Chapter 6: Humans in the biosphere 6.2 Using Resources Wisely Mr. M. Varco Saint Joseph High School Soil Resources Healthy soil, called topsoil, is rich in minerals and is used to support agriculture and forestry. Healthy topsoil is produced by long-term interactions between soil and the plants growing on it.
Soil Resources The removal of soil by water or wind is called erosion. In dry climates, a combination of other factors cause farmland to turn into desert, leading to process called desertification: Farming Overgrazing Climate change a
Soil Resources The loss of forests, called deforestation, can also have negative effects on soil quality and cause erosion. While trees are a renewable source, old-growth trees are considered non-renewable. Soil Resources
Soil Resources Soil Resources
Soil Resources Minimizing soil erosion requires careful management of both agriculture and forestry. Selectively harvest mature trees Replant farmland One method to minimize soil erosion involves altering farmland through contour plowing A pollutant is a harmful material that can enter the biosphere. Point source pollution: pollutants entering water supplies from a single source (ex: oil spill) Nonpoint source pollution: pollutants entering water supplies from multiple sources (ex: runoff)
Plane Search Shows World's Oceans Are Full of Trash Search for missing Malaysian plane shines spotlight on giant ocean garbage patches. Laura Parker National Geographic PUBLISHED APRIL 4, 2014
The three primary sources of water pollution are: Industrial and agricultural chemicals Residential sewage Non-point sources Biological Magnification occurs when a pollutant ingested by an organism and collects in its tissues. Pollution concentration increases at higher concentration levels. is
Residential Sewage Nutrient-rich sewage entering water systems result in oxygen-depleted areas called dead-zones.
Water Sustainability A primary key to sustainable water involves protecting the natural systems involved in the water cycle. Water Sustainability Protecting these natural systems is a primary part of watershed conservation. A watershed includes all the land whose groundwater, streams, and rivers drain into the same place (ex: large lake).
There are several methods used to protect our water from pollution: Sewage treatment can prevent dead zones Integrated Pest Management (IPM) instead of pesticides Conservation of water Atmospheric Resources The atmosphere is a common resource whose quality has direct effects on everyone. The most common forms of air pollution are: smog, acid rain, greenhouse gases, and particulates.
Atmospheric Resources Smog: a gray-brown haze formed by chemical reactions among pollutants released into the air by industry or automobiles. One product of these reactions is harmful ozone. Atmospheric Resources
Malaysia Shuts Schools as Choking Smog Worsens AFP - 4 October 2015 Atmospheric Resources
Atmospheric Resources The burning of fossil fuels releases nitrogen and sulfur compounds The combination of these compounds with water vapor in the air result in acidic water vapors that fall as acid rain. Acid rain can damage plant life and stone statues Atmospheric Resources Burning fossil fuels releases stored carbon into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas Although greenhouse gases are necessary, excess greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere resulting in climate change
Atmospheric Resources Particulates: Microscopic particles of ash and dust released by industrial processes.