Ecosystem L4 Flashcards
Which key parameters impact the water cycle – Natural
Temperature, precipitation, wind, geography, vegetation
Which key parameters impact the water cycle – Anthropogenic
Urbanization, deforestation, climate change, water extraction, pollution
Explain the each key parameters in natural - temperature
Temperature: Affects evaporation and transpiration rates, with warmer temperatures increasing evaporation.
Explain the each key parameters in natural - Precipitation
Precipitation: The amount and type of precipitation (rain, snow, etc.) directly influence water availability.
Explain the each key parameters in natural - wind
Wind: Influences evaporation rates and the movement of water vapor, affecting cloud formation and precipitation.
Explain the each key parameters in natural - Geography
Geography: Landscape features like mountains or valleys influence rainfall patterns, runoff, and infiltration.
Explain the each key parameters in natural - Vegetation
Vegetation: Plants regulate transpiration and affect the water retention capacity of soil.
Why do engineers need to understand the nutrient cycles?
Engineers need to understand nutrient cycles to design sustainable systems, optimize resource use, reduce waste, and prevent environmental issues like pollution and eutrophication in agriculture, wastewater treatment, and industry.
Water cycles
Evaporation, Transpiration, Condensation, Precipitation, Infiltration, Runoff, Accumulation
Carbon Cycles
Photosynthesis, Respiration, Decomposition, Fossilization, Combustion
Nitrogen Cycle
Nitrogen Fixation, Nitrification, Assimilation, Ammonification, Denitrification
Phosphorus cycle
Weathering, Absorption, Consumption, Decomposition, Sedimentation
Explain the each key parameters in Anthropogenic - Urbanization
Creates impervious surfaces (e.g., roads) that increase runoff and reduce groundwater recharge.
Explain the each key parameters in Anthropogenic - Deforestation
Reduces transpiration and alters local rainfall patterns, leading to increased surface runoff.
Explain the each key parameters in Anthropogenic - Climate change
Alters global weather patterns, impacting precipitation and evaporation rates.
Explain the each key parameters in Anthropogenic - Pollution
Contaminates water sources, impacting water quality and ecosystem health.
What are the processes by which plants transport water and solutes?
Roots take up water and solutes
Stems transport water and solutes
Xylem = water pipe
Phloem = sugar pipe
Leaves transpire water and take up gas
Fruits are sinks for phloem and xylem
what is the equations for photosynthesis and respiration.
6CO2(g) + 6H2O -> 6O2 + C6H12O6 (s) - photosynthesis
C6H12O6 (s) + 6CO2 -> 6CO2(g) + 6H2O - respiration
How do these(photosynthesis + respiration) impact the nutrient cycles?
Photosynthesis helps fix carbon into organic matter and supports nutrient cycles by promoting plant growth.
Respiration releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and recycles nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus through decomposition.
Provide specific examples in how our designs/technology can negative or positively impact nutrient cycles.
Negative Impact: Excessive Fertilizer Use: Overuse of fertilizers in agriculture can lead to nutrient runoff, causing eutrophication in water bodies and disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
Positive Impact: Wastewater Treatment: Advanced treatment systems can remove excess nutrients from wastewater, preventing pollution and maintaining the health of water ecosystems.
