Environmental-Studies-Jan-3-Question-Bank

UNIT 1

 

PART A

Choose The Best Answer

1.Which of these is a non-renewable source of energy?

a) coal   b) sun   c) wind   d) water

ANS: Coal

2) Which land is highly acidic?

a) desert land   b) Industrial land   c) Peat land   d) geothermal land

ANS: geothermal land

3) The accumulation of salt in soil is called

a) desertification   b) salinisation   c) eutrophication   d) deforestation

ANS: Salinisation

4) What is not the causes of land degradation?

a) desertification   b) overgrazing   c) soil erosion   d) greenhouse gases

Ans: Greenhouse gas

5) The process of extracting minerals is called

 

a) eutrophication   b) salinisation   c) desertification   d) mining

Ans: Mining

PART B

1.Explain renewable sources of energy?

Renewable energy is energy derived from natural sources that are replenished at a higher rate than they are consumed. Sunlight and wind, for example, are such sources that are constantly being replenished. Renewable energy sources are plentiful and all around us.
Fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas – on the other hand, are non-renewable resources that take hundreds of millions of years to form. Fossil fuels, when burned to produce energy, cause harmful greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide.
Generating renewable energy creates far lower emissions than burning fossil fuels. Transitioning from fossil fuels, which currently account for the lion’s share of emissions, to renewable energy is key to addressing the climate crisis.

Renewable are now cheaper in most countries, and generate three times more jobs than fossil fuels.

Sun :

Sunlight is a widely recognized renewable resource. In fact, it has been used throughout human history to warm shelters, dry and cook foods, and heat water. Different technologies exist and continue to be developed to collect and convert solar radiation into heat energy that can be used for various purposes.
For example, solar photovoltaic (PV) devices, or solar cells, change sunlight into electricity. Depending on the number of solar cells in use, they can power small appliances or provide electricity for many homes.

The challenge with using sunlight for our energy needs is that it can vary and, at times, be unreliable. The availability of sunlight depends on the time of day, existing weather conditions, season of the year, and geographic location.

Wind:

Wind has a direct relationship to the sun. Daily winds result when the sun’s heat is captured unevenly by the varying surfaces on the Earth, including oceans and other water masses. Air above land heats up faster than air above water during the day when the sun is shining. That warm air expands and rises. Cooler air takes its place. This creates wind.

In earlier years, windmills were used across the United States to capture energy and pump water from wells. They still exist in some farming areas to provide livestock with water.

Today, wind is harnessed to produce electricity. Wind flows over blades in wind turbines. The blades turn, and that drives an electric generator. In turn, that generates electricity.

Typically, wind turbines don’t produce emissions capable of polluting the air or water. Also, they don’t need to be cooled by water. Though rare, they can have some negative effects on the environment if they leak lubricating fluids or catch fire. They can also negatively impact bird life and species.

Water :

Hydropower is the energy produced by water. It was an early renewable source of energy even before it was used to generate electricity. For example, hydropower turned paddle wheels on rivers to allow for the milling of grain and lumber. However, changes in precipitation and lack of water due to droughts can affect hydropower production.

Geothermal :

Geothermal is a renewable resource that uses Earth’s heat to generate power. Hot springs heated by the Earth have been used for centuries for bathing. Geothermal energy has also been used, and still is, for district heating systems.

Geothermal energy is used to generate electricity as well. Power plants for this purpose are built below ground, within approximately a mile of Earth’s surface.

Biomass :

Renewable organic products that produce energy are referred to as biomass. The process of photosynthesis uses energy from the sun to convert biomass resources into chemical energy.

Biomass renewable resources include wood and wood waste, agricultural crops and waste (which are mainly used for biofuel), municipal waste including paper, cotton, food, and yard waste, and animal manure and sewage.

2) What is non-renewable source of energy?

Coal:

Coal has long been a significant contributor to non-renewable energy production. Coal is formed from ancient plants’ remains and extracted from underground mines or surface mining methods. It is widely used in electricity generation and industrial processes, making it a prominent non-renewable energy resource.

Petroleum Products:

Petroleum products are another essential component of non-renewable energy sources derived from crude oil. Crude oil is extracted from underground reservoirs and refined into various products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and heating oil.

Oil:

Oil is a liquid fossil fuel that results from the decomposition of smaller organisms like zooplankton and algae, which were subjected to immense pressure over time. Oil is a crucial energy resource used in transportation, manufacturing, and producing various petrochemical products.

Nuclear Fuels:

Nuclear fuels are utilized in nuclear power plants, where energy is generated through nuclear fission. The most commonly used nuclear fuel is uranium, found in the Earth’s crust in relatively low concentrations. Uranium undergoes fission reactions, releasing large amounts of energy.
Understanding the significance of both fossil fuels and nuclear fuels as non-renewable energy sources is important. While they have played a crucial role in meeting our energy demands, their extraction, use, and environmental impact must be carefully managed.

Disadvantages of Non-renewable energy:

Non-renewable energy is finite in nature, once depleted, it cannot be replenished.
The by-products generated from non-renewable energy production contribute to environmental damage and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions.
The transportation, mining, and extraction activities associated with non-renewable energy sources can result in accidents such as oil spills, nuclear meltdowns, pipeline leaks, and explosions, causing severe harm to the environment

3) What are the uses of forest resources?

Uses of Trees to Absorb Greenhouse Gases:

Forests maintain the ecosystem by absorbing greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide that are believed to be the reason for climate change. Carbon is stored in the biomass within the forests. Tropical forests alone harbor a huge amount of carbon (around a quarter of a trillion tons) that can be disastrous if it is released into the atmosphere.

Importance of Trees to Provide a Natural Habitat:

Forests provide a sustainable environment for the survival of millions of animals. It is home to several species including snakes, turtles, crocodiles, insects, birds, butterflies, monkeys, and other wild animals. It provides an ecosystem for the animals to thrive. The forest floor is also a rich medium for microorganisms, which are essential for the conversion of dead matter into nutrients. Forests are also home to indigenous people who depend on them for their livelihood.

 

Importance of Forests as Watershed Regions:

Forest-based water tables, rivers, streams, and lakes are critical sources of water. The green cover preserves the water reserves from sun radiation. The Amazon forest is home to the world’s largest watershed and river system.

Importance of Forests to Support Biodiversity:

Globally, around 90% of the species including various plants and animals thrive in forests. They offer the necessary habitat and support biodiversity. They are home to the genes of biodiversity.

Importance of Forests to Purify the Air:

Photosynthesis is a critical function of plants to generate food and energy. Plants, shrubs, and trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during the daytime and release oxygen. According to an estimate, an acre of mature trees can provide oxygen for 18 people. They act as giant lungs purifying the air in the atmosphere by removing carbon dioxide and maintaining balanced levels of oxygen that we breathe every day. Trees absorb odours and pollutant gases like ammonia and sulphur dioxide out of the air. These toxins are trapped in the leaves and barks.

Importance of Trees to Regulate Global Temperatures:

Forests provide green cover which absorbs the Sun’s radiation and keeps the temperature down. They regulate atmospheric temperature through evapotranspiration and breeze. Forests also promote rainfall that helps in maintaining the water table and a cool climate. Deforestation has the opposite effect causing the global temperature to rise dramatically.

Importance of Forests to Enrich the Soil:

Dead leaves and broken branches ultimately are converted to soil through the decomposition process and this conversion enriches the soil with nutrients. Microorganisms present in the soil convert the biodegradable material to simpler particles that can be utilized by the plants again. Trees have very strong roots that hold the soil intact in cases of floods or any other reasons that cause soil erosion. They are very critical in hilly areas or stream slopes as they slow the runoff and keep the soil intact. Uncontrolled soil erosion can destroy the fertile soil leading to barren conditions.

Importance of Forests to Regulate the Water Cycle:

Forest is an important component of the water cycle process. They regulate evaporation, condensation, and precipitation of the water. They also nourish the aquifers thereby replenishing groundwater supplies. Trees allow the rainwater to flow down the trunk into the soil thereby preventing the stormwater from carrying pollutants to the ocean. They act as giant sponges that filter water and recharge the water table.

Importance of Forests in Our Life :

Forests are rich in herbs, plants, and trees of medicinal value. The extracts, seeds, leaves, and bark from these plants and trees treat several diseases while being non-toxic to the human body. Some examples include quinine, curare, rosy periwinkle, wild yams, extracts of willow trees, calabar bean, and samambaia.

Forests Provide Economic Benefits:

Forests have a lot to offer to human beings. Every component of a tree including leaves, branches, stem, bark, fruits, seeds, and root are useful. Forests provide wood, timber, raw materials, vegetables, and fruits, which have significant economic value. The timber is used in construction and making furniture. Wood is also essential in the production of paper.  The rubber extracted from trees is used to make several products. Even green waste has economic significance

PART C

>1.Explain land resources in detail?

Agricultural Land:

Used for crop cultivation, livestock rearing, and agroforestry.
Vital for food production and supporting rural economies.
Various types of farming, such as subsistence, commercial, and specialized agriculture.

Residential Land:

Designated for housing and human habitation.
Includes urban, suburban, and rural residential areas.
Accommodates homes, apartment complexes, and housing developments.

Industrial Land:

Allocated for manufacturing, factories, and industrial activities.
Concentrated in industrial zones or parks to minimize environmental impact.
Diverse industries, including manufacturing, processing, and heavy industries.

Commercial Land:

Used for commercial and business activities.
Includes retail centers, office complexes, and commercial corridors.
Central business districts (CBDs) are prominent commercial areas.

Recreational and Open Space:

Dedicated to leisure and outdoor activities.
Parks, playgrounds, sports fields, and green spaces.
Provides opportunities for relaxation, exercise, and community gatherings.

Conservation and Protected Areas:

Reserved for preserving biodiversity and ecosystems.
National parks, wildlife reserves, and natural reserves.
Aims to maintain ecological balance and safeguard endangered species.

Transportation and Infrastructure:

Land used for transportation networks and infrastructure.
Roads, highways, railways, airports, and ports.
Enables connectivity and facilitates movement of goods and people.

Educational and Institutional Land:

Allocated for schools, universities, and other educational facilities.
Also includes government offices, hospitals, and cultural institutions.

Waste Disposal and Utilities:

Land designated for waste management, landfills, and recycling centers.
Also includes utilities such as power plants and water treatment facilities.

Mixed-Use Developments:

Combines multiple land uses in a single area.
Promotes efficient land use and reduces travel distances.

Aesthetic and Historic Landscapes:

Areas valued for their beauty, heritage, or cultural significance.
Historic districts, landmarks, and scenic viewpoints.

Mining and Extraction Areas:

Land used for extracting minerals, metals, and resources.
Can lead to environmental impact and land degradation.

Amenity and Tourist Areas:

Land utilized for tourism and recreational purposes.
Resorts, hotels, tourist attractions, and coastal areas.

Mixed-Use Residential-Commercial Areas:

Blends residential and commercial activities within the same locality.
Understanding and managing land use patterns is essential for creating sustainable, functional, and harmonious communities. Effective urban planning considers the optimal allocation of land for different purposes while minimizing negative environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Causes of Land Degradation:

Land degradation results from a complex interplay of human activities and natural processes, leading to the deterioration of land’s quality and productivity. These causes can have profound and far-reaching effects on ecosystems, agriculture, and overall environmental health.

Deforestation:

Clearing forests for agriculture, logging, or urbanization disrupts ecosystems, leading to soil erosion and loss of biodiversity.

Unsustainable Agricultural Practices:

Overgrazing, improper crop rotation, and excessive use of agrochemicals deplete soil nutrients, leading to reduced fertility and erosion.

Soil Erosion:

Poor land management exposes soil to wind and water erosion, leading to the loss of topsoil and decreased soil quality.

Urbanization and Infrastructure Development:

Expanding cities and construction projects disrupt natural landscapes, leading to soil compaction and reduced permeability.

Industrial Activities:

Pollutants from industries can contaminate soil, rendering it unsuitable for agriculture or other uses.

Mining and Quarrying:

Extraction of minerals and resources can lead to land disturbance, erosion, and loss of vegetation cover.

Climate Change:

Altered precipitation patterns and increased temperatures can exacerbate soil degradation, leading to desertification and reduced agricultural productivity.

Overexploitation of Water Resources:

Excessive water extraction for irrigation and other purposes can lead to soil salinization and reduced water availability.

Natural Disasters:

Events like floods and landslides can accelerate erosion and disrupt land stability, causing long-term degradation.

Invasive Species:

Non-native plants and animals can outcompete native species, disrupting ecosystems and leading to soil degradation.

Improper Waste Management:

Improper disposal of waste and pollutants can contaminate soil, rendering it infertile and harmful to human health.

Land Mismanagement and Poor Planning:

Lack of sustainable land management practices and inadequate urban planning contribute to land degradation.
Addressing these causes requires a multifaceted approach that includes sustainable land management, afforestation, erosion control measures, improved agricultural practices, and policies to mitigate urbanization’s impact. By understanding and mitigating these causes, we can protect and restore our valuable land resources for future generations.

Conservation of Land Resources:

Efforts to conserve land resources are critical for maintaining ecological balance and sustainable development. Conservation involves adopting practices that ensure the responsible use of land while safeguarding its long-term viability.
To address land degradation and promote conservation:
Implement sustainable farming practices, such as crop rotation and agroforestry.
Establish protected areas to preserve biodiversity and natural habitats.
Promote reforestation and afforestation to combat deforestation.

2) Explain the types of water resources?

1. Groundwater:

Groundwater is a vital part of our water resources, tucked away underground. Imagine it as a vast reservoir that’s replenished as water percolates down through soil and rock layers. It’s a significant resource of water, with India utilizing around 433 billion cubic meters annually. This water is usually accessed by digging wells. It’s a lifeline for many, providing water to 85% of rural areas and 50% of urban locations.

2. Surface Water:

Surface Water forms another major resource of water, visible in our rivers, lakes, ponds, and oceans. With around 10,360 rivers, India has an abundance of this water resource. However, we can tap into only about 69% of all this river water.

3. Ocean Water:

Although too salty for drinking or household use, ocean water is a valuable resource. It supports fishing and boosts our economy by making our coastlines attractive tourist destinations.

4. Rain Water:

Rain Water is an essential part of our surface water resources. We can harness rainwater, store it, and use it for various household tasks. It’s a sustainable way to supplement our water supply.

5. Snow & Ice:

Snow and Ice forms of water resources aren’t just for winter wonderlands. They play a crucial role in replenishing our groundwater as they melt and seep into the ground. Every snow-capped peak is quietly contributing to maintaining our water resources