Earth’s Natural Resources, Energy, & The Environment

Review for Exam

Earth Spheres

• How are the Earth’s Spheres affected by the extraction of Earth’s natural resources?

• For example: Surface mining for coal, drilling for oil.

• How are the Earth’s Spheres affected by the use of various energy resources? For example: How does a hydroelectric dam affect each Earth Sphere?

Renewable/Nonrenewable Resources

• Understand and state the difference between a renewable and nonrenewable resource.

• List and distinguish between examples of renewable and nonrenewable resources and energy sources.

From Sun to Energy

• Be able to describe the process in which the energy consumed today came directly or indirectly from the sun.

• Describe the process of Sunlight to Energy for each of the following energy sources:

• Coal• Oil/Natural Gas• Wind• Hydroelectric

Benefits and Drawbacks

• Be able to describe the BENEFITS and DRAWBACKS for each energy source described in class. BE SPECIFIC!

• Remember, stating that burning coal “pollutes the air” or “causes pollution” is not specific enough.

• Burning coal releases gases like CO2, NOx, and SOx into the atmosphere. CO2 is a greenhouse gas and NOx and SOx contribute to Acid Rain.

Fossil Fuel Consumption

• Recognize current United States trends in consumption and production of oil, coal, and natural gas.

Compass Direction/Degree Orientation

• Using a protractor, be able to draw compass bearings based on degree orientation.

• Problem: Match the compass directions below to the appropriate degree orientation.

• •

North 270°East 0°/360°South 90°West 180°

Slope Calculations

• Given the elevation of two points and the distance between those two points; be able to calculate the slope of a hillside or mountain.

• Example:– Point A elevation = 1000 feet– Point B elevation = 500 feet– Distance from Point A to Point B = 250 feet• Rise ÷ Run X 100 = % slope

Wind Turbine Site Factors

• Identify and describe factors to consider in determining the potential location of a wind turbine.

• Wind resource availability• Terrain analysis • Relief• Slope• Terrain orientation (North, south,

east, west)