Download Environmental Science - Oklahoma Department of Career and

Environmental Science
& Natural Resources
Student Edition
Developed by the
Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center
for the Division of Agricultural Education
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
13-02456789
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AG3042
Upfront
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
Copyright 2013
Project Manager: Jamie Church
Writers: Beth Ann Fulgenzi
Karen Gibson
Julie Milligan
Jeffrey Whisenhunt
Cover Design: Kim Hale/Creative Services Staff
Kathy Wood & Jamie Church
_
Graphics: Kim Hale/Creative Services Staff
_ Kathy Wood
_
Book Designers: Kathy Wood
_ Jamie Church
Validation Committee: Arnold Bourne Bryan Craig Keith Dillingham Danny Griffin
Lindsey Hoerbert Rick McElhaney Kurt Murray Randy Pullan
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
Curriculum and Instructional Materials Center
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America by the
Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education
Stillwater, OK 74074-4364
This publication, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form photographic, electrostatic, mechanical,
or any other methods for any use including information storage and retrieval, without written permission from the
publisher.
Use of commercial products in these instructional materials does not imply endorsement by the Oklahoma
Department of Career and Technology Education.
Web site addresses were accurate and all content on referenced web sites was appropriate during the
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The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color,
national origin, sex/gender, age, disability, or veteran status.
This publication could not have been printed without the expertise and commitment of the Printing Plant staff
under the supervision of Danny Darrow. Delivery of the final product was accomplished through the excellence
of the Curriculum Customer Service staff, under the direction of Lana Austin, and the CIMC Warehouse staff, under
the direction of Hank Martin. Cover photos purchased from Thinkstock Photos.
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Upfront
Table of Contents
UNIT 1
Environmental Safety and Regulations
Environmental Safety • Fire Safety • Biohazard Materials • Protection of Natural Resources • Environmental Laws
& Regulations • Natural Resource Mitigation................................................................................................................................ 1
UNIT 2
Environmental Resource Management
Renewable and Non-renewable Natural Resources • Preservation vs. Conservation • Interdependence within an
Ecosystem • Managing and Preventing Pollution • Solid Waste Management • Methods and Materials for Recycling........... 17
UNIT 3
Energy Conservation
Energy Forms and Usage • Energy Sources • Economic Impact of Energy • Environmental Impact •
Efficiency and Conservation....................................................................................................................................................... 31
UNIT 4
Soil Conservation and Management
Soil and Land Use • Soil Formation • Soil Composition • Soil Particles and Texture • Soil Structures •
Soil Profile • Soil Classification • Soil Erosion and Management • Soil Quality........................................................................ 47
UNIT 5
Wetland Management
Types of Wetlands • Classifying Wetlands • Benefits of Wetlands • Inhabitants of Wetlands • Importance of
Wetland Programs • Delineating a Watershed • Protecting Water Quality................................................................................. 65
UNIT 6
Pasture and Rangeland Management
Healthy Rangeland • Range Sites • Managing Pasture and Forage Growth • Native Grasses • Forage Grasses and
Legumes • Pasture Utilization • Grazing Practices • Preventing Overgrazing • Grazing Systems • Advantages
of Improved Pastures • Renovation of Pasture Land.................................................................................................................. 79
UNIT 7
Forest Ecology
Forest Ecology • Parts of a Tree • Measuring Tree Height and Diameter • Woody and Herbaceous
Plants • Deciduous and Evergreen Trees • Native vs. Invasive Tree Species • Forest Regions • Characteristics
of a Healthy Forest • Forest Stand Improvement • Forest Harvesting and Processing • Diseases and
Insects • Damage from Weather and Wildlife • Controlled Burns.......................................................................................... Free Sample Provided by CIMC
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103
iii
Upfront
UNIT 8
Wildlife Ecology
The Food Chain and Food Web • Wildlife Species • Healthy Wildlife Habitats • Improving Wildlife Habitats •
Carrying Capacity and Limiting Factors • Sustainably Harvested Wildlife • Products from Wildlife Species •
Dangers to Wildlife Species.................................................................................................................................................... 125
UNIT 9
Hydrologic Principles
Water in the United States • Uses and Distribution of Water • Water Biogeochemical Cycle • Surface Water
and Groundwater • Point and Nonpoint Source Water Pollution • Riparian Buffer Strips • Watersheds •
Water Conservation................................................................................................................................................................. 147
UNIT 10
Aquatic Ecology
Types of Streams • Biological Health of a Stream • Aquatic Food Chain and Food Web • Native and Invasive Aquatic
Organisms • Water and the Biosphere • Underwater Aquifers and Major Rivers • Source Water Quality............................ 163
UNIT 11
Air Pollution Management
Earth’s Atmosphere • Weather Systems and Patterns • Meteorological Effects on Air Quality • Air Pollution Effects on
the Environment and Human Health • The Greenhouse Effect • Climate Change • Pollution Control Measures •
Improving Air Quality.............................................................................................................................................................. 179
UNIT 12
Recreational Resources
Natural Resources for Recreation • Recreational Activities • Governmental Public Recreational Areas • Improving
Recreational Opportunities • Boating and ATV Safety • Economic Impact • Principles of Hunting Safety •
Hunting and Fishing Rules and Regulations............................................................................................................................. 193
Glossary ....................................................................................................................................................................... 215
Index ............................................................................................................................................................................... 225
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Energy
Conservation
3
Key Terms
biomass
coal
conservation
efficiency
energy
energy consumption
fossil fuels
geothermal
hydropower
kinetic energy
natural gas
nonrenewable energy
petroleum
potential energy
propane
renewable energy
solar
uranium
wind
Objectives
••
••
••
••
Discuss the forms and usage of energy.
Classify energy resources as renewable or nonrenewable.
Discuss the value of energy sources to the economy.
Evaluate the impact of conventional and alternative energy
sources on the environment.
•• Discuss conservation measures to reduce energy consumption.
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
Energy is a fundamental component of human life and is essential for the advancement of society.
Energy is used in all aspects of our lives, from turning on the light in our house to powering the vehicles
we drive. Can you imagine your life without energy? Just think how frustrating it is when the electricity
is off at your house. As a society, we are accustomed to having energy at our fingertips, whether it is
flipping on the light switch or filling up the car with gasoline.
Energy Forms and Usage
Energy is defined as the power derived from the use of physical or chemical resources. It comes in
many forms and can be categorized as either potential or kinetic. Potential energy is also known as
stored energy. This stored energy is a result of an object’s position. Chemical, mechanical, nuclear and
gravitational energy are all forms of potential energy. Kinetic energy is energy of motion. There are
numerous forms of kinetic energy. Electrical, radiant, thermal, motion and sound energy are all a result of
movement.
Energy Forms
Potential
Energy Forms
Examples
Kinetic
Energy Forms
Examples
Chemical Energy
Stored in atoms and
molecules
• Biomass
• Petroleum
Electrical Energy
Movement of electrons
• Electricity
• Lightning
Stored Mechanical
Energy
Stored in objects
• Stretched Rubber Band
• Spring
Radiant Energy
Electromagnetic energy
• Light
• Solar Energy
Nuclear Energy
Stored in the nucleus of an
atom
• Fission
• Fusion
Thermal Energy
Internal energy
• Heat
• Geothermal Energy
Gravitational Energy
Position or place
• Hydropower
• Rock on a hill
Motion Energy
Movement of objects
• Wind
• Riding a bike
Sound Energy
Movement of energy through
waves
• Tuning fork
• Speaker
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Unit 3
Energy Conservation
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed or converted. This means energy is constantly
changing. Energy can be changed from potential to kinetic. Think about the process of lighting a
match. The combustible material on the tip of the match is an example of potential energy. There is the
potential for energy to be created in the right conditions. As the tip of the match is struck against the
box, it changes to kinetic energy. The heat produced from the match is movement of molecules. This
is just one example of changing energy from potential to kinetic. Energy can also be changed from one
form of kinetic energy to another. An example of this change is a toaster. Electrical energy is changed
into thermal energy. No matter the source, great technological advancements have been made in
changing energy for human use.
Using energy to do work is not a new concept. From
Primary Energy Use by Sector, 2011
early on, humans produced energy by utilizing their
Quadrillion Btu
resources. For early civilizations, fire was one of the
Residential &
first energy sources. Wood was used as the fuel source
10.6
Commercial
and provided energy to cook, produce light and heat
living spaces. Windmills have been used for centuries
Industrial
20.4
to capture the power of the wind allowing humans to
pump water and now produce electricity. By 1930,
Transportation
26.9
half of all Americans were using coal to heat their
homes and buildings. Regardless of where the energy
comes from, Americans use it daily from numerous
Electric Power
39.6
sources. The amount of energy used by a person is
0 5 10 15 2025303540
called energy consumption. The U.S. Department of
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Monthly Energy
Energy classifies users into four categories – residential/
Review, Table 2.1 (March 2012), preliminary 2011 data.
commercial, industrial, transportation, and electric
power. Residential/commercial consumers utilize
energy for heating, cooling, lighting and operating appliances within their homes and businesses.
Industrial energy consumption is utilized to manufacture products, while transportation energy
consumption refers to the fuel or other energy sources used to power vehicles. The electric power
sector includes power generating facilities that use a variety of sources such as coal, natural gas, and
renewable resources to create electricity for use. For this reason, the electric power sector accounts for
the largest amount of energy use.
Energy prices have always dictated the consumption of energy by Americans. When energy prices are
high, people tend to use less energy. Improved technologies have also allowed people to use less
energy. Vehicles, appliances, homes and many other products have become more energy efficient.
People have also become more aware of the impact of producing energy on the environment. These
factors affect how much energy people use.
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33
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
Energy Sources
There are two categories of energy
sources – renewable and nonrenewable.
A renewable energy source is one that
can be easily replenished. On the other
hand, nonrenewable energy sources
are ones that can be used up and must
be released by human activity. There are
pros and cons to each energy category.
Renewable energy causes very little
pollution; nonrenewable sources can
release pollution into the environment.
There is an abundant quantity of renewable
sources, but the initial cost to utilize them
is high. Although there is a limited supply
of the different forms of nonrenewable
energy, they are less expensive and easy
to use. It is also economical to convert
from one type of energy to another. Both
renewable and nonrenewable energy
sources can produce secondary energy
sources. Electricity and hydrogen are two
secondary energy sources.
Primary Energy Use by Source, 2011
Quadrillion Btu and Percent
Total U.S. = 97.5 Quadrillion Btu
Natural Gas 24.9
(25.5%)
Petroleum 35.3
(36.2%)
Coal 19.9
(20.4%)
Renewable
Energy 9.1
(9.3%)
Nuclear Electric
Power 8.3
(8.5%)
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration,
Monthly Energy Review, Table 1.3 (March 2012),
preliminary 2011 data.
Renewable Energy Sources
There are five major renewable energy sources. These include biomass, hydropower, wind, geothermal
and solar. These sources are also known as alternative energy sources. Renewable energy sources
typically provide electricity for use.
Biomass
Biomass is organic matter utilized for energy. The stored energy in biomass originates with the sun.
Plants are able to convert radiant energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis.
The carbohydrates produced through photosynthesis supply the plants with energy. Humans and
animals that eat the plants are also able to utilize the stored energy. Four types of biomass are used
today – wood and agricultural products, solid waste, landfill gas and biogas, and alcohol fuels.
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Unit 3
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Energy Conservation
Wood was one of the first uses of biomass as an energy
source. People have been using wood as a source of energy
for thousands of years. Today, wood still accounts for
approximately 46 percent of biomass energy. Wood waste
from paper mills and saw mills is often used to supplement
power to these industries. Utilizing waste from wood-based
industries allows companies to save on disposal costs and
reduce their energy bills. The second type of biomass is solid
waste. Burning trash allows waste to be converted into usable
energy. Power plants called waste-to-energy plants burn trash
for energy. Although it costs more to make electricity through
this type of power plant, it will reduce the trash dumped
in landfills by 60 to 90 percent. One ton of garbage can
produce as much heat energy as 500 pounds of coal. The
third type of biomass is also related to trash. Landfill gas and
biogas are produced as bacteria, and fungi eat dead plants
or animals. During this process, methane gas is produced.
Recent regulations now require landfills to collect this gas to be
purified and used as a fuel.
Much attention has been given to alcohol
fuels in recent years. Research has lead to
two main biomass sources – ethanol and
biodiesel. Fermenting starches and sugars
found in plants followed by distilling makes
ethanol. Although most ethanol is produced
from corn, any source of organic material
that contains cellulose, starch or sugar can
be used for ethanol production. Many
gas stations now sell fuel that contains 10
percent ethanol. Biodiesel consumption
has not increased as quickly as ethanol,
Fuel containing ethanol can be found at many gas stations.
but is also not publicly offered at fuel
Thinkstock Photo
stations. It is becoming one of the fastest
growing alternative transportation fuels and
is practical for fleet use. Biodiesel is made by a chemical reaction between alcohol and vegetable oil,
animal fat or grease. Biodiesel today is typically made using soybean oil. One concern for both ethanol
and biodiesel is the use of agricultural land to produce corn and soybeans for these products rather
than for food.
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35
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
Hydropower
Hydropower is energy produced by the movement of
water. The Greeks used water wheels over 2,000 years ago
to grind wheat into flour. Today energy is produced from
the flow of water at hydropower plants. Hydropower
plants are usually located on a river with a dam. This allows
for the control of the water, which can be released when
electricity needs to be produced. The motion of the water
spins a large turbine, converting the energy from motion
energy into mechanical energy. The turbine is attached to a
generator, which then produces electricity.
Hydropower relies on the water cycle. The sun’s energy
will evaporate water from oceans, lakes and rivers.
Once the evaporated water reaches the cooler air in the
atmosphere, it forms clouds or condenses. Eventually the
clouds will produce precipitation such as rain or snow,
which will replenish the oceans, lakes and rivers with
water. This constant replenishing allows hydropower to be
a renewable energy source.
Turbines change mechanical energy into electricity
Thinkstock Photo
Wind
Wind is the movement of air that is caused by the uneven
heating of the Earth’s surface by the sun. Wind is another
source of energy that people have used for centuries.
One of the earliest uses of wind energy was to sail ships.
Then people began using windmills to harness the power
of the wind. Holland became one of the world’s most
industrialized countries due to the use of windmills in the
17 th century. Early American ranchers used windmills to
pump water for their livestock. Rural areas depended on
small windmills to generate electricity until power lines
began to transport electricity to those areas in the 1930s.
With the expansion of power lines, windmills became
less prominent until the oil shortages in the 1970s. The
awareness of alternative energy sources has allowed for
the windmill to become an important avenue to generate
electricity once again.
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Wind turbines generate electricity
Thinkstock Photo
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Unit 3
Energy Conservation
Today wind turbines harness the wind and convert it to electricity. The wind turbines come in a variety
of shapes and sizes. Some are smaller and are used to supplement power to a home. Others are large
enough to generate power for utility companies to sell. The different shapes of the blades allow for
efficient use at different wind speeds. When wind turbines are grouped together to produce a large
amount of electricity, they are called wind farms. The location of a wind farm is researched extensively
prior to placing the turbines. Wind speed and direction must be studied to provide for the optimum
placement. Other factors such as weather, accessibility, wildlife, and location of the power grid must
also be considered when choosing a location for a wind farm.
Wind energy is a feasible, cost-effective alternative to conventional power plants. It is currently the
fastest growing energy technology in the world. Wind is a clean fuel that does not have any serious
negative impact on the environment. Many utility companies offer customers the option to pay a
premium for electricity generated by wind.
CAREER CONNECTIONS:
Wind Turbine Technician
Wind farms are springing up along the horizon. Thousands of
modern day windmills or wind turbines are being erected across
the United States. With new technologies come new careers. The
increasing demand for wind energy has produced a need for wind
technicians.
Wind technicians are responsible for routine maintenance on the
wind turbines. This includes component replacement, circuit
troubleshooting and routine maintenance. Routine maintenance
includes oil changes, bolt torquing, accumulator recharging,
hydraulic system repair and electrical system troubleshooting. Most
tasks are performed within the tower. Technicians are required to
scale the tower and must undergo a climb test. Safety is a priority for
wind technicians. When climbing the tower, technicians are required
to use a safety harness for “climb assist”. This allows techs to climb
the tower with less effort. Technicians also have to be prepared to
work in tight spaces.
Thinkstock Photos
To become employed as a wind technician, a person should complete a wind energy training program. Many
companies also provide on-the-job training. The starting salary for entry-level wind technicians is $55,000.
Once experience is gained, a technician can expect a raise. Senior technicians and operations managers can
make between $95,000 and $110,000 per year.
Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov/green/wind_energy
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
Geothermal
The heat from the Earth’s core generates geothermal energy.
This energy is recovered as steam or hot water and then used
for heating or electricity. The Earth’s core has two layers, a
solid iron core and an outer core of hot molten iron called
magma. Surrounding the core is the mantle, which is made of
magma and rock. The crust is the outermost layer of the Earth.
The crust is broken into pieces called plates. The plates push
against each other and cause cracks or faults in the crust. The
faults allow magma to rise into the crust towards the surface
of the Earth. When the magma reaches the surface, a volcano
is formed. If the magma remains trapped within the crust, it
can heat underground water allowing for the creation of hot
springs. It also allows for the formation of deep geothermal
reservoirs. Most of the geothermal activity is located in the
area known as the Ring of Fire – a ring of hot spots around the
Pacific Ocean.
Many ancient people used hot mineral springs as a source of
energy for bathing, cooking and heating. Today people enjoy
hot mineral springs for recreation as well as for commercial and
industrial heating. Wells are drilled to capture the energy found
in the geothermal reservoirs. Steam and heat drive turbines in
electrical power plants. The energy is converted from thermal
energy to electrical energy.
Geothermal power from the Earth’s core
Thinkstock Photo
Solar
Solar energy is radiant energy from the sun and is
by far the Earth’s most abundant energy source. The
sun is a large ball of gases. Hydrogen atoms fusing
to form helium through the process of nuclear fusion
produce energy. The sun produces large amounts of
energy, but only a small portion emitted into space
actually reaches the Earth’s surface. Yet the amount
of energy that does make it to Earth is still plentiful.
The energy that reaches Earth is reflected back into
space, used to evaporate water or absorbed by
vegetation. The sun’s energy can be captured to
provide heat and electricity.
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Solar power panels capture the sun’s energy.
Thinkstock Photo
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Unit 3
Energy Conservation
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
1.
2.
3.
4.
What are the five major renewable energy sources?
Why is there a concern about ethanol production?
What resource does hydropower rely on?
How do people enjoy geothermal energy?
Nonrenewable Energy Sources
The majority of our energy comes from five major nonrenewable energy sources. Three of the
sources, petroleum, natural gas and coal, are considered fossil fuels. Fossil fuels are formed by
natural processes that take millions of years, which is why they are considered nonrenewable. The
other two sources are uranium and propane. The United States and much of the world rely highly on
nonrenewable sources to provide energy.
Petroleum
Petroleum or crude oil is a naturally
occurring fossil fuel that was formed from
the remains of plants and animals. Sand
and silt covered the decaying plants and
animals. Over millions of years, heat and
pressure caused a chemical change, and
crude oil was formed. Oil has been used
for hundreds of years for light and heat.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the
demand for gasoline, a product of crude
oil, increased because of the invention
of the automobile. From 1950 to now,
oil has become the most used energy
source.
Oil pump jack
Thinkstock Photo
Petroleum is located under the Earth’s surface in reservoirs and is retrieved by drilling. Scientists and
engineers study rock formations to determine the potential of finding petroleum. In recent years, new
technology and cost effective methods have increased production in the United States. Today’s wells
average over 5,000 feet deep. An average oil well will produce 10 barrels per day. The top producing
states are Texas, Alaska, California, North Dakota and Oklahoma. These states produce over 50 percent
of U.S. crude oil.
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
Once the crude oil has been pumped to the Earth’s
surface, it will be transported to an oil refinery to
be processed. It cannot be used in its natural state.
At the oil refinery, the crude oil is cleaned and
separated into the usable fuels and by-products.
Usable fuels that are produced include gasoline,
diesel, and jet fuel. Some examples of by-products
that are produced include ink, crayons, tires,
deodorant, eye glasses and ammonia. These are just
a few of the products that are petroleum based.
Many items used on a daily basis are derived from
petroleum.
Oil refinery
Thinkstock Photo
Natural Gas
Natural gas is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is often found when drilling for oil. The main
ingredient in natural gas is methane. Natural gas is also formed when pressure and heat change the
organic matter made up of decaying plants and animals that is trapped under layers of sediment, rock
and soil. Natural gas was once considered a nuisance when drilling for oil, but now has many uses.
Natural gas was first used in America to power street lamps in the early 1800s, but over the past
40 years it has become a major source of energy.
Natural gas use is now very common in the
United States. Approximately 25% percent
of energy used comes from natural gas.
Natural gas is used in homes to power
stoves, water heaters, clothes dryers, and
home heating systems. It is also used by
the industrial sector to produce plastics,
steel, man-made fibers, paint and numerous
other products. Natural gas is used to
produce electricity and is the second
largest producer after coal. Most recently,
natural gas is used as a transportation fuel
(compressed natural gas) powering vehicles
that have been modified with a special fuel
tank and carburetor.
Natural gas is transported through a pipeline infrastructure.
Thinkstock Photo
Natural gas production begins with geologists who study the rock structure and formation to determine
the location of natural gas. If the presence of natural gas is promising, exploratory wells will be drilled.
Many times, natural gas is found at the same location as petroleum deposits.
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Unit 3
Energy Conservation
Coal
Coal is a combustible sedimentary rock that has been formed from the compression of plant material
over millions of years. The plant material in swamp areas began to decay. Layers of sediment, rock,
soil and water collected over the layer of plant vegetation. Heat and pressure from the multiple layers
caused a chemical change and resulted in the formation of coal. Coal is the most abundant source of
nonrenewable energy in the United States.
Seams of coal can be found deep underground or close
to the surface. In either case, coal must be mined to be
removed from the ground. In the United States, many of
the coal beds are near the Earth’s surface. Approximately
two-thirds of the coal production is a result of surface
mining. If the coal is buried more than 200 feet under the
ground’s surface, underground mining is used. During the
process of surface mining, the topsoil and other layers
of rock are removed by large equipment to expose the
coal. Upon completing the mining process, the rocks, soil
and topsoil are replaced. Underground mining requires
miners to go below the surface of the Earth. Elevators
and mine shafts are used to remove the coal. Surface
mining is less expensive than underground mining. With
improved technology, the production of one miner has
tripled since the late 1970s.
Coal was used very little after it was first discovered. Early
settlers in the United States relied on hydropower from
water wheels and energy from wood to provide their
Coal is processed and then distributed, often by rail cars.
power. During the mid 1700s, commercial production of
Thinkstock Photo
coal in the United States began. By the early 1800s, coal
was the principal fuel for steam-powered locomotives
and steamships. By the 1830s, all American locomotives were converted to use coal. In the late 1800s,
Thomas Edison developed an electric generating station powered by coal. Coal was the energy
powerhouse for the United States by the 1900s and remained the number one energy source until
demand for petroleum products increased.
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41
Environmental Science & Natural Resources
Uranium
Uranium is a naturally occurring metallic element that is radioactive and can be found all over the
world. Uranium has properties that allow it to be used as a fuel by nuclear power plants. There are
three types of uranium – uranium-234, uranium-235, and uranium-238. Uranium-235 is the type used
in nuclear plants. Nuclear energy is derived from breaking the bonds in the nucleus of an atom.
Uranium-235 has atoms that are easily split. The process of breaking these bonds is known as nuclear
fission. Nuclear fission releases a large amount of energy and is currently the only process used by
nuclear power plants.
Uranium is found in nature and must be mined. Most uranium in the United States is found in the
western part of the country, although a large portion of uranium used is imported. It is mined by either
surface or underground mining techniques. Once the uranium is mined, the uranium-235 is extracted
and processed. After processing it is placed in a nuclear reactor. The fission process will produce
energy in the form of heat, which will cause water to boil and produce steam. The steam will power
large turbines, which in turn will drive generators that produce electricity.
Nuclear energy plants require large amounts of water for powering generators.
Thinkstock Photos
42
Nuclear energy is a relatively new energy
source. In the 1930s, scientists discovered the
nucleus of an atom as well as how to split it
through the process of fission. During World
War II, this technology was used to create the
first nuclear bomb. In 1946, the Atomic Energy
Act was passed to allow for the exploration
of non-destructive uses for nuclear energy.
The first full-scale U.S. nuclear power plant
was built in 1957 in Pennsylvania. The nuclear
power industry experienced rapid growth
from 1965 to 1975. There was a time period
where the public opposed using nuclear
technology, and until recently there were no
plans to build new plants. Nuclear energy is
once again being considered for expansion.
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Unit 3
Energy Conservation
Propane
Propane is a colorless, odorless by-product of natural gas and petroleum. Propane was formed
through the same process as petroleum and natural gas and is found with those deposits under the
Earth’s surface. Propane is considered a liquified petroleum gas (LPG). Propane is the most common
type of LPG used in the United States. Propane was discovered in the early 1900s while people were
attempting to store gasoline. The gasoline would evaporate under normal conditions. A U.S. scientist
discovered that the evaporating gases could be changed from a gas to a liquid by compressing the
gases and decreasing the temperature. He then developed a system to store the liquid gas. Since
propane is more compact as a liquid, this is how it is stored and transported. To use propane, it must
be returned to a gas. Containers that hold liquid petroleum gases are under pressure and will have a
valve that, when opened, releases and returns it to its gaseous state.
Many people in the United States use
propane to heat their homes and water,
and fuel fireplaces, barbecue grills and
appliances. Many rural residents use propane
as their main source of energy to heat their
homes. Propane is also used in business
and industry, for heating, cooling, operating
machinery, and manufacturing products.
Propane can also be used as a transportation
fuel. Businesses and school districts that have
fleets of vehicles often use propane instead
of gasoline. Because of the many uses, the
United States uses more propane than any
other country.
Propane bottles are refilled from a larger storage container.
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Economic Impact of Energy
The production and use of energy affects the U.S. economy by providing jobs as well as revenues to
state and federal governments. Both renewable and nonrenewable energy sources contribute to the
economy. Not only does the energy industry provide tax income to the state and federal governments,
it also impacts local economies. With greater focus being put on clean energy, the alternative energy
industry is contributing more significantly to the economy in the form of jobs, income and tax revenue.
As with all products, energy prices fluctuate with supply and demand. When gasoline prices rise,
consumer spending tends to decrease. According to the Energy Information Administration, natural gas
and renewable energy usage will increase in the next 15 years, while demand for energy from oil will
decrease. Even though we may see a decrease in petroleum as an energy source, it will not completely
go away. To supply the energy needs of consumers, a combination of renewable and nonrenewable
energy will be necessary.
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
Environmental Impact
Each energy source has a different impact on the environment.
Some have a more significant impact than others. In recent
years, people have become more aware of the effect the energy
industry has on the environment. The focus is on reducing the
environmental impact while providing the needed energy. Both
renewable and nonrenewable energy sources have positives
and negatives.
The sources of renewable energy will not have a shortage. They
are just that – renewable. We can produce more biomass by
planting. The down side to utilizing biomass is the large amount
of energy required to grow crops. Biomass does produce small
amounts of harmful emissions; however, those emissions are less
than oil and petroleum. Geothermal power plants have very little
impact on the environment although they also produce small
amounts of carbon dioxide. Hydropower does not cause any
pollution, but it does impact the environment. Hydroelectric
Hydroelectric dam
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power plants can change the natural flow of rivers or streams. It
also can impact the migration of fish as well as force people to
relocate. Wind power is the most environmentally friendly source of energy. Wind turbines have a very
small impact on the land in which they are located. Some individuals do not like the appearance or
aesthetics of wind turbines, while others see them as a sign of progress. Technology has also improved
to reduce the amount of noise produced by the turbines. Geothermal and solar energy sources also
produce very little or no emissions. Solar energy does require use of some toxic chemicals that could
have a negative effect on the environment if not used properly. Overall, renewable energy sources are
environmentally friendly. With the emphasis on clean energy, technologies will continue to improve to
reduce any negative impact on the environment.
Nonrenewable energy sources have a history of impacting the environment negatively. Mining coal can
cause air, water and land pollution. People may have a critical perception of the petroleum industry
because of oil spills. The oil and natural gas industries both disrupt the land by clearing for roads
and a drill pad as well as causing emissions. The process of mining uranium requires a large amount
of energy. However, the technology to make nonrenewable energy sources more environmentally
friendly has greatly improved. Progress has been made towards “clean coal” technology. Emphasis is
put on minimizing the impact of the oil and gas industry on the land and environment. The land used
for mining can be returned to its original state or reclaimed. Overall, each energy source benefits from
improved technology to minimize the effects on the environment.
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Unit 3
Energy Conservation
Efficiency and Conservation
When using energy, two concepts need to be considered – conservation and efficiency. Conservation
is the practice of preventing wasteful overuse of energy. It is important for people to make the effort
to conserve energy. Not only does it impact the environment, it also saves money. Saving energy has
become an important topic in recent years. Consumers are more aware of the energy used in homes
today. Simple things that reduce the energy used include turning off the lights when not in a room or
changing the air filter on the heat and air unit. Simply put, conserving is using less energy.
Energy Conservation Methods
Utilize a programmable thermostat.
Wash laundry on cold or warm instead of hot.
Turn down your water heater.
Run the dishwasher only when full.
Take shorter showers.
Turn off lights, televisions or other appliances when not in use.
When possible, walk or bike for transportation.
Consider fuel mileage when purchasing a car.
Energy efficiency is the concept of maximizing energy production
with the least amount of waste. Technology has improved and the
products consumers use are more efficient than ever. Products
such as washing machines, refrigerators, windows and many others
receive an ENERGY STAR® rating. This rating allows consumers to
compare products or appliances to make wise purchasing decisions.
Consumer education will result in lower energy use over time.
KNOWLEDGE CHECK
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Why are fossil fuels considered nonrenewable?
How are petroleum and natural gas similar?
How is a majority of coal mined?
Why is propane considered a liquefied petroleum gas?
Do renewable or nonrenewable resources have less of
an impact on the environment?
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Environmental Science & Natural Resources
Unit Summary
The energy industry is essential for the growth and development of the United States. Energy is used
in all aspects of human life. Our ability to do work is based on our ability to utilize our resources.
With the development of new technologies, nonrenewable energy sources have been improved. The
environmental impact of petroleum, natural gas, coal, uranium and propane has been reduced while
efficiency has increased. New technologies have also allowed for the advancement of renewable
energy sources. Biomass, hydropower, wind, geothermal and solar energy each play an important role
in contributing to the overall energy available for use. As the energy industry continues to grow, it is
important to focus on providing “clean energy”. Humans will continue to utilize resources to provide
an economical source of energy. By becoming environmentally conscious consumers, we can assist in
maintaining the cost of energy as well as using it efficiently.
Unit Review
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Outline the different types of potential and kinetic energy.
Compare renewable energy to nonrenewable energy.
Define energy consumption.
Describe each of the five types of renewable energy and nonrenewable energy.
Explain advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy.
Explain advantages and disadvantages of nonrenewable energy.
Describe the impact of the energy industry on the environment.
Explain the importance of energy to the economy.
Discuss the difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency.
How can consumers conserve energy?
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