Suppose some commercial interests want to develop a golf course on what is presently forested land next to a reservoir used for city water. Describe the impacts this development might have on water quality in the reservoir

What will be an ideal response?


The impact from a golf course could include contamination from nitrates and phosphates (fertilizers), pesticides, and sediments from erosion. Increased flow of sediments into the reservoir could influence the taste, color, and odor of the drinking water. The nitrates and phosphates could increase the growth of algae and other organisms, lowering the level of dissolved oxygen in the reservoir. Any fish or benthic organisms in the reservoir would be adversely impacted. The pesticides could include hormonally active agents or other compounds that are related to adverse human impacts.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Which of the following statements is true of temperature inversions?

A. Temperature inversions occur when a layer of cold air prevents warm air from rising. B. Temperature inversions exacerbate pollution problems. C. Temperature inversions are temporary. D. Temperature inversions cause cool air near the earth's surface to expand and rise, carrying pollutants higher into the troposphere. E. Temperaturel inversions help prevent air pollution.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Historically, urban residents bought food and other daily necessities at small neighborhood shops in the midst of housing areas and shopped in the CBD for other products

Indicate whether the statement is true or false.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Environmental economists

A. view the earth's natural capital as a subset of human economic systems. B. advocate refining existing economic systems to be sustainable systems of the biosphere. C. see the potential of economic growth as unlimited. D. believe high waste economies are desirable as long as waste and pollution are managed. E. prioritize the efficient flow of resources as inputs to economic systems.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

How many seconds would it take an echo sounder's ping to make the trip from a ship to the Challenger Deep (10,994 meters) and back? Recall that depth = 1/2 (1500 m/sec × Echo travel time).

A) 10.5 seconds
B) 14.66 seconds
C) 17.39 seconds
D) 22.67 seconds

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences