Geoengineering

Presenter- Rebecca Buie

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course a fully engaged student should be able to

1. define geoengineering?
- the deliberate, large scale manipulation of the environment by human actions to reduce global temperatures or greenhouse gases within the atmosphere.
2. By what method does cloud- seeding bring about a reduction in global temperatures?
- Cloud- seeding adds more shiny clouds to the atmosphere which reflect a greater proportion of sun rays.
3. From what natural phenomenon did scientists get the idea for stratospheric sulfate aerosols?
-From volcanoes, especially Mt. Pinatubo.
4. Name two mechanisms that propose a method for delivering sulfur aerosols to the stratosphere.
-Stratoshield and extending smoke stacks
5. Name two risks associated with geoengineering.
-weaponization and the potential for rapid warming
6. In what situation is geoengineering supposed to be implemented?
-As an emergency back-up plan
7. True or False: Will implementing sulfate aerosols lower the amount of carbon dioxide within the atmosphere?
-False: it will only decrease the amount of sunlight the Earth receives, thus only reducing global temperatures.
8. How are sun shades supposed to reduce global temperatures?
-By slightly reflecting some of the sun’s rays away from the earth.

Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/eZMIzQxdCDN9VA

North American Prairie Destruction and Revitalization Programs

Presenter- Obed Hernandez

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course a fully engaged student will
1. Be able to define a prairie in terms of climatic characteristics, vegetation composition, and geographical location within the United States.
2. Be able to explain the reasons why prairies experience arid climate patterns based on topography, location, and wind patterns.
3. Identify the prairie characteristics found in Lubbock.
4. Relate the 100th meridian line in relation to precipitation patterns and vegetation distribution within the prairies of the Great Plains.
5. Identify the reasons for prairie destruction concerning to human population increase in the area during the mid 19th century.
6. Name a major historical event in the early 20th century related to prairie destruction and the events that led to it.
7. Identify the causes of soil erosion.
8. Identify the effects of soil erosion.
9. Identify governmental resolutions enacted by the United States government in order to resolve the problem of soil erosion, how does it work?
10. Identify a local prairie (Lubbock Lake Landmark), and a local problem associated with vegetation change.
11. Be able to state what caused the vegetation change in the area and how the staff of Lubbock Lake Landmark is attempting to resolve it.

Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/sVfUKzRJ6B9JvD

Ecotourism in Sabah, Malaysia

Presenter- Levi Schlegel

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this presentation, a fully engaged student should be able to:
1. Identify the state of Sabah in terms of geographic location, political affiliation, and general characterization
2. Identify the 4 contemporary parameters that define ecotourism
3. Identify 2 of the 7 National Parks in Sabah and characterize their primary geographic or ecological attraction
4. Identify the UNESCO-designated status of Kinabalu National Park in Sabah, Malaysia and briefly characterize the significance of this designation
5. Identify 2 species classified as endangered or threatened by the IUCN that are found in Sabah and name a specific location in which they are found
6. Identify and briefly characterize 2 of the 3 enumerated hurdles that Sabah faces in further developing its ecotourism industry

Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/uDpfVI8hIOtjFj

Ecological Effects of the Indonesian Tsunami

Presenter- Colleen Flynn

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course a fully engaged student should be able to

1) Explain what causes a tsnumai
2) List effects of Flooding and Receding Waters on rivers, farm soil, and coral reefs
3) Discuss effects of sedimentation on coral reefs
4) Identify three effects of the tsunami on Sea Grass
5) List a benefit of mangroves and what the loss of mangroves has caused
6) Indentify whether the population number of Dugong was severely impacted by the tsunami
7) Describe the state of beaches following the tsunami and implications it had on turtle nesting

Powerpoint Presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/JZbrpIMmMDUdAH

Electropollution

Presenter- Kristi McCaleb

Expected Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course a fully engaged student should be able to

1) explain the meaning of electropollution.

2) explain where electropollution comes from and the potential consequences of electropollution

3) discuss why this is a relatively new and even controversial subject

4) discuss some possible tips to reduce individual electropollution encountered and potential solutions to the problem.

Powerpoint presentation

http://www.slideshare.net/secret/rV67sIVFRZ2R0

Possum Kingdon Lake

Presenter- Laura Stout

Expected learning outcomes

By the end of this course a fully engaged student should be able to

1. define eutrophication
2. describe the process that leads to eutrophication in lakes and rivers
3. describe how the black sea is a unique example of a dead zone
4. describe the combination of factors that led to eutrophication in Possum Kingdom Lake
5. describe how golden algae was such a deadly killer

Further Reading

Here are some websites that will be helpful for students to read:
http://www.cop.noaa.gov/stressors/extremeevents/hab/habhrca/FreshwaterReport_final_2008.pdf
http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_circulars/CR647.pdf
http://www.eoearth.org/article/Eutrophication

Questions for Final Exam

Here are the questions for the Final Exam (I have modified some of them slightly from the original form). Enjoy.

1. Discuss some examples throughout history in which humans were unable to predict their effects on the environment. Why is this the case?

2. Discuss some ways in which humans use the environment for non-exploitative satisfaction (i.e. entertainment). Do you think that we can use this as a mechanism for conservation?

3. Relate/Apply lessons learned from the use of "old" technology with the emergence of "new" technology.

4. Explain the effects of an invasive species on an areas ecological, economical, and cultural aspects.