Environmental Science Fundamentals: Pollution, Hazards, and Management
Understanding Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is caused by unwanted or excessive sound that affects human health and environmental quality.
Sources of Noise Pollution
- Industrial Sources: Factories, heavy machinery, generators, and equipment contribute to continuous noise.
- Transportation: Road traffic (cars, buses, trucks), railway engines and tracks, and aircraft are major contributors.
- Construction Activities: Drilling, excavation, demolition, and use of concrete mixers cause loud, disturbing noise.
Fundamentals of Earth Science: Fossils, Tectonics, and Time
Fossils and the Geological Record
Fossils are remnants of ancient life formed through fossilization, collectively creating the fossil record. This record, alongside rock and event data, helps reconstruct Earth’s geological history. The oldest fossils, around 3.5 billion years old, are a subject of scientific debate but contribute to our understanding. A distinction exists between “true” fossils, over 11,000 years old, and younger subfossils. However, a comprehensive record of all life forms is unattainable
Read MoreAmerican Transformation: Civil War, Reconstruction, and Industrialization
The Civil War: Causes, Conflicts, and Consequences
Union vs. Confederacy
- Union (North): Strong central government; sought to abolish slavery. Possessed many more factories, people, and railroads.
- Confederacy (South): Sought limited central government; wanted to maintain the institution of slavery.
Causes of the Civil War
- Slavery
- Balance of power conflicts (state vs. federal rights)
- Economic differences (Industrial North vs. Agrarian South)
Key Pre-War and War Legislation
- Fugitive Slave Act: Law requiring
Key Terms in Agriculture, Environment, and Fisheries
Environmental and Fishing Terminology
- European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD): Funds rural development programs.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) Fisheries: Jurisdictional waters or the area over which a state has exclusive fishing rights.
- Biological Rest Periods: Temporary cessation of fishing in areas with overfishing problems to allow resources to recover.
- Noise Pollution: The presence of noise and vibrations in the environment that cause discomfort, risk, or harm to people, or which
The Industrial Revolutions: Causes, Technology, and Global Impact
The First Industrial Revolution (1760–1840)
Key Factors Driving Industrialization
Demographic Revolution and Population Growth
Until the eighteenth century, the European population grew slowly, characterized by very high birth and death rates. Starting in the 18th century, birth rates remained high, but mortality rates dropped significantly, leading to a demographic revolution. This advanced the economy because it increased consumption.
Agricultural Expansion and Innovation
With the increasing population,
Read MoreSpanish Economic Transformation 1900-1933: Industry and Infrastructure
Industrial Developments in Early 20th Century Spain
Energy and Technological Change
Among the factors driving changes in the Spanish economy in the first third of the twentieth century, the use of new energy sources, with the spread of electricity and oil, stands out. On one hand, the commercial use of electricity and its application in transportation opened up the possibility of mechanized industrial production, with a consequent reduction in manufacturing costs. The progress of electrification in
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