Caie Igcse Evm 0680 Theory v1
Caie Igcse Evm 0680 Theory v1
Caie Igcse Evm 0680 Theory v1
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Using satellites saves time and costs less. The vegetation is cleared and topsoil removed.
Geochemical analysis: analysing the chemical
properties of
rocks (by taking samples).
The samples can be taken from stream sediments,
soil or rocks
(using shallow drilling).
The location of the sample points can be accurately
found
using the Global Positioning System (GPS).
Geophysics: method to identify mineral ores present in
rocks
using their physical properties.
A series of vibrations (seismic waves) are sent through
the
Earth’s surface.
Several sensors are placed at different distances from
the
source of vibrations on the surface.
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Improvements to services, like healthcare and These nature reserves become valuable green spaces for
education; human
recreation and help in maintaining biodiversity.
These services can be helpful for miners and their If the rock lining the hole (created by the extraction) is
families
too; non-toxic
and impervious to water, it can be filled with
Investing in infrastructure projects can help the water to form a
reservoir or lake.
country in
building more well-designed communities. It is used for irrigating farmland or processed to provide
clean,
safe drinking water for humans.
1.4. Managing the impact of rock and Using as landfill sites:
Landfilling: the waste is tipped into a hole; from time to
mineral extraction time
it is levelled off and compacted.
Sanitary landfilling: As in landfilling, the waste is used to
Safe disposal of mining waste: fill the hole, but alternating layers of waste and sand are
Mine waste must be stored to prevent collapse. used.
Site of the mine must prevent the chances of water
pollution.
The waste must be monitored to detect any movement or
1.5. Sustainable use of rocks and
further
pollution. minerals
Land restoration:
Soil improvement: Sustainable resource: a resource that can be continuously
After (sanitary) landfilling, mine waste can be covered replenished e.g. agriculture, forestry, etc.
by a
layer of soil, that can be enriched with fertilisers. Sustainable development: development that meets the
needs of the
present, without compromising the ability of
future generations to
meet their own needs.
Strategies for the sustainable use of rocks and minerals:
Increasing the efficiency of the extraction of rocks and
minerals:
Mine wastes must be processed for the second time.
Tree planting: This allows the valuable minerals to be recovered and
After improving the soil fertility, plants and trees can reduces
the risk of pollution due to mine waste.
be
grown in that area, helping an ecosystem to be Chemical treatment of the waste and biological
reborn. treatment
(using microorganisms) extracts much of
Bioremediation: a process of removing pollutants from the valuable mineral
still within it.
waste
using living organisms. Improvements in the performance of the machines
In situ treatment: treatment of contaminated waste used in mining
and processing.
where it’s
left. Greater use of data analysis by computers (to predict
Ex situ treatment: removal of contaminated waste from a geological conditions).
site to
a treatment plant. Increasing the efficiency of the use of rocks and minerals:
Often happens slowly (can be sped up by providing Engineering solutions e.g. design steel beams with
oxygen and
nitrogen). same
strength but using less steel.
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Oil and natural gas: formed from sea creatures. Non-renewable Renewable
Formation of coal: Fossil fuels (coal, oil and
Huge forests grew millions of years ago covering most Geothermal power
natural gas)
of the
Earth.
Nuclear power (using
Hydro-electric power
uranium)
Tidal power
Wave power
Wind power
Solar power
Biofuels e.g. bioethanol,
biogas and wood
The heat and pressure turn the remains into crude oil
and natural
gas.
They separate and rise through the sandstone, filling
in the pores.
The rock above the oil and gas is impervious (non- These produce a massive amount of energy during
porous). combustion
that is used to heat water and convert it
So, they get trapped underneath it. into steam, which
thereby drives the turbines.
Nuclear power:
2.2. Energy resources and the Uranium, a radioactive element, releases huge
amounts of
energy when nuclear fission (splitting of
generation of electricity the atom) occurs.
This energy is used to heat the water, produce steam,
The demand for energy is increasing worldwide due to: and
rotate the turbines.
Increasing population size. Geothermal power:
Increasing industrialisation and urbanisation.
Improvements in standards of living and expectations.
Types of energy sources:
Non-renewable Renewable
Can be used over and over
Limited
again
Take millions of years to get Can be replenished in a short
replenished period of time
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Wind turbines have shafts (blades) that rotate due to Uses a dam on a river to store water in a reservoir.
wind. Water is released from the reservoir that flows
Gearbox maximises the rotation of the shaft. through the
turbine, rotating it.
Brakes slow down or stop the rotor in very windy The turbine then activates a generator that generates
conditions,
preventing damage to the blade. electricity.
As the turbine rotates, the generator produces Advantages and disadvantages of:
electricity. Fossil fuels:
Solar power:
Advantages Disadvantages
Carbon dioxide and toxic
gases are released when
Plentiful supply;
burnt contributes to global
warming;
Provides job opportunities
Damages local area;
(mining and processing);
The technology used is well-
Limited supply (non-
known and the methods of
renewable).
extraction are well-practised.
Biofuels:
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areas with a
favourable climate and are then
Reducing the amount of energy used to heat a
transported.
building.
In both the scenarios (glasshouse operation and
transport),
the energy cost is significant.
Industrial demand:
Manufacturing requires the use of large amounts of
energy throughout
the production e.g. iron and steel
production.
Advanced manufacturing techniques made the products,
that were once
luxury items, cheaper.
So, more people want to buy them.
The demand for the product increases.
The demand for energy (needed for production) also
increases.
Transport:
Manufacturers supply customers across the globe. Insulation: constructing using material with good
This decreases production costs in countries that import, insulation properties prevents loss of heat.
but
increases the transport costs as they require large Loft insulation: adding an insulation layer into the roof
amounts of
fossil fuels to operate. space.
Personal and national wealth: Underfloor insulation: adding an insulation layer on
If economic conditions are good: the
floor e.g. carpet.
Higher employment; Cavity wall insulation: a gap between inside and
More money to spend on luxury items; outside
walls is filled with an insulating material,
Increase in demand for the product; causing the heat
to pass through more slowly.
Increase in demand for energy (for production). Double glazing: two panes of glass with a gap in the
If economic conditions are poor: middle to act as an insulator.
Families have less money to spend on luxury items; This sealed gap is usually filled with air or an inert gas
Need to make savings; e.g. argon.
Reduce the use of fuel; Triple glazing can also be used, but it is too expensive.
Reduce the purchase and use of electrical items; Electrical devices must be turned off when not in use.
Decrease in the demand for energy. Devices can be left in ‘standby’ mode and can be
Decline in the economy of one country can have a global accessed
rapidly.
impact. More energy-efficient devices must be bought.
Reduction in the economy of China meant a worldwide: Developing alternative fuels for vehicles and further
Reduction in production of steel. development in engine technology.
Decrease in the amount of manufactured goods
(transported by
ships).
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Advantages Disadvantages
Waste from burning (ash) is
Produces poisonous gases
small in volume. Thus, it This is a reliable source for industry and households
during combustion.
doesn’t take up much space. and
reduces the amount of fossil fuels used.
Transport policies:
Vegetable oils, once used, should be disposed; Regulations regarding the quality of exhaust gases
These oils can be collected and recycled into biofuels from
vehicles;
suitable
for running vehicles; Check on the fuel efficiency;
It can be used exclusively or as an additive. Restrictions on where vehicles may go;
Taxation on fuels;
Education: Surcharges for travelling to certain places at peak
Benefits of the technology must be communicated to times;
others; Improving public transport so it is easier and cheaper
Promote new ways of thinking; than
using cars;
The message must be that significant savings in Improving routes for cyclists and pedestrians;
energy bills
can be made over the longer term, Encouraging car-sharing;
reducing energy use; Restricting when cars can be used e.g. odd even rule
Energy-efficiency ratings must be provided for new in Delhi;
products to
compare with the old ones. Providing incentives to buy more fuel-efficient
Laws passed by the government to make changes vehicles and
for vehicles using cleaner technology.
rapidly: Development of new resources:
Stricter building regulations: new constructions must Fracking: obtaining oil or gas from shale rock by splitting
be
more energy efficient. them
open using water, sand and chemicals.
Preventing the sales of inefficient types of electrical A vertical hole (2-3 km deep) is drilled to reach the fuel-
devices. rich
rocks (shale rocks).
Incentives to encourage the purchase of more
efficient
technologies:
Insulating older houses that are energy efficient;
Replacing older, inefficient electrical devices;
Scrapping older, inefficient cars, that emit more
pollutants.
Exploiting existing energy resources:
The type of energy source used depends on social,
environmental and economic factors.
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This causes the rock to fracture, releasing oil and natural Organism or habitat Impact of oil
gas,
which are forced back to the surface and collected. Organisms in shallow water and
Purpose of the three components: rock pools may die due to toxic
Water: easy to handle (in high pressure).
effects of the oil;
Chemicals: stop the blockage of pipes.
Animal food sources and tourism
Sand: keeps the cracks in the rock open.
are affected.
Advantages Disadvantages
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Element Supplied as
3. Agriculture and the Nitrogen Nitrate ions (NO3-)
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Type Advantages Disadvantages Pest: an animal that attacks or feeds upon a crop plant.
Pesticide: used to control pests.
Organic Uses natural resources Unpleasant to handle
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Weed control: weed-killing chemicals are known as Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO): the DNA of one
herbicides. organism is
inserted into another.
They must be controlled because they:
Compete with crops for light, water and nutrients; Advantages Disadvantages
Reduce the quality of a seed or grain crop; Unknown impact of the new
Disease and pest-resistance
Might be poisonous; characteristics on human
may increase
Make cultivation difficult; health
Can block drainage systems with excessive growth; Nutritional value may
Can be a source of pests and diseases; Products are not natural
increase
Can look untidy (impact on tourism areas).
Genes might get into wild
Advantages of herbicides:
Crops can be grown in plants if they interbreed with
Easier to manage;
inhospitable areas GMOs spanreducing/<؞
Alternatives may be less effective;
biodiversity
Cheaper;
Results are more predictable; Herbicide resistance may
Reduction in the gene pool
Less labour needed; increase
Effect is more rapid. Crops with longer storage
Alternatives to herbicides are cultural controls: lives
Hand weeding and hoeing;
Weed barriers; Controlled environments:
Flame guns. Greenhouse: used to manage the environment for plant
A crop disease is caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses growth.
(pathogens).
The most common are fungal diseases and are Growth
How to increase How to Decrease
controlled by
fungicides. factor
Insect control: insect-controlling chemicals are called Operate
insecticides. temperature heating system (e.g. Open roof ventilators.
Alternative to insecticides: insulation).
Supplementary Shading material in the
biological control: find natural light
lighting. roof.
predators
humidity Misting units. Open roof ventilators.
ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
Supplementary Shading material and
Not as instant as day length
No chemical residues; lighting. curtains.
chemical control;
Drainage material
Pests may breed faster water Sprinkler or irrigation.
No impact of sprays; underneath.
than the predator;
Predator may feed on an
No need of reapplication; 3.5. Impact of agriculture
unintended plant.
The predators will die naturally
Overuse of herbicides and insecticides:
when the pests are controlled.
Regular use of one insecticide can cause resistance
within the
pest population. Solution: use a range of
Mechanisation:
different
pesticides.
Larger area can be cultivated; Unintended environmental damage: beneficial insects
Reduces labour cost;
like
bees are also affected and food web is disturbed.
Ploughing can be done even when soil is heavy Spray drift: herbicides stay longer in the soil and may
Additional attachments can be done to apply
affect the next crop.
fertilisers and
pesticides.
Selective breeding: Heavy rainfall can cause leaching of the chemicals into
Choose parents that exhibit the desired nearby
lakes.
characteristics of the
species;
Raise the offspring from these parents; Overuse of fertilisers:
Select the best offspring that shows the desired Addition of extra mineral nutrients is waste of money and
characteristics; resources
if the soil has reached its maximum level;
Repeat the process. Heavy rain can dissolve the nutrients and cause leaching;
Examples: beef cattle, dairy cattle, wheat and rice. Excess water containing dissolved fertilisers drain into
Drawbacks: slow process; less success rate. nearby
lakes and rivers, leading to eutrophication;
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Nitrates from fertilisers if consumed can cause diseases Causes of soil erosion:
such as
blue-baby syndrome; Removal of natural vegetation: no more roots to bind
Large quantities can affect the pH of the soil and in turn, the soil
together or slow down the torrents of water,
the
availability of minerals; so flash flooding and
rainwater run-off pick the soil
Too much of trace elements can be toxic to the plant. and carry it away.
Too much fertiliser dehydrates the plant (scorching); Overcultivation: ploughing breaks the soil into smaller
Imbalance of nutrient makes the plant produce lots of and
lighter particles. These are more easily carried
foliage, but
no flower. away by wind.
Solution: strict limits on where, when and how the Overgrazing: livestock reduces the vegetation to
fertilisers
must be applied; can replace with organic nearly ground
level, sometimes leaving no roots to
fertilisers. hold the soil.
Mismanagement of irrigation causing salinization and Animals trample down the plants and their hoofs
water
logging: compact the ground.
Damage to soil structure ؞soil is
compacted;
Death of plant roots as waterlogged soils prevent plant Wind erosion: deforestation (due to need for space,
roots from
getting enough oxygen; excessive
grazing, increase in development of arable
Loss of nutrients as they are dissolved and washed away crops) increases the
chance of soil getting eroded by
with water; wind.
High levels of run off ؞soil erosion. Water erosion: heavy rainfall carries the particles away.
Soil capping: surface of the soil becomes hard. Excess run-off water that can’t be absorbed by soil
Salinization: salt content of the soil can increase. transports the
soil from that area;
Soil compaction reduces infiltration;
Irrigation water soaks into the soil to a great depth; Gully erosion (volume of water erodes local soil
Salts dissolve in the water at a great depth; further) forms
deeper and deeper crevices.
Water evaporates from the field; Impacts of soil erosion:
Water and salts are drawn up to the surface; Topsoil is removed: the most productive layer is
Salt remains at the surface and kills plant roots. absent (subsoil
lacks in nutrients ad air spaces).
Organisms living in the topsoil lose their habitat:
Prevents soil cultivation as it’s difficult to cultivate soil impact on
the entire ecosystem.
with a
high-water content. Silting up of water courses: flooding occurs as water
Overproduction and waste: bodies
can’t hold excess water (space taken up by silt).
Waste from overproduction: the unsold proportion of the Silt deposits can form lagoons: providing breeding
crop. grounds for
mosquitoes.
Waste of storage space: may take longer to sell a crop; Silt affects the quality and availability of water for
some
crops need special conditions. drinking.
Waste of transportation: to sell a crop, a farmer may need Aquatic organisms are buried under the silty layer:
to
travel longer distances. preventing
light from reaching the underwater plants
Waste of quality products: low quality means less (low oxygen levels in
ecosystem no photosynthesis).
demand. Desertification: the process by which fertile land
Waste of labour: not an efficient use of time and labour if becomes
desert.
too
much is produced. Severe droughts lead to migration of the whole
community.
Exhaustion of mineral ion content:
Risk of famine and malnutrition, leading to lesser
The farmers use the soil over and over again with little
food source.
to no
rest which leaves the soil depleted of nutrients
and minerals.
Solution: crop rotation, mixed cropping and leaving 3.7. Managing soil erosion
the land
fallow.
Soil erosion: Terracing: prevents the erosion of soil by rainwater on
Overcultivation: soils that are cultivated regularly lose steep
slopes.
soil structure and are more vulnerable to erosion as
they break
down to smaller particles.
Cash crops replacing food crops:
Most commercial farmers prefer to grow crops that
generate more
cash. This causes a decline in the
staple food available.
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Through-flow: downslope movement of water through Permeable rocks outcropping on the surface receive new
the soil,
roughly parallel to the ground surface. supplies of
rainwater;
Water is stored in the limestone and sandstone (porous)
rocks below
the water table;
Mechanical pumps, or human labour are used to raise
water to the
surface.
Artesian aquifer: an aquifer in which the water is
under
pressure.
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pH: measured by acidity or alkalinity. Primary treatment, first settling tank: solid organic
matter,
mainly human waste, settles at the bottom of the
tank (sludge),
which is treated in a sludge-digester.
Clean water then overflows the sides of the tank and
is taken
to the next stage.
Secondary treatment, oxidation: water is pumped into a
tank
where oxygen is bubbled through it.
This encourages the growth of bacteria and other
microbes that
break down organic matter, which
cause BOD.
Secondary treatment, second settling tank: water enters,
Ranges from very acidic, 1, to very alkaline, 14. where
bacteria settle to the bottom, forming more
7 is neutral. sludge.
The effect of acid rain on organisms in rivers and lakes: This cleaner water overflows the sides of the tank as
Lower pH makes the environment intolerable for aquatic effluent, usually discharged into a river.
life; Sludge digester: oxygen-free conditions are created that
Fish egg-laying is reduced, and young fish are malformed; encourage the growth of bacteria which can break down
Leaching of heavy metals such as aluminum, lead and the sludge,
releasing methane, that can be burnt.
mercury from the
soil into the water; Treated sludge can be dried in sludge lagoons and
Aluminum clogs fish gills and causes suffocation; used as
organic fertiliser on farmland.
Minerals essential for life, notably calcium and potassium, Tertiary treatment: further filtering out of its effluent or
are
washed out of the lake or river, reducing algae growth its
chlorination which produces even cleaner effluent that
and leaving
less food for fish and other animals. protects the
habitat in which it is released.
Nutrient enrichment leading to eutrophication: Water treatment: Water is made potable by undergoing
Increase in nutrients, such as nitrates and phosphates, in coagulation
treatment, being filtered and disinfected.
a water
body causes algae bloom (rapid growth of algae).
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a reduction in
pollution. Hands should be washed after contact with any faecal
material;
4.10. Managing water-related disease Boiling water and chlorination
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Dredge net
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Solution: Use pole and line method for catching the tuna. declaring the size of
their catch and not being
Done
right, this method is highly selective with very little checked;
or no
bycatch. Usage of net with an illegally small mesh size, and in
Quotas: areas
where patrols are inadequate;
Legislators e.g. government set limits on how many Fishers frequently trespass in areas where they are
and what type of
fish can be caught; not
supposed to fish.
The limits are set according to the information
gathered from
networks across the world about fish
populations; 6. Managing natural hazards
These limits ensure enough fish are left to reproduce
and replenish
the fishery for the following season. 6.1. Earthquakes and volcanoes
Closed seasons:
Governments and other legislation bodies can pass The structure of the Earth:
laws that can
close fisheries down for part of the year,
most commonly in the
breeding season.
Protected areas and reserves: some fisheries are
protected by
preventing fishing in certain areas, often
where the target species
is known to breed.
International agreements (implementing and
monitoring):
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and
Management Act:
Main law governing marine fisheries in the USA;
It aims to control the country’s terrestrial waters,
conserve
fishery resources, enforce international
fishing agreements,
develop underused fisheries
and protect fish habitats.
Economic exclusion zone:
Every country with a coastline has a zone of 200
nautical
miles around it inside which the country
responsible must
attempt to manage its fisheries so
that they’re sustainable.
International agreements: needed to regulate fisheries in
international waters, leading to the UN Convention on the
Temp
Law of the
Sea (UNCLOS). Layer State Material
(⁰C)
Such an agreement is needed in the Mediterranean
Solid (intense
where a 200
nautical mile exclusion zone has no INNER 5000 –
meaning. pressure from Iron and nickel.
CORE 6000
Monitoring: a model system is operated by the African
overlying rocks).
country of
Namibia. OUTER 4000 –
Liquid. Iron and nickel.
Larger vessels in its waters have onboard observers CORE 5000
and air
patrols detect and deter unlicensed vessels; Liquid (flows slowly
1000 – Mainly silicate
All landings are monitored at the country’s two fishing MANTLE due to conventional
1200 minerals.
ports; currents from core).
In addition, all vessels in the exclusion zone must
keep daily
logs of their catches. Tectonic plate: a piece of lithosphere that moves slowly. It
Effectiveness of these strategies: is
made of crust and upper mantle.
Because of the vastness of the oceans, it is difficult to Where the convention currents rise to the surface, the
monitor fishery laws and agreements; plates move away from each other (and vice-versa).
Monitoring organisations based in ports have more Plate boundaries: where two or more plates meet.
success;
Due to fishing being important for both income and
food for
many people, there is a huge incentive for
illegal activities;
Quotas can easily be avoided by simply not declaring
how many
fish are being caught;
Overstretched authorities may not be able to check
every boat,
and fishers may be willing to risk under-
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Physical cause impact (refer to Section 5.2 World Fisheries; El Niño Southern
The more saturated the soil is Oscillation (ENSO))
(before the rainfall), lesser Effect of climate change:
saturated soil Warmer worldwide temperatures cause the rainfall to
infiltration and more overland
decrease
in some parts of the world, leading to
flow.
drought.
Flooding of low-lying coastal
storm surges, tsunamis
areas.
6.5. The impacts of natural hazards
Human cause IMPACT
Impacts of tectonic events:
Deforestation Reduces interception and infiltration. Damage to buildings and infrastructure;
Ploughing down rather than across Fires from ruptures of gas pipes;
Cultivation
slopes increases the water flow. Tsunamis hit coastlines;
Concrete and tarmac are impermeable Landslides cover buildings and roads;
Urbanisation surfaces (no infiltration spanhigh/<؞ Destruction of farmland, leading to starvation;
.)overland flow Loss of wildlife habitats;
Global warming may lead to rise in sea Water-related diseases because victims are in temporary
Climate change accommodation with no sanitation or clean water;
levels and more rainfall in some areas.
Water is also contaminated by broken sewage pipes
or untreated
sewage.
6.4. Drought Loss of life;
Trauma, poor mental health;
Causes of drought: Financial losses when repairing the damage.
Lack of rain caused by prolonged high pressure: Impacts of tropical cyclones:
Air in a high-pressure system sinks and doesn’t form Flooding from storm surges and heavy rainfall;
rain
clouds. Loss of life;
Effect of El Niño Southern Oscillation and La Niña: Damage to buildings and infrastructure;
El Niño causes the surface water in the Pacific Ocean Disruption of electricity, transport and water supply;
along
South America to be warmer. Water-borne diseases;
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Preparation and protection: After a volcanic eruption, fertile soils are created that
produce
high crop yields.
The scenery can be spectacular;
Geothermal energy can be obtained easily;
Possibility of mining minerals such as sulfur, diamonds
and gold.
Living near rivers may provide a source of food, water for
drinking
and irrigation.
Communications may be easier;
Flat land on either side is available for building on.
Hard engineering projects (levees, flood barriers and 7. The atmosphere and
dams);
Soft engineering projects (afforestation and storage human activities
basins);
Increasing the river channel (clearing vegetation);
7.1. The Atmosphere
Land-use planning to restrict development on
floodplains;
The composition of the atmosphere:
Use of sandbags and pumps;
Adapt houses to position power sockets 1.5 m above
ground
level to prevent electrocution.
Droughts:
Prediction:
Monitoring precipitation and temperature.
Preparation and protection:
Increase water supplies (dams, reservoirs, wells,
percolation
ponds, aquifers, pumps, water transfer by
pipeline and
desalination);
% in importance to life on
component
atmosphere Earth
nitrogen (N2) 78.09 Growth of plants.
Water conservation (storage tanks, spray irrigation,
drought-tolerant crops, recycling water and reducing Produced by
oxygen (O2) 20.95
deforestation); photosynthesis;
Agricultural improvements (shelterbelts to decrease Used in respiration.
wind and
evaporation, bunds to increase infiltration Source for
and fencing to
control overgrazing); water vapour (H2O) 0.2-4
precipitation;
Government stockpiling supplies of water, food and Provides most of the
medicine.
natural greenhouse
gases;
6.7. Opportunities presented by natural Vital for existence of
hazards life.
Used by plants in
carbon dioxide (co2) 0.03
Individuals may want to be near family and friends. photosynthesis;
Confidence in prediction, preparation and protection. Greenhouse gas.
Employment opportunities e.g. tourism.
No choice in moving if there is pressure on land or if it is
too
expensive to move.
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proportional to the numbers at that level. Salinity: how salty something is, measured as ppm or
parts per
thousand (ppt) or concentration e.g.
milligrams/litre)
Brackish water: water that is salty (>0ppt) but not
as
salty as seawater (<35ppt).
Light: essential for photosynthesis; expressed as
lumens.
pH: (refer to section 4.8 Impact of water pollution;
pH).
Photosynthesis:
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9.3. Deforestation
Causes of deforestation:
9.2. Ecosystems under threat
Timber is needed in MEDCs for products ranging from
luxury furniture
to paper, or as a source of energy.
Importance of wetlands:
Lumber (planks and boards).
Shoreline protection;
Clear land for:
Maintenance of water quality;
Farming;
Flood control;
Roads and settlements (logging tends to be selective
Recharging of aquifers;
as only a
few species create timber, however building
Biological productivity;
roads for
transporting logs is the most damaging
Provide habitats;
process.)
Source of variety of products eg fish, fuel and fibres.
Rock and mineral extraction.
Causes of habitat loss:
Impacts of deforestation:
The drainage of wetlands:
Habitat loss: biodiversity is lost when habitats are lost.
Drainage for agriculture, forestry and mosquito
Tropical rainforests are centers of great biodiversity,
control;
so
loss of habitat here is serious.
Dredging for flood protection;
Huge volume of trees acts as massive carbon stores
Use for disposal of waste created by road
that’s also
home for rare species which may be useful
construction;
to us.
Discharge of pollutants;
Soil erosion and desertification:
Peat removal;
Forests reduce the impact of heavy rainfall on the
Removal of groundwater.
ground,
reducing soil erosion.
Intensive agricultural practices: wetlands are drained and
Tree roots bind the soil in place and the layer of fallen
other
land is occupied to provide for intensive agricultural
leaves and branches protect the soil.
practices,
resulting in habitat loss.
Overtime, after deforestation, the area that once
Overcultivation of soil leads to soil erosion, causing
supported
luxuriant growth may become a desert,
habitat
loss for decomposers living in the soil.
because of
desertification.
Deforestation: Clearance of climax communities that
(refer to section 3.6 Causes and impacts of soil
would
otherwise provide habitat for a wide range of tree
erosion).
and ground
dwelling species.
Climate change:
Climax community: An ecological community in which
Changes caused in the levels of various greenhouse
populations of plants or animals remain stable and
gases in
the atmosphere.
exist in
balance with each other and their
CO2</suband methane are rising and so are atmospheric
environment.
temperatures.
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Greenhouse gas: gas that stops energy in the form of Ecotourism is both a reason to manage forests
heat
from being lost from the atmosphere. sustainably and a
method by which this can be achieved.
Rise in CO2: due to the burning of fossil
fuels, It may be mainly economic in focus, with success
deforestation, industries. measured by income,
or focused on sustainability, with
If the rate of trees photosynthesising and respiring success measured by a limit on
numbers of visitors.
were
equal, removal of trees would have no effect.
However, permanent removal of trees leads to large 9.5. Measuring and managing
quantities
of CO2</subwhen burnt or decomposed.
Moreover, the machinery of burning fossil fuels biodiversity
releases more
CO2.
Measuring biodiversity:
Loss of biodiversity and genetic depletion: (refer to
Types of sampling:
Section
9.2 Ecosystems under threat; Loss of biodiversity
Random sampling: a sampling method in which the
and genetic
depletion)
sampling
device is placed using random tables or the
roll of dice.
9.4. Managing forests Used when two areas are to be compared e.g.
number of insects
in wet and dry areas.
Carbon sinks: a vegetated area where the intake of
CO2 Systematic sampling: a sampling method in which the
from the atmosphere in photosynthesis exceeds its sampling
device is placed along a line or a pre-
output from respiration, so the net flow of carbon is from determined pattern,
usually a transect.
the
atmosphere into plants. Used to check how the species change along a
Carbon store: a mature vegetated area where the intake gradient in the
environment e.g. from the shade of a
of
CO2 from the atmosphere by photosynthesis equals its woodland to an open
field.
output from respiration, so the mature plants store Quadrat: a frame of known area placed on a part of the
carbon. site to
be sampled.
Role in water cycle: forests add water to the atmosphere
during
transpiration, leading to formation of clouds,
eventually releasing
it by precipitation.
During deforestation, this process is reduced and local
droughts are
caused in the area.
Forests generate moisture in the atmosphere that can
affect rainfall
around the world.
**Prevention of soil erosion:
**
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there.
May contain field
stations with
Monitoring and
laboratories and
some research.
recreational
facilities.
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