ENGR 202 Review: Intro to Sustainable Development & Environmental Issues
ENGR 202 – Review Sheet
Introduction to Sustainable Development and the Role of Engineers
What is “The Environment”?
The environment is the aggregate of surrounding things, conditions, or influences, especially as affecting the existence or development of someone or something. This generally refers to the physical environment around us; the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the lands, oceans, rivers, and forests that cover the earth.
Categories of Anthropogenic Environmental Change
- Changes
Exploring the Cosmos: Earth, the Solar System, and Beyond
Explanation
Topic 8: The Earth, a Star
For thousands of years, humans gazed at the sky, pondering the nature of the luminous bodies that moved against the backdrop of the blue velvet above. The Greeks, observing the movement of some of these bodies, called them planets, meaning wanderers.
However, the Greeks were not alone in their celestial observations. The Mesopotamians meticulously documented eclipses and solstices in the “Tables of Venus” and developed a 365-day calendar.
The Canaanites, also known
Read MoreUnderstanding Groundwater: Resources, Impacts, and Sustainability
Groundwater: A Vital Resource
What is Groundwater?
Groundwater is water held underground in the phreatic zone (saturated zone) beneath the water table. The phreatic zone consists of permanently saturated solid rocks and sediments. Groundwater replenishment can take up to 20,000 years, making it a non-renewable resource.
Importance of Groundwater
Groundwater is a crucial component of the global hydrological cycle and represents the world’s largest freshwater store, holding over 90% of the total supply.
Read MoreNatural and Anthropogenic Health Hazards: A Deep Dive into Environmental Health Risks
2 Significant Natural Health Hazards on This Planet and Why
Volcanic Emissions
Volcanic emissions release harmful gases and particulate matter into the atmosphere, posing significant health risks. These emissions can cause respiratory problems, cardiovascular issues, and other health complications.
Geological Hazards
Earthquakes, landslides, and tsunamis are natural disasters that can cause widespread destruction and loss of life. Understanding geological hazards is crucial for developing early warning
Read MoreAtapuerca: Unraveling Human Evolution in Europe’s Rich Fossil Sites
Railway Trench: A Gateway to the Past
In the early twentieth century, a railway line carved through the Sierra de Atapuerca mountains, leaving behind a deep trench. This excavation inadvertently exposed areas of red clay and soil-filled caves – perfect conditions for fossil preservation. Since 1988, teams of archaeologists and paleontologists have been meticulously working to decode the secrets held within these ancient layers.
Gallery: A Natural Trap and Window into Early Human Activity
The discovery
Read MoreNatural and Anthropogenic Health Hazards: A Deep Dive into Environmental Risks
2 Significant Natural Health Hazards on This Planet and Why
Volcanic Emissions
Volcanic emissions pose significant health risks due to the release of toxic gases and particulate matter. These emissions can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health issues.
Geological Hazards
Geological hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic eruptions, can have devastating impacts on human health and infrastructure. These events can cause injuries, fatalities, and displacement of populations.
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