Lela Best A-Z Final Project

A-Z Project Lela Best Brooke Britt January 13, 2016

“The future will either be green or not at all.”

Bob Brown

A – Atmosphere

This a photo that I captured at a friend’s home in Grantham, North Carolina. The colorful sunset illustrates the beauty of the atmosphere. (Source – My IPhone)

There are various layers that make up the Earth’s atmosphere. First, there is the troposphere. This particular layer is where weather occurs. Next, there is the stratosphere. The stratosphere contains the ozone layer, which protects humans from harmful UV radiation. The next layer is the mesosphere, or the middle layer. Then, there is the thermosphere. The lower part of the thermosphere is called the ionosphere, and the upper part of the thermosphere is called the exosphere.

Reference – Notes

B – Biomes

This photo features a freshwater biome in Newton Grove, North Carolina that is commonly used for duck hunting within my family. (Source – My IPhone)

Many biomes make up the world, and each one has a unique set of characteristics. A biome is a major regional group of distinctive plants and animal communities. All of these plants and animals are able to adapt to their particular environment. For example, plants in a hot biome, such as the desert, adapt to the harsh heat by having longer roots in order to obtain water. Biomes are classified by their climate and their vegetation type as well. In addition, biomes can be considered aquatic or terrestrial. An aquatic biome involves water, and a terrestrial biome is on land.

Reference – Notes

C – Coniferous Forest

This image portrays the conifer trees and the landscape that embodies a coniferous forest.

(Source – https://flowvella.com/s/512/Coniferous-forest-Lawrence-4.2)

The coniferous forest is a biome that can be found in different areas of the world. However, they are mostly found in the northern hemisphere. The coniferous forest is a forest that is made up predominantly of conifer trees, which means that they produce cones. The majority of the trees in this biome are evergreen. This means that they will stay a green color all year round, regardless of the long and cold winters associated with the biome. Some of the animals found in this biome include moose, wolves, and bears.

References – Notes and an Accredited Website (http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/ecoregions/about/habitat_types/habitats/coniferous_for ests/)

D – Desert

This photo shows the desert and the dry conditions that are associated with this biome.

(Source – http://cng.beta.libguides.com/c.php?g=40921&p=2834717)

The desert is a biome that is recognized for being extremely dry. Deserts tend to have less than thirty centimeters of rain per year. Even though it may seem like the desert is constantly hot, that is not necessarily the case. The temperatures can be very hot during the day. However, the temperatures can cool down substantially during the night. Some deserts do not even have plant life, but some may have shrubs and cacti. Animals in the desert include reptiles and rodents.

Reference – Notes

E – Eclipse

This photo shows the two different types of eclipses, which are the lunar and the solar eclipse.

(Source – http://space.rice.edu/eclipse/lunar_eclipse_faq.html)

There are two main types of eclipses. These include the lunar and the solar eclipse. A lunar eclipse occurs when the earth is between the sun and the moon. A lunar eclipse will only take place during a full moon. However, it does not necessarily occur during every full moon. A solar eclipse occurs when the moon is in between the earth and the sun. A solar eclipse will start on the western side of the sun and end on the eastern side. Also, it is not safe to look directly at a solar eclipse since the rays from the sun could damage the eyes.

Reference – Notes and an Encyclopedia Shaw, R. William. "Eclipse." The World Book Encyclopedia. U.S.A: Field Enterprises Educational Corporation, 1973. 35-36. Print.

F – Fossil Fuels

This is a photo of coal, which is an abundantly imported fossil fuel in North Carolina.

(Source – http://legal-planet.org/2012/06/19/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-about-coal/)

A fossil fuel can be in solid, liquid, or gas form. Fossil fuels are created by old and organic plant and animal material. It is compressed, and it is found in the earth’s crust. Common examples of fossil fuels include oil, coal, and natural gas. Fossil fuels provide sources of energy, including electricity in homes. They also provide fuel for cars. However, fossil fuels are the biggest source of air pollution.

Resource – Notes

G – Global Warming

This represents the polar ice sheets melting due to global warming and the heating of Earth.

(Source – http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gwoverview/)

Global warming involves the heating up of the Earth. Earth’s temperature has increased from 1.2 to 1.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Human activity is what is speeding up global warming. For example, burning fossil fuels like coal and gas speed up the process. The gases that are let off from burning these fossil fuels gets trapped, which is called the greenhouse effect. There is clear evidence of global warming, including warmer years and the melting of sea ice. If global warming were to continue, weather patterns would change, and the amount of droughts would increase.

Reference – A Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJAbATJCugs)

H – Hurricanes

This photo shows hurricane Floyd making landfall in North Carolina.

(Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Floyd)

Hurricanes are recognized as the most powerful storms on Earth. A hurricane is when a whirling tropical cyclone produces high winds. The majority of the deaths that derive from hurricanes come from drowning. Unfortunately, the threat of hurricanes has increased over time. This is because more people are living along and near the coast now. One of the most notable and destructive hurricanes to hit North Carolina was hurricane Floyd. One of the most damaging and most wellknown hurricanes in American history was hurricane Katrina, which struck New Orleans.

Reference – Notes

I – Igneous Rock

This is a photo of a fine-grained granite rock, which is considered igneous.

(Source – http://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~cfjps/1300/igneous_images.html)

Igneous rocks are one of the three major rock types. These rocks are formed when magma cools and hardens beneath the surface. Igneous rocks can also be created through volcanic eruptions.

There are two types of igneous rock. The first kind is considered intrusive. This means that it becomes solid below the surface. Extrusive igneous rocks become solid on or above the surface.

Some common examples of igneous rocks include basalt and granite.

Resource – Notes

J – Jetties

This photo shows a jetty in Venice, Florida.

(Source – http://gulfcoastaerialphotos.com/?p=149)

Jetties are man-made structures. They are breakwaters that are constructed in order to protect and defend the harbor surrounding it. These jetties could also protect the coast or a riverbank.

Idealistically, these structures are very beneficial, especially for people living along the coast.

However, long-term effects derive from jetties. They do not necessarily work in the long run.

Erosion will not halt, but it could be slowed down. Erosion is always going to occur, regardless of the presence of a jetty.

Reference – Notes

K – Köppen Climate Classification System

This photo is a map of the Köppen Climate Classification System from 1901-2010.

(Source – http://hanschen.org/koppen/)

The Köppen Climate Classification System was mainly created in order to showcase the relationship between vegetation and climate. This particular system has been used for many years in order to demonstrate this relationship. The system uses monthly temperature and precipitation for the twelve months. It is the most commonly used system regarding climate classification. Also, the system characterizes regions into five different groups. These groups include Humid Tropical Climates, Dry Climates, Humid Mid-Latitude Climates, Polar Climates, and Highland Climates.

References – An Accredited Website and Notes (http://hanschen.org/koppen/)

L – Lithosphere

This diagram shows the lithosphere and the different layers of the Earth.

(Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithosphere)

The lithosphere is the rather thin surface layer of the Earth’s crust. It consists of mineral and organic matter. It is formed from parent material, which is also known as bedrock. This is slowly broken down through weathering. Underneath the lithosphere is the four layers of the Earth. This includes the crust, the mantle, the outer core, and the inner core. The lithosphere is always moving, but it is always moving slowly.

Reference – Notes

M – Mining

The photo above shows surface coal mining.

(Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coal_mining)

Mining is a process that involves digging deep into the ground for resources from the Earth. People can mine for many different resources. Some of the most common ones include rocks, uranium, salt, and coal. There are two different types of mining, which are at-surface mining, or open-pit mining, and underground mining, or subsurface mining. Mining can be very dangerous towards miners though. For example, miners can get stuck in mines or in mining elevators. Even though mining provides people with energy for things like electricity, it is still a very dangerous job.

References – Notes and a WRAL Newscast (http://www.wral.com/17-miners-stuck-in-ny-salt-mine-crews-trying-to-reach-them/15219251/)

N – Nuclear Fission and Fusion

This diagram shows the difference between nuclear fission and fusion.

(Source – http://www.britannica.com/technology/nuclear-weapon/Gun-assembly-implosion-andboosting)

There is a great difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Nuclear fission splits a heavier nuclei into smaller nuclei. However, nuclear fusion is the process that produces the energy for stars. In simpler terms, fission splits the atomic nuclei. Also, fusion fuses the nuclei together.

Nuclear fusion happens in the sun. However, fission occurs in reactions like nuclear reactions.

Reference – Notes

O – Ocean

I snapped this photo of the ocean while walking on the pier at Topsail Island, North Carolina on a family vacation trip during the summer. (Source – My IPhone)

The ocean contains a vast amount of water. In fact, the ocean makes up 71% of the Earth’s whole surface. In addition, the ocean is home to many different types of life, including a variety of marine creatures. Along oceans, beaches can be found, like Topsail beach. A beach is an accumulation of sediment along ocean shores. Unfortunately, oceans are becoming threatened through human activity. For instance, overfishing is taking place in order to keep up with the demanding human population and their food needs. Also, the amount of pollution is growing substantially because of human impact.

References – Notes and Accredited Websites (http://www.noaa.gov/ocean.html) (http://www.worldwildlife.org/habitats/ocean-habitat)

P – Plates

This photo illustrates the major tectonic plates on Earth.

(Source – http://kidspressmagazine.com/science-for-kids/misc/misc/tectonic-plates.html)

The Earth is divided into seven major plates. These plates include North America, South America, Antarctica, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Plate tectonics is what causes the plates to move.

Plate tectonics involves the movement of the lithosphere. According to Harry Hess, plate tectonics was an accurate idea. In fact, seafloor spreading was one of the main pieces of evidence for this theory.

Reference – Notes

Q – Quail

This is an image of a California quail.

(Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_World_quail)

A quail is a unique species of bird that can be found in the western area of the United States. Quails are a common animal in the chaparral biome. The chaparral biome is considered to be a “shrubby coastal area.” The summers are hot and dry, and the winters are mild and rainy. Quails are rather plump birds that travel in convoys. It is possible to differentiate between a female and a male quail by the color of their feathers too. A quail’s diet consists of seeds and leaves.

Reference – A Website (http://www.enchantedlearning.com/biomes/chaparral/chaparral.shtml) (http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/birds/printouts/Quailprintout.shtml)

R – Run-Off

This photo demonstrates mountain run-off.

(Source – http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=21418)

Run-off is a concept that involves water running off and flowing downhill. There are also different types of run-off. For instance, there is surface run-off. Surface run-off is when water runs off the surface of the land. One of the most predominant forms of run-off is agricultural. Agricultural runoff is a common source of pollution because fertilizers and chemicals will run-off from fields, especially in North Carolina. This run-off goes into sources of water, such as rivers and streams.

References – Notes and an Accredited Website (https://www.shodor.org/master/environmental/water/runoff/RunoffApplication.html)

S – Silent Spring

This photo shows the book, Silent Spring, and the author, Rachel Carson.

(Source – http://kristenbaumlier.com/2012/02/12/environmentalism-history-rachel-carsonsbook-silent-spring-50-years-later-podcast/)

Silent Spring is recognized as a scientific classic. It is one of the most influential books in history.

Silent Spring brought the issue of pesticides to life to many readers. Rachel Carson, the author, describes the harm that is put onto the environment because of DDT, which is a type of pesticide.

In Silent Spring, Carson brings an important idea forward. She states, “…the central problem of our age has therefore become the contamination of man’s total environment with such substances of incredible potential for harm—substances that accumulate in the tissues of plants and animals and even penetrate the germ cells to shatter or alter the very material of heredity upon which the shape of the future depends.” This showcases the true dangers that come with pesticide use towards animals, plants, and even humans.

References – An Accredited Website and a Book (http://www.nrdc.org/health/pesticides/hcarson.asp) Carson, Rachel. Silent Spring. Comp. Linda Lear and Edward O. Wilson. United States of America: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2002. Print.

T – Tides

This diagram illustrates the positions of spring and neap tides.

(Source – http://www.iupui.edu/~g115/mod12/lecture05.html)

Tides are known as the daily changes in elevation of the ocean surface. The moon has the greatest effect upon the tides, but the sun also has a smaller effect upon them. This is because the sun is farther away, so the tides are not effected as much by it. There are two distinctive types of tides, which are spring and neap tides. Spring tides have a large tidal range, and it is aligned by the Earth, moon, and sun. It also occurs during a full or new moon. With neap tides, the tidal range is smaller.

The sun and moon are at right angles, and the moon is either at the first or last quarter.

Reference – Notes

U – Urbanization

This is a photo of an urban area in China, indicating the growing rate of urbanization.

(Source – http://english.cntv.cn/program/newshour/20121010/103940.shtml)

Urbanization is a growing occurrence all around the world. Over time, the amount of people living in cities and towns has grown exponentially. In fact, half of the world’s population live in these areas. Urbanization is simply known as the amount of people living in urban areas. Urbanization has undoubtedly been a cause of the increase in world pollution though. Since more people are living in the city, more cars are letting off harmful exhaust into the atmosphere, which harms the ozone layer. Also, more factories are being built due to urbanization, which also leads to air pollution. Since more people are living in cities, more trash is also being created, which leads to unhealthy pollution in the environment too.

References – Notes and an Accredited Website (http://www.unfpa.org/urbanization)

V – Volcano

This photo shows an erupting volcano.

(Source – http://globe-views.com/dreams/volcano.html)

Volcanoes are incredible features on Earth, and their eruptions are just as phenomenal. A volcano is located on a plate boundary, or near a plate boundary. Most of the eruptions will take place near subduction zones. Volcano eruptions that occur near spreading ridges are going to be gentle. This is because most of the eruptions will occur under the water, so the magma is less harsh. A volcanic eruption will let off different gases, like water vapor and carbon dioxide. In addition, ash can emit from volcanoes. These gases can enter into the atmosphere, which is not beneficial for the air quality.

Reference – Notes

W – Water Cycle

This diagram shows the process of the water cycle. (Source – http://ed101.bu.edu/StudentDoc/Archives/ED101fa06/tvelez/Puttingitalltogether.html)

Water is the most important source for everything living on Earth, and without it, the world would be virtually obsolete. Water is always in a continuous cycle, and water never leaves the Earth. The sun uses heat to evaporate water from bodies of water. Transpiration from plants also causes water to enter into the atmosphere. Once this water is transported into the atmosphere, it condenses and forms clouds. Then, the water falls from the clouds as precipitation. This water will either run-off, enter into another body of water, or be used by plants. Streams and rivers bring the water back into the ocean where it began.

References – Notes and a Video (http://pmm.nasa.gov/education/videos/tour-water-cycle)

X – Extreme Weather

This photo illustrates a type of extreme weather. It is a tornado making landfall.

(Source – http://kidsahead.com/subjects/9-tornados-thunderstorms)

There are many different types of extreme weather that can occur on Earth. Some of the most common and dangerous ones include tornadoes, floods, and earthquakes. Tornadoes are funnels of air that rotate along Earth. They bring massive destruction since their wind speed is so strong.

Floods are caused by heavy rains that occur over a short period of time. Flooding can be extremely devastating to property and people. Earthquakes occur around plates. Energy builds up and causes vibrations on Earth along faults.

References – Notes and an Accredited Website (http://kidsahead.com/subjects/9-tornados-thunderstorms)

Y – Yellowstone National Park

This is the Old Faithful Geyser erupting at Yellowstone National Park.

(Source – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yellowstone_National_Park)

Yellowstone National Park is an iconic landmark in America. Yellowstone is located in Wyoming. It is one of the oldest national parks in America. Yellowstone consists of many different natural land masses and scenery. The Rockies are located here, which consists of mountains, lakes, streams, and open grassland. A large variety of animals make Yellowstone National Park their home as well.

However, one of the most well-known trademarks of the park is the Old Faithful Geyser. This popular tourist attraction welcomes people from all over the world.

Reference – A Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zj5PWyDkRsA)

Z – Zebra Mussel

This is a cluster of the invasive zebra mussel.

(Source – http://www.100thmeridian.org/photobank/)

Zebra mussels are an invasive species. An invasive species is a plant or animal that is put into a location that is not native to them, so they are considered nonnative. These species tend to be quite destructive. They can eat almost anything, and it takes longer for them to die off. The zebra mussel is a species of mussel that covers the floor of bodies of water in many states. They can stick to basically anything, including utility pipes. Also, they are essentially destroying ecosystems by sucking in plankton. This plankton is needed to maintain food for other animals.

Reference – A Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=abImqGDzXBo)