water costs in LHD countries?
People buy from vendors at high prices.
83
Why do water prices in countries like Mumbai, India, remain low?
Subsidized water supply in MHD regions.
84
How does lack of water infrastructure in LHD countries increase costs?
Vendors inflate prices due to middlemen.
85
How do over-abstraction and pollution of water resources lead to water insecurity?
Reduces available clean water supplies.
86
How does industrial pollution impact water insecurity in places like Mexico City?
7000 factories contaminate water courses.
87
What role does agricultural runoff play in water contamination?
Fertilizers and pesticides pollute water.
88
How does rapid urban migration contribute to water insecurity in Mumbai, India?
Shantytowns lack sanitation, causing contamination.
89
How does the water needed for livestock production increase water insecurity?
1kg of meat needs 10x water.
90
How does water management like the Gibe 3 dam affect water security?
Reduces water flow downstream, causing insecurity.
91
How does industrialization increase water demand and affect water security?
Increased demand from factories, agriculture.
92
What is the impact of deforestation on water insecurity?
Reduces precipitation, increases drought risk.
93
How does water insecurity lead to social problems like disease?
Lack of sanitation and clean water.
94
How does water insecurity lead to economic problems in industries?
Reduced productivity due to water shortages.
95
How does water insecurity affect agriculture globally?
Irrigation dependence affects food security.
96
Why is reliable water essential for energy production?
Needed for thermal and hydropower stations.
97
What role does water security play in the health sector?
Lack of water causes widespread disease.
98
How does lack of water affect global health and hygiene?
2.3 billion lack basic hygiene services.
99
How does water insecurity impact child health globally?
446,000 children die from diarrheal diseases.
100
How does water insecurity affect the economy through agriculture?
Irrigated land produces 40% of food.
101
Why is clean water vital for industries like brewing and beverages?
Necessary for production and processing.
102
How does water insecurity affect global economic growth?
Reduces productivity in agriculture, industry, energy.
103
How does water insecurity hinder energy generation?
Low water levels reduce hydroelectric power.
104
How do coral reefs contribute to local economies?
Generate $36 billion in tourism yearly.
105
How do coral reefs provide coastal protection?
Protect coastlines worth $9 billion annually.
106
How does ocean acidification threaten marine food sources?
Reduces marine ecosystems, affecting protein sources.
107
Why do coral reefs matter for tourism in places like the Maldives?
Tourism accounts for 22.7% of GDP.
108
How does the Great Barrier Reef support Australia’s economy?
Generates $5.4 billion annually.
109
How does water insecurity cause social issues in developed countries?
Reduced sanitation leads to health crises.
110
How does ocean health decline affect human wellbeing?
Loss of coastal protection and resources.
111
How does the decline in ocean health affect tourism economies?
Coral reef loss threatens global tourism.
112
How do changes in ocean health increase the risk of natural disasters?
Loss of coral reefs weakens protection.
113
How do changes in salinity levels affect ocean health?
Melting ice causes shifts in ecosystems.
114
How does human activity exacerbate drought risks?
Over-abstraction and deforestation increase droughts.
115
How will climate warming, especially in the Arctic, affect permafrost and greenhouse gases?
Melting permafrost releases greenhouse gases.
116
What is the projected temperature increase in the Arctic by the end of the century?
A 5°C increase is expected.
117
How does melting snow in the Arctic impact albedo and the absorption of solar energy?
Lower albedo increases solar energy absorption.
118
How does increased vegetation create a positive feedback loop, amplifying climate warming?
Increased vegetation amplifies warming via albedo.
119
Which greenhouse gases are released from peat as a result of Arctic warming?
Methane, CO2, and nitrous oxide.
120
How does increased vegetation affect photosynthesis and potentially strengthen carbon sinks?
Increases photosynthesis, may strengthen carbon sinks.
121
How do oceans act as a critical component in regulating the global carbon cycle?
Oceans store carbon and absorb CO2.
122
How does the biological pump contribute to carbon storage in the ocean?
Transfers carbon from surface to deep ocean.
123
How much carbon is stored in the oceans, making them a major carbon sink?
Oceans store approximately 38,000 GtC.
124
How does climate change, particularly warming, affect the oceans' ability to absorb CO2?
Warming reduces oceans' CO2 absorption capacity.
125
How do physical factors like climate and geology contribute to water stress in regions?
Climate, precipitation, and geology impact water stress.
126
How does climate, particularly in arid regions, affect water stress levels?
Lack of precipitation worsens water stress.
127
How do uneven precipitation patterns contribute to water stress in different regions?
Uneven rainfall distribution increases water stress.
128
How does the availability of groundwater resources impact water stress in certain areas?
Groundwater availability influences long-term water supply.
129
How is climate change expected to worsen water stress in countries like Pakistan?
Climate change exacerbates water stress globally.
130
How can renewable energy contribute to mitigating climate change and reducing carbon emissions?
Reduces emissions, helping balance carbon cycle.
131
What percentage of CO2 emissions reductions could renewable energy sources contribute by 2040?
Renewables could contribute 36% by 2040.
132
What share of global new electricity capacity is accounted for by solar photovoltaics (PV)?
Solar accounts for two-thirds of capacity.
133
Why are there concerns about biofuels being truly carbon neutral?
Biofuels may impact food supply.
134
How much has energy efficiency contributed to reducing CO2 emissions since 2000?
Energy efficiency reduced CO2 by 12%.
135
How do greenhouse gases influence the hydrological cycle and precipitation patterns?
Affect temperature, evaporation, and precipitation.
136
How does global warming influence evaporation rates and precipitation patterns?
Increases evaporation, leading to intense rainfall.
137
How does Arctic warming affect the amount of precipitation in the region?
Arctic warming increases regional precipitation.
138
How has glacier melt in Alaska affected river flow and runoff?
Glacier melt contributes 17% of runoff.
139
How has drought in Spain been influenced by decreasing rainfall over the past decades?
Annual rainfall decreased by 10%.
140
How do Saudi Arabia’s vast oil reserves contribute to its energy security?
Large oil reserves ensure energy security.
141
How does the UK’s reliance on energy imports affect its energy security?
UK imports 35% of energy needs.
142
How has the USA achieved energy security despite importing 13% of its energy?
Reduces energy intensity, relies on fracking.
143
How does Norway maintain energy security through renewable sources like hydropower?
45% energy from renewables, mainly hydropower.
144
How does urbanization affect storm hydrographs in terms of runoff and peak discharge?
Urbanization increases runoff and peak discharge.
145
How do forests and dams modify the shape of storm hydrographs?
Dams reduce peak discharge, increase lag time.
146
How does growing demand for energy modify the carbon cycle?
Energy demand increases carbon emissions and deforestation.
147
What role do biofuels play in the carbon cycle?
Biofuels can reduce emissions; deforestation impacts.
148
What human factors modify the carbon cycle?
Burning fossil fuels, land-use changes, ocean chemistry.
149
How does fossil fuel use affect the carbon cycle?
Fossil fuels dominate energy; increase emissions.
150
How does economic growth influence energy demand?
Economic growth prioritizes energy, increases fossil fuels.
151
Why is energy extraction critical to the carbon cycle?
Energy extraction methods emit significant carbon emissions.
152
What challenges exist in reducing energy demand?
Global reliance on fossil fuels hinders change.
153
How does deforestation relate to energy demand?
Deforestation, like biofuels, impacts carbon balance.
154
How do emerging economies impact fossil fuel demand?
Emerging economies increase fossil fuel use rapidly.
155
How do oil and coal influence energy demand?
Oil drives transport, coal powers electricity.
156
What is the challenge in reducing energy consumption?
Energy prices remain low; demand continues rising.
157
What is the key advantage of mitigation strategies?
Mitigation prevents long-term carbon cycle risks.
158
Why are mitigation strategies important globally?
Mitigation stabilizes carbon emissions, reduces feedback loops.
159
What challenge exists with global mitigation strategies?
Difficult to implement; global agreements often fail.
160
How do mitigation strategies affect the economy?
Mitigation provides long-term economic benefits despite costs.
161
What are the limitations of adaptation strategies?
Adaptation doesn't address root carbon cycle causes.
162
Why are adaptation strategies crucial for poorer nations?
Adaptation provides immediate relief but isn't long-term.
163
How do adaptation strategies deal with climate change?
Adaptation responds to current climate impacts, short-term.
164
What are the drawbacks of adaptation strategies?
Adaptation needs continual investment; doesn't solve causes.
165
Why is adaptation necessary in developing countries?
Adaptation addresses immediate climate threats locally.
166
Why is mitigation difficult globally?
Mitigation requires binding global agreements, challenging enforcement.
167
What is the risk of ignoring mitigation strategies?
Without mitigation, global temperatures exceed 2°C.
168
How do large-scale water projects benefit people?
Water management reduces flood risk, aids development.
169
What are some problems caused by mega dams?
Displacement, ecosystem disruption, river hydrology changes.
170
How do water transfer schemes impact ecosystems?
Water transfers alter water quality, create conflicts.
171
What positive outcomes can come from mega dams?
Hydroelectric power boosts development, foreign revenue.
172
What challenges exist with large-scale water projects?
Power imbalances complicate treaties, water sharing.
173
How do water treaties help water conflicts?
Water treaties mitigate conflict, share resources.
174
Why are large water projects controversial?
Environmental impacts often outweigh human benefits.
175
How do mega dams affect local communities?
They displace people, cause social conflicts.
176
How do water treaties address trans-boundary conflicts?
Water treaties ensure equitable resource sharing.
177
How do mega dams disrupt ecosystems?
Mega dams disrupt hydrology, wildlife habitats.
178
What example shows the benefits of mega dams?
Three Gorges Dam aids regional development, electricity.
179
How do water treaties help environmental problems?
Treaties manage resources but face limitations.
180
How many people were displaced by the Three Gorges Dam?
1.2 million people displaced.
181
How much land was flooded by the Three Gorges Dam?
632 km² flooded.
182
How much electricity does the Three Gorges Dam generate?
22,500 MW of electricity generated.
183
How many people does the Colorado River provide water to?
40 million people served.
184
How many acres of farmland are irrigated by the Colorado River?
2 million acres irrigated.
185
How much water is diverted by the Colorado River annually?
1.5 million acre-feet diverted annually.
186
How many people were displaced by the Gibe III Dam in Ethiopia?
200,000 people displaced.
187
How much area is irrigated by the Snowy Mountains Scheme?
100,000 hectares irrigated.
188
How much water is provided annually by the Snowy Mountains Scheme?
1.1 million acre-feet annually.
189
How much water is diverted by the Aral Sea transfer scheme?
50 cubic kilometers diverted annually.
190
How much of the Aral Sea has shrunk?
Shrunk by 75%.
191
How much do desalination plants cost in the Middle East?
$1 billion per plant.
192
How much water do desalination plants produce annually?
3 billion cubic meters produced.
193
What is the size of the Colorado River Basin?
637,000 km².
194
How much water does Mexico use from the Colorado River annually?
1.5 million acre-feet used.
195
How much forest has Indonesia lost due to biofuel production?
3 million hectares of forest.
196
How does biofuel production impact carbon emissions in Indonesia?
Increases carbon emissions significantly.
197
How many hectares of land are affected by the Aral Sea water management project?
6 million hectares affected.
198
How many people were affected by the Gibe III Dam's hydropower production?
200,000 people affected by hydropower.
199
How much water does the Colorado River Basin provide to Mexico?
1.5 million acre-feet provided annually.
200
How does fossil fuel combustion affect the carbon cycle?
Alters carbon pathways, affects climate and ecosystems.
201
How do changes in the carbon cycle impact ecosystem productivity?
Soil degradation reduces food security, especially in poorer regions.
202
How does ocean acidification affect marine life?
Threatens coral reefs, fisheries, and ecosystem services.
203
What is the value of coral reefs for Pacific island protection?
US$9 billion annually for shoreline protection.
204
How does deforestation affect soil health?
Reduces carbon storage, leading to soil degradation.
205
How much has tropical Africa lost in terms of forest cover?
Nigeria lost over 90% of its primary forests.
206
How does climate change affect water cycle processes?
Alters precipitation, evaporation, snowmelt, and runoff.
207
What is the impact of climate change on snow and glacier mass?
Leads to reduction in glacier mass and water storage.
208
How does climate change affect flood and drought frequency?
Increases both flood and drought risks.
209
How does the hydrological cycle impact water security in developing countries?
Increases uncertainty, making water supplies less reliable.
210
How do high-income countries adapt to water cycle changes?
They develop water storage, transfers, and conservation systems.
211
How does urbanization increase flood risk?
Reduces infiltration and increases surface runoff.
212
How much of London’s area is car parks, increasing flood risk?
25 km², nearly 5% of London.
213
How does deforestation in Malaysia increase surface runoff?
Increases flood risk by 20%.
214
How does overgrazing in India increase flood risk?
Increases flood risk by over 50%.
215
What role does land drainage play in increasing flood risk?
Channeling water leads to faster runoff, increasing peak discharge.
216
Why do water conflicts persist despite treaties like the Mekong River Commission?
Upstream countries control water and often don’t sign treaties.
217
How does the US-Mexico water treaty affect water allocation?
Guarantees annual flows of water, but groundwater issues remain.
218
Why do some water treaties fail?
Due to geopolitical tension and power imbalances.
219
Which treaty succeeded in reducing water conflict between India and Pakistan?
The Indus Water Treaty (1960).
220
How does the EU Water Framework Directive reduce water conflicts?
Involves all parties in river basin planning.
221
How does deforestation impact the biological carbon cycle?
Reduces photosynthesis and carbon sequestration.
222
How much CO2 have humans released into the atmosphere since 1850?
2500 billion tonnes.
223
How does human activity impact ocean temperatures and acidification?
CO2 emissions raise temperatures and decrease pH.
224
What percentage of Earth's carbon is stored in the lithosphere?
99% of Earth's carbon.
225
How much more CO2 do humans release compared to volcanoes?
Human emissions are 100 times greater.
226
How does human activity accelerate the long-term geological carbon cycle?
By burning fossil fuels and deforestation, speeding up weathering.
227
How does warmer climate affect geological weathering?
Increases weathering and CO2 absorption from rocks.
228
How do human activities compare to geological processes in impacting the carbon cycle?
Humans have a greater impact on biological processes.
229
How much faster do human activities affect the carbon cycle compared to natural geological processes?
Humans are 100 times more effective than volcanic emissions.
