Forestry
Describe clearcutting and why it has been done in the past.
Clearcutting is the practice of cutting down all the trees in a given area at once, usually for lumber or to clear land for other uses. It was used in the past because it is easier and more efficient to log an entire area.
What is the main environmental impact of acid mine drainage?
It lowers the pH of water bodies, making toxic metals more soluble and harmful to aquatic life.
What is one consequence of urbanization on groundwater recharge?
Urbanization prevents groundwater recharge by replacing permeable surfaces with impervious surfaces.
Define maximum sustainable yield.
Maximum sustainable yield is the largest amount of a renewable resource that can be harvested without depleting it for future use.
What is the purpose of contour plowing?
Contour plowing prevents soil erosion by plowing along the contours of the land, reducing water runoff.
What are two direct effects of clearcutting on the environment?
Increased soil erosion and elevated stream temperatures.
What is surface mining, and how does it impact the environment?
Surface mining involves removing overburden to access ore, leading to habitat loss, soil erosion, and increased stream turbidity.
How does urban sprawl affect city tax revenues?
It decreases tax revenues as fewer residents lead to reduced city services and investment.
What role does biodiversity play in sustainability?
Higher biodiversity contributes to healthier ecosystems, enabling resilience against environmental changes.
Describe two soil conservation strategies to prevent erosion.
Windbreaks using trees to block wind, no-till farming to maintain soil structure and moisture, strip cropping, terracing, perennial crops
How does clearcutting contribute to climate change?
It releases stored carbon dioxide when trees are cut down and burned, increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
What is the purpose of mine reclamation?
Mine reclamation aims to restore the land to its original state after mining activities have concluded.
What is saltwater intrusion, and how is it related to urbanization?
Saltwater intrusion occurs when excessive groundwater withdrawal allows saltwater to seep into freshwater supplies, exacerbated by urban population growth.
Explain one environmental consequence to sustainability related to human population.
Increasing human population can indicate resource depletion, as more people lead to higher consumption and environmental strain.
What is the tragedy of the commons in relation to agriculture? Give examples.
It refers to the overuse of shared agricultural resources leading to degradation, such as overgrazing or excessive water use.
Describe the impact of tree plantations on biodiversity.
Tree plantations lower biodiversity by replacing diverse forests with single-species forests, reducing habitat variety and resilience.
Describe one risk associated with subsurface mining.
Poor ventilation can lead to toxic gas exposure, posing serious health risks to workers; explosions, collapses
Describe one possible solution to mitigate urban sprawl.
Establishing urban growth boundaries can prevent development beyond a certain area, promoting denser, more sustainable urban planning.
How does renewable energy usage affect ecological footprints?
Renewable energy reduces reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing carbon emissions and overall ecological footprints.
How does crop rotation improve soil fertility?
Crop rotation allows soil to recover nutrients that specific crops deplete, enhancing overall soil health.
Explain how clearcutting affects soil's water-holding capacity.
Loss of tree roots decreases soil structure, leading to erosion and reduced organic matter, which diminishes the soil's ability to retain water.
Explain the concept of tailings and their environmental implications.
Tailings are leftover materials from mining that can pollute local water sources and disrupt ecosystems if not managed properly.
What are mixed land uses, and how do they benefit urban areas? (Give a local example)
Mixed land uses combine residential, business, and entertainment spaces, promoting walkability and reducing the need for cars. Kendall Yards, Riverstone in CDA
What is the significance of ecosystem services provided by forests? Be specific.
Forests provide critical services, such as air purification and carbon sequestration, which are essential for environmental health and climate regulation.
Explain the concept of green manure in sustainable agriculture.
Green manure involves planting cover crops that are left to decompose on the field, adding nutrients and preventing erosion.