Energy Assignment 3

 You are now going to go back to the 3 energy types that you researched in Part 1 of this assignment. You are going to rank them based on their potential to be implemented in your country. You will need to consider the following: 
-The cost of implementation (if you have a poorer country they might not be able to afford the cost)
-You county's geography (the climate, the size of your country, the location on Earth, the resources available)
-What the government of your country is already doing. 

Once you have ranked the energy types, you will explain why you ranked them as you did (based on the above considerations). 
-8 marks for each explanation (total /24)
Ranking:
1)Solar
2)Nuclear
3)Tidal

California is a geographically diverse state; some of the major geographic features are: Sierra Nevada, Central Valley and Mojave Desert
Size: 423,970km^2
Climate: from Mediterranean to subartic (depending on latitude, elevation, and proximity to coast)

1)Solar
As previously discussed in Energy Assignment 2: California under the RPS is requiring all utilities in the state to source 33% of their electricity sales from clean renewable sources.
One of them is solar energy.  California is encouraging their citizens to implement solar panels within their homes.
"Go Solar California is a joint effort of the California Energy Commission and the California Public Utilities Comission. The goal is to encourage Californians to install 3,000 megawatts of solar energy systems on homes and businesses by the end of 2016, making renewable energy an everyday reality."

Solar price:

The average cost of systems <10 kW is $5.56/watt and $5.06/watt for systems over 10 kW.

I ranked Solar to be their first choice as California is already making plans to further pursue the use of solar panels. Aside from this, the extremely arid areas of California could benefit from the solar panels. The cost of getting solar panels implemented in their homes may be costly, but it would be environmentally benificial and benefit themselves as well. Their electricity would be harnessed from the sun's heat and light; which many areas (and main metroplitan areas) receive much of. Most importantly, it would be a renewable source; a main goal that California is aiming for. 

2)Nuclear

 nuclear power will provide two‐thirds of the state’s electricity, the rest coming from renewables as required by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. This scenario requires about 44 GWe of nuclear capacity. “California needs to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, while accommodating projected growth in its economy and population,” which "will likely require a doubling of electricity production with nearly zero emissions. “There are no technical barriers to large‐scale deployment of nuclear power in California. There are, however, legislative barriers and public acceptance barriers that have to be overcome to implement a scenario that includes a large number of new nuclear reactors.” The report concludes that 6-8 c/KWh is "the best estimate today" on nuclear power costs. "Reactors can be cooled with reclaimed water or with forced air, though air cooling is less efficient and would increase nuclear electricity prices by 5% to 10%."

"Nuclear power provides reliable base-load power with very low emissions and can offset variability issues incurred by renewables, but faces obstacles with current public policy and public opinion. By law, new nuclear power in California is currently predicated on a solution for nuclear waste." However, "If electric generation is predominantly intermittent renewable power, using natural gas to firm the power would likely result in greenhouse gas emissions that would alone exceed the 2050 target for the entire economy." The CCST prepared its reports for the California Energy Commission.

A kWh costs an average of 12cents in America; a tenth of a cent per gallon. Canyon Diablo nuclear plant in California produces this electricity at only 4cents/kWh 

I chose Nuclear to be second despite the benefits stated above due to the fact that Canyon Diablo Power Plant is at risk from two earthquake faults and that MANY Nuclear Power plants in California have already been shut down. In fact, Canyon Diablo is the ONLY nuclear powerplant operational in the state after San Onofre's shutdown in 2013.

3)Tidal 

According to a report released this month by the consulting firm Global Data, it's theoretically feasible for California to meet 20% of its energy consumption needs from wave energy. Tidal power off the California coast offers as much as 1,787 terawatt-hours per year of power, about seven times what the state consumes. As the ocean's waves and tidesrise and fall pretty much 24/7 regardless of whether the wind is blowing in the immediate vicinity, that would be base-load power -- allowing us to replace coal- and gas-fired power with renewables without developing fancy storage technology.

There are two big problems. One: the technologies involved are largely unproven and implementing them would be expensive. Two: The ocean along the California shore is important habitat for many kinds of wildlife, and industrializing it will bear certain non-economic costs as well.

I chose Tidal as the third.  Tidal energy would be a promising way to create energy that could provide for most of the state's usage and needs but there are too many factors against it.  For one, California has already attempted with ocean energy previously with wave energy, but that has shown to be unsuccesful.  It could also be economically draining especially if it does not succeed and there's also studies of the technology not being advanced enough but most importantly it will drastically harm the environment. 

Energy Assignment 2: Renewable Energy in California

In this portion of the assignment you are going to research the type of energy currently used in your country. You will likely find that there are multiple types used (and you can mention this) but please try to focus on the primary type used. Explain how this is used, the cost, the impact, etc. It may be one of the three that you researched yesterday or may not be….It doesn't matter. 

California has historically been a leader on clean energy investments, driven in large part by its Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS), which requires all utilities in the state to source 33 percent of their electricty sales from clean, renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal and biopower (by 2020)
In 2009, 11.6% of all electricty came from renewable resources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass and small hydroelectric facilities.

Natural gas is the main source for electricty generation at 45% of the total in-state electric generation system power. (2012)
Natural gas-fired power plants account for more than one-half of State electricty generation.
Natural gas has become the fuel of choice for new power plants since 1990s.

The natural gas power production process begins with the extraction of natural gas, continues with its treatment and transport to the power plants, and ends with its combustion in boilers and turbines to generate electricity.

Initially, wells are drilled into the ground to remove the natural gas. After the natural gas is extracted, it is treated at gas plants to remove impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, helium, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons, and moisture. Pipelines then transport the natural gas from the gas plants to power plants. Power plants use several methods to convert gas to electricity. One method is to burn the gas in a boiler to produce steam, which is then used by a steam turbine to generate electricity. A more common approach is to burn the gas in a combustion turbine to generate electricity.

Environmental Impacts of Natural Gas:

-can destroy natural habitats for animals and plants
-possible land impacts: soil erosion, landslides, loss of soil productivity
-when power plants remove water from lake/river, fish and other aquatic life can be killed, affecting animals and people who depend on these sources
-air emissions: carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen oxide

In California the cost of Natural Gas is 5.23dollars per Thousand Cubic Feet

Energy Assignment Part 1

For EACH of the energy types that you research you should look at the pros and cons, how we use it, the benefits, drawbacks etc. Make sure that you are familiar with how they work. 

From the following list choose THREE: 
-Coal
-Nuclear
-Solar
-Tidal
-Wind
-Hydrothermal
-Geothermal

Nuclear Energy


 Nucleur energy comes from Uranium; a non renewable resource that must be mined. It is the energy released during nuclear fission or fusion, especially when used to generate electricty.
Fusion = energy released when atoms are combined or fused together to form a larger atom.
Fission = atoms split into smaller atoms, releasing energy.
*Nuclear Power Plants can only use nuclear fission to produce electricty.

How it works
heat to make the steam is created when uranium atoms split. Pressurized water reactors keep water under pressure so that it heats, but does not boil.

Pros
-lower carbon dioxide (and greenhouse gases) released into the atmosphere in power generation
-relatively low operating costs
-known, developed technology "ready" for market
-large power-generating capacity able to meet industrial and city needs
-existing and future nuclear waste can be reduced through waste recycling and reprocessing
-reliable
-cheap electricity
-this energy has a continuous supply and is widely available

Cons
-high construction costs due to complex radiation containment and procedures
-high subsidies needed for construction and operation, as well as loan guarantees
-subsidies and investment could be spent on other solutions (such as renewable energy systems)
-high-known risks in an accident
-unknown risks
-long construction time
-requires large infrastructure and investment
-waivers are required to limit liability of companies in the event of an accident
-waste lasts 200-500 thousand years
-radioactive waste
-nuclear radiation
-impact on aquatic life
-major impact on human life
-Uranium is scarce and exists only in a few places
-non renewable

Solar Energy



Energy harnessed from sun's radiant heat and light.

Solar Photovoltaics (PV) = system using panels composed of solar cells to supply usable solar power.Used primarily for grid-connected electricty. Can be ground-mounted, installed on building rooftops, or designed into building materials at the point of manufacturing

How it works
direct conversion of light into electricty at the atomic level. Absorbs photons of light and releases electrons. When free electrons are captured, electric current results can be used as electricty.

Pros
-clean energy. no combustion. no greenhouse emission from use
-inexhuastible and abundant "fuel" supply
-available nearly anywhere
-well suited for distribution generation
-technology exists today and is rapidly improving
-generates electricty directly from sunlight
-no moving parts required
-power generation is silent. no noise or pollution
-little or no transmission required
-matches well with air-conditioning need
-require minimal maintenance
-excess heat can be used for co-generation

Cons
-intermittent source. not available at night or under clouds
-relatively high cost, especially with storage
-requires inverter to produce AC current
-requires storage or grid connection for continuous round-the-clock use
-less available for heating demand (time of day, season)
-exotic materials required in many thin-film systems
-requires a relatively large amount of open space
-relatively low efficiency
-relatively low energy intensity
-fragile materials
-possible aesthetic issues

Tidal Energy



Form of hydropower that converts the energy of tides into useful forms of power; mainly electricty. Tidal energy is a predictable form of renewable energy, which can be harnessed by:

-Tidal Range: barrages or lagoons constructed to capture tide; turbines in lagoons/barrier generate electricity as tide floods into reservoir

-Tidal Stream: flow of water as tide ebbs and floods, manifests itself as tidal current. Devices seek to extract energy from kinetic movement of water

How it works
energy obtained from changing sea levels through tidal energy generators. These large underwater turbines are placed in areas with high tidal movements, designed to capture kinetic motion of ebbing and surging of ocean tides to produce electricity

Pros
-tides go in and out twice a day = reliable = easy to predict
-renewable
-produces no emissions
-requires no fuel
-high efficiency
-environmental impacts are local, not global
-effective at low speeds
-long life-spans
-low labor costs
-minimal visual impact
-consistent power

Cons
-upfront capital costs are very high as most of the schemes require massive concrete constructions
-tidal power stations only generate electricity when tide is flowing in or out (ten hours a day)
-widespread environmental and ecological damage to aquatic system
-equipment may be damaged by strong currents and freak waves
-non-continuous, storage or grid-backup required
-locations often remote
-can change tidal level of surrounding area
-barrages may restrict access to open water
-captures dirt, waste, and pollution near the coast
-decreases salinity in tidal basins
-reduces kinetic energy in ocean
-shifting tides
-reduced sea usage = shipping and recreation areas

Land Use and Agriculture in California

1) Agriculture is a major Californian industry. The amount of land devoted to farming and ranching in California remains at 25.4 million acres. (California Agriculture statistics, Crop year 2012) Approximately 33 million acres in California are forests. (Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California)  For urban land, 5.1% takes up of the state's land area. (Urban Forest Data)

2)
Polyculture farming: agricultural method of planting multiple crops in the same field

Polyculture pros:-faster sowing
-reduces pests and disease outbreaks
-better flavour and nutrition
-natural resources used more efficiently
-better polination
-improved yields
Polyculture cons:
-slower harvest
-difficult to calculate income and predict results
-seed loss/high up-front seed costs
-difficult to control
Monoculture farming: agricultural method involves planting one species of crop on the same piece of land repeatedly

Monoculture pros:
-the field is in better position to provide maximum output for particular crop
-helps keep down farming costs
-knowledge of single species if sufficient for good crop
-is convenient
-easier
-less competition of sunlight, nutrients, and space from other species
Monoculture cons:
-does not support other flora and fauna
-disease can spread to whole crop *all plants
-limits chance of taking advantage of other nutrients in soil
-limited food options
-reduces nitrogen composition in soil
-soil fertility diminishes at a faster rate
-time consuming
Slash and burn: agriculture technique which involves cutting and burning forests or woodlands to create fields

Slash and burn pros:
-returns nutrients to soil
-controlled burn reduces fire risk of debris left on farm land
-cheaper to burn the debris on-site
-burns may be used to scare unwanted animals out
-may eliminate pests
Slash and burn cons:
-is a fire hazard
-site preparation may be longer
-may lead to erosion or leaching of nutrients
-releases greenhouse gases
-animals may be killed
-get out of control and cause damage; endanger lives

3)  Sustainable practices involve a variety of approaches. Strategies must take account topography, soil characteristics, climate, pests, local availability of inputs and individual grower's goals.  Diversified farms are usually more economically and ecologically resilient, which is why California is mostly pro polyculture. As previously mentioned agriculture is a main industry of California and is crucial to the economy. The risk of monoculture is that the loss of crop in any one year could put a farm out of business and/or seriously disrupt the stability of a community dependent in that crop.  By growing a variety of crops they are less susceptible to the radical price fluctuations associated with changes in supply and demand.
California grows over 400 different crops, some grown nowhere else in the nation. Crops include grapes, almonds, strawberries, oranges, and walnuts. The most important vegetable crops grown in the state are lettuce and tomatoes.  Half the nation's fruits, vegetables, and nuts come from California.
With the current California water crisis, the agriculture is in scrutiny right now. The current drought situation is jeopardizing all their advances. The governor is also demanding 25% reduction in water use.  Agriculture is under intense pressure to do more especially since the governor's mandatory cuts didn't include agriculture.

Water Dilemma: California

1) The idea of water conservation is an important issue and should be discussed more. In Canada, we possess only 7% of the world's renewable freshwater supply, so it is sad to see that we overuse and abuse this precious resource. In many underprivileged countries, they have to fight for clean drinking water.  I wasn't too shocked with the information that people didn't have access to clean water.  It is quite a general knowledge that is taught to students to show how fortunate we are and how we shouldn't take this resource for advantage.  Many people in different parts of the world don't have access to freshwater that they can consume and sometimes travel miles to attain water that's not even fresh.  I am very fortunate and grateful to live in a place where water is easily available and I'm sure many people that live here think so as well, but it doesn't mean that we have the right to abuse it just because it's accessible. What did shock me was that corporations were abusing water resources to make money and leaving villagers with nothing. It is horrible to think that companies like Coca Cola don't give villagers the right to access their own water.



2)  *I will be doing California as it is a part of West USA and is also a suggestion provided*

Currently in California they are experiencing their 3rd year of drought.  There are even headlines claiming that "Current California Drought is Driest in State's History; Scientists fear 'Megadroughts' On Their Way".

The water situation in California right now is so crucial that the state's ecisting water supply and storage facilities could not meet the state's needs. Aside from this, the state (and much of the West) relies heavily on relies heavily on snowpack each winter to resupply surface water streams and lakes. The lack of winter storms and record high-temperatures this past winter, snowpack in California is at an all time low.  The state's hydropower supply is also threatened when snowpack is scarce.  Exports in California are reliant on produce and most of the water in California is used for farming; the drought is causing farmers to suffer as there is the water use restriction up to 25% that was announced to help reduce demand.
"Once aquifers are depleted, the state will have no backup supplies to surface water. Desalination could make up some of the difference, but can be expensive and is energy-intensive."
Resource

Mass Wasting China-Case Study: The Oregonian

BREAKING NEWS - A massive landslide hits Zhouqu County, China

A quick introduction into the topography and of other relations to the landslide; China is extremely mountainous; weather has been experiencing torrential rains from the monsoon season. The region also experiences large and devastating earthquakes from time to time. Landslides occur because of the heavy rainfall and from the earthquakes occurring on steep slopes where the slipping soil causes landslides.  The anthropogenic causes of landslides are dams, clear cutting, undercutting, and so forth.

On August 7, a huge mudslide struck Zhouqu, in Gansu western China. More than 1200 people had been declared dead and 490 were still missing. This was the worst landslide in Zhouqu since records began; possibly the worst in China for 60 years.

Landslide in Zhouqu, China

A Xinhua news article published on Wednesday said the causes of the 
Zhouqu mudslide were the "mountainous terrain and loss of ground cover" 
and, according to the deputy director of the Department of Geological 
Environment at the Ministry of Land and Resources, "a lingering drought 
lasting almost 9 months in some local areas and the 2008 Sichuan 
earthquake that might have loosened the mountainside and caused some 
cracks are also reasons behind the devastating mudslide."

A 2006 report by Lanzhou University warned of the dangers presented by the destruction of the forests around Zhouqu for mining and agriculture, causing soil erosion and destabilizing hillsides.

"The hills have become highly unstable and easily subject to natural disaster of landslides and mudslides," the report said. "The situation is the result of deforestation, exploitative mining activities, construction of hydroelectric power plants and other development activities."

In more recent years, the construction of a highway and more than 40 hydroelectric power dams in the sharp-sided valleys has further destabilised the geology, according to Fan Xiao, a leading Chinese geologist based in Sichuan.

"Logging - both legal and illegal - made the problem worse."

The area is extremely poor. Logging was banned there 12 years ago but people continued to cut down and sell trees on the mountainside to make a living.

A recent drought and the Sichuan earthquake two years ago may have weakened the rock face above the town, but our correspondent says protective measures and warning systems could have saved lives.

The government has promised to help people rebuild homes and buildings in the area but analysts are questioning if this is wise.

"The tragedy in Zhouqu is a reflection of the challenges and risks economic growth brings to poor regions," said Li Yan, climate change and energy campaigner for Greenpeace China.

The devastating landslide destroyed much of the infrastructure; villages; homes; killing and injuring a significant amount of people and animals. 

This landslide could've been prevented from stabilizing the ground and by building retaining walls that won't compromise the shear plane of the land.

Families should not return to homes because there could be a lot of destruction immediately after the landslide. Once everything has been recovered and repaired, that is when it is only safe to return. Prevention programs are created to prevent a future disaster. Many recovery efforts and assistance is available from other cities and service workers for the recovery of natural disasters such as this one in Zhouqu, China.   

Northridge Earthquake

   The Northridge earthquake occurred at 4:30am on January 17, 1994.  Northridge is located approximately 30km northwest of Los Angeles.  This earthquake had a 6.9 moment magnitude with a duration of 10-20 seconds. The earthquake occurred along a "blind" thrust fault (it is buried), close to San Andreas fault. 

    The earthquake was caused mainly by a previously undiscovered strike-slip fault in Reseda.

   The number of fatalities in the Northridge earthquake was about 57. About 9000 people were injured. The fact that the earthquake occured at 4:30am lessened the death toll.
   The Northridge earthquake caused extensive damage to parking structures and freeway overpasses. A 2500 car parking garage at the California State University at Northridge collapsed. The earthquake caused and triggered landslides in the Santa Susana Mountains, Santa Monica Mountains, and wetsern San Gabriel Mountains. These landslides blocked roads and damaged water linesa as well as damaging homes. Because Northridge area has arid, dry soil thus having few liquefaction and ground failure effects. There were, although, damage due to fires. Estimates of total damage range between $13-40 billion. 

    The Universal Studios attraction had shut down during this time as well as Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm, and Six Flags; all very popular attractions. 

   A respiratory disease called the Valley fever outbreak  occurred 8 weeks following the earthquake. It is believed that the spores were carried in large clouds of dust created by seismically triggered landslides. 

   The Northridge earthquake led to a number of legislative changes. Due to the large amount lost by insurance companies because of the earthquake, most insurance companies either stopped offering or severely restricted earthquake insurance in California. In response, the California Legislature created the California Earthquake Authority (CEA), which is a publicly managed but privately funded organization that offers minimal coverage. A substantial effort was also made to reinforce freeway bridges against seismic shaking, and a law requiring water heaters to be properly strapped was passed in 1995.

Plate Tectonics in West USA

Plates map of the world

                 

West USA is located in the North American Plate.

Western North America has two plate boundaries:

-San Andreas Fault; forming the most active part of the broad boundary zone between Pacific and North American plates

-Cascadia Subduction Zone: boundary along which the small Juan de Fuca plate subducts under the North American Plate

North American Plate:

The North American plate includes most of the North American continent, Greenland, and parts of Iceland and Siberia. Its motion can be measured on the order of a few centimeters per year. The edges of the North American plate show each of these three major plate boundary types: transform, convergent, and divergent. The movement of the hot mantle below the lithosphere drives the plate motion.
The North American plate collides and overrides the Pacific plate. It is moving to the west-southwest at about an inch per year away from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.
The motion of the plate cannot be driven by subduction as no part of the North American Plate is being subducted.

The Juan de Fuca Plate is still actively subducting beneath N. America. Its motion is not smooth, but rather sticky; strain builds up until the fault breaks and a few meters of Juan De Fuca get slid under North America in a big earthquake. 
These plate motions are the primary source of strain in the lithosphere that lead to earthquakes in our region. In California, much of the strain generated by the grinding of the Pacific Plate against North America is taken up in earthquakes on the San Andres Fault and related structures but the shearing action dosn't end there.

California from one of Tanya Atwaters Plate Tectonics animations 

Volcanic arcs develop to the east of the North American subduction zone and created an ancient mountain range that preceded the modern Sierra Nevadas. Subduction stopped and the plate boundary off the coast of California was transformed from a trench into the modern San Andreas fault. 

The Appalachian Mountains, above in the U.S. state of West Virginia, are fold mountains. Fold mountains form over millions of years

PNW Vector Map

            British Columbia however is part of rigid North America and moves with it. This results in the Puget Lowland being compressed and warped like an accordion with alternating uplifted and down warped terrain shortening the distance between Centralia, Washington, and the Canadia border. Dr. Ray Wells of the USGS developed a model to demonstrate this process and produced the cartoon animation located above the GPS Vector map. Source

Mining

Part A

Shaft mining refers = the method of excavating a vertical/near-vertical tunnel from the top down, where there is initially no access to bottom.

Pro: • allows a mine operation to be 'hidden' having only head frames protrude above the surface, enabling land above zone of mining to be reclaimed for other uses after mining has ceased
       • can mine as deep as the development permits excavation to take place
       • it is not dependent on stripping ratios
       • does not affect physical environment as much
Cons: • safety issue is a big problem
          • underground mines produce significant amount of methane
          • expensive
          • collapses
          • flooding
          • mine explosions
          • miner can die due to lack of oxygen

Open pit mining =  is a surface mining technique of extracting rock or minerals from the earth by their removal from an open pit or borrow

Pro: • increase in efficiency over deep-shaft mining techniques
        • no space restrictions from narrow tunnels and shafts affect the rate at which ore can be extracted
        • sampling each level in an open pit before mining deeper allows surveyors to analyze potential yield and avoid safety hazards
        •  uses larger extraction vehicles, increasing amount of harvest per day
        •  reduced cost
        • safer than shaft mining
Cons: • loss of ecosystem
          • can take decades to recover
          • landslides and rockslides can occur without warning
          • acid mine drainage = serious environmental concern
          • release of dangerous metalloids in groundwater/local streams; polluted water can kill life along water source 

Part B

Spouse of a miner:
Of course I would want my spouse to work in an open pit. It's said to be much safer and at the end of the day that is what's important. I've heard that they end up acquiring more per day which would be beneficial to both the company and the employees, thus meaning it would be better for our family. It doesn't require ventilation and the worse that can happen is a landslide. I would rather have my spouse take those chances than a space collapsing in on itself. 

Owner of a mining company:
I would choose open pit mining. It's cheaper and more efficient. Using this method will sustain my company.  I would be able to harvest more ore or minerals or what have you. Shaft mining would sometimes require digging deeper to find what we're looking for.   Not only that, but it would be better for my employees as it would be safer as well. 

Environmentalist: 

Open pit mining has environmental hazards. Hardrock mining exposes rock that has lain unexposed for geological eras. When crushed, these rocks expose radioactive elements, asbestos-like minerals, and metallic dust. Aside from this contamination of surface and ground waters often generates problems with this method. 

Owner of a nearby ski resort:

I would think underground mining would be better as open pit mining has more leniency space wise. That would not be good for my business and it having a gigantic dug out hole near my ski resort can be an eyesore as well as dangerous to my guests. If any guests want to try skiing in this open pit as well especially if it became abandoned then we would be legally liable for any injuries or harm that may occur.  If it were abandoned then there would just be a gaping hole there.

Part C

Mining is prominent in the USA and has been active since colonial times.
Mining in Alaska has been predominantly for metals such as gold, silver, and zinc. Mined metal is a valuable export and source of cash income for workers, and mining jobs pay above the state average. Major mines are mostly owned by out-of-state corporations, leading most of their profits to be exported. Minerals are one of Alaska’s most important exports.  The total value of metal production and exploration in Alaska was just over $3.4 billion in 2012, representing around 7% of the gross state product, and producing several thousand jobs.  Mining pays a 2% state tax on its revenue.  

Prospectors are actively pursuing new mineral resources in Alaska.

Waste Management - Alaska

Alaska disposes of their waste through: 

ARL = Anchorage (Alaska) Regional Landfill  

CTS = Central Transfer Station

Different Materials and how they can be disposed can be found here

They also have a Hazardous Materials Management

Solid waste disposal presents a challenge for Alaska. Alaska has a population of approximately 710,231 people. 72% of this population live in Anchorage, Juneau, or Fairbanks. The other 28% are scattered throughout the state in rural communities. Many of these communities are only accessible by boat or air travel which means that they have their own landfill since it would not be practical to ship their waste. They "accomadate to the multiple rural community landfills by designating a Class III landfill category. Class III landfills are not connected by road to a larger landfill or are more than 50 miles by road from a larger landfill and must serve fewer than 1500 people." 

Although this is the case, a 2008 article/journal brings attention that circumstances unique to Alaska create challenges for basic waste disposal and recycling that are not experienced in the lower 48 US states or in countries like Japan where space is limited. Programs available to separating recyclables from waste stream are often minimal and varying. 

More disposal facts

Another problem that ensues are the Alaskan Native villages from rural areas that face illegal dumping issues. They struggle to find cost effective and safe alternative to open dumps.

To improve their waste management strategies, I believe they must have viable solid waste disposal options to ensure Alaskan tribe's and village's waste ends up in landfill or municipal solid waste incinerator and not an open dump.  This information and knowledge needs to also be promoted through community outreach to properly ensure that residents, villagers, and tribes are informed of the environmental issues they face by not properly disposing of waste. Problems of disposing food may cause wild animals to rummage through their waste.  Alaska tries to prevent this by encouraging to use and even create your own incinerator for your garbage that you can have in your backyard. I think this one is important as it will harm wildife less. 

Impact of Climate Change in Northwest USA

Resource 1
Resource 2


Impacts of climate change narrow to three areas:
-erratic climate and weather extremes
-altered ecosystems and habitats
-risks to human health and society

Low snowpack prompts power concerns for utilities

Water supply is crucial for energy production, agriculture, and ecosystems in the northwest. Much of this region's supply is stored in winter snowpack in the mountains. The snowpack melts and runs off into streams and rivers in the late spring and summer, times where there is little rainfall. Climate change will threaten this natural storage.  Higher temperatures will contribute to earlier snowmelt and major changes in the timing of runoff. Changing stream flows would strain water management and worsen existing competition for water. Increasing temperatures and population could increase demand and further stress urban water supplies. *Climate change could decrease supply.*
Approximately 70% of electricity in the Northwest is powered by hydroelectricity. Decreasing summer streamflows would reduce hydroelectricity and stress electricity supplies. Meanwhile, rising temperatures would increase electricity demands for air conditioning and refrigeration.




Projected climate change impacts forests due to higher risks of forest fires. This will result in decreased tree growth and increased insect attacks. The potential reductions in summer soil moisture would contribute to wildfire risk. Drought stress and higher temperatures will impede tree growth, Projected climate changes will likely cause shifts in the composition, range and even existence of Northwest tree species. Decreasing supplies of water irrigation, increasing incidence of pests and disease attacks, and growing competition from weeds threaten Northwest agriculture, particularly the production of fruit trees.
Already known that human activities threaten salmon populations, climate change impacts would further stress these salmon population. Earlier peakflows and higher streamflows due to climate change would damage spawning nests and force young salmon from rivers prematurely.


Climate change, particularly sea level rising, is projected to increase coastal erosion and loss of beaches in the Northwest. Some climate models project that changing wind patterns, combined with sea levels rise could accelerate coastal erosion. Sea level rise could increase risk of landslide on coastal bluffs.



From forests fires and climate change, warmer polluted air affects the environment. A warmer atmosphere increases chemical reactions that form ground-level ozone, aka smog. Smog is a well-known lung irritant and a major trigger for asthma attacks.

Climate and Climate Controls in West USA

Precipitation of the Western United States varies spatially because of the scattered smaller-scale climactic controls placed within larger-scale controls. The distribution of seasonal precipitation shows complex patterns in some areas. Winter and spring precipitation currently supplies most of the water to metropolitan areas; the amounts are important for agriculture and for ski industry.  During the summer and fall, changes in precipitation are less critical. Small fluctuations of precipitation can affect local water budgets, erosion, and the growth of grasses important for cattle raising.
Oregon's Climate can be classified as mild. Two major geographic features dominate the climate in the state: the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Range. The mountains of the Cascade Range act as a division between western and eastern sides of Oregon. An oceanic climate or "marine west coast climate" is predominantly found in Western Oregon, and a much drier climate prevails east of Cascade Range/east of Oregon.
Climate Controls are important to beach and property erosion, flood probabilities, and estuarine water quality.
Climograph, in Eugene Oregon

Hurricane Nora

Hurricane Nora was a third tropical cyclone that reached Arizona as a tropical storm.  Nora occurred in 1997 during the Pacific hurricane season. Hurricane Nora formed on September 16 and dissipated on the 26th. Nora formed over very warm water (29-30 degrees Celsius) Nora developed south of the Mexican coast, intensified into a hurricane, and made landfall over northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States. A high pressure area over northern Mexico forced the storm to move west to northwest. During that period, Nora continued to intensify becoming a Category 1 hurricane. It's highest winds reached 130 mph (215km/h). Hurricane Nora affected Baja, California, and Southwest United States. In the United States, there were no direct deaths blamed on the hurricane. Although this is the case, the California Highway Patrol attributed three or four traffic fatalities in southern California due to weather.  Damage totals from Nora aren't fully discovered. The media summaries of Nora included a loss to agriculture estimated at several hundred millions; approximately $150-200 million (1997 USD).  It is also estimated that $30-40 million dollars in damage to lemon trees occurred. In California, about 125,000 customers lost power in the Los Angeles area with scattered, smaller outages elsewhere. In San Diego, Palm Springs, and Indio, street flooding was reported.

Hurricane Nora's remnants over the Southwestern
United States

Nora rainfall for Mexico and United States

West USA Air Mass

West USA has a Maritime Polar (mP) air mass; it's cool and moist.
Seasons in West USA vary.
The ones closest to us will have similar weather and season patterns. These places include Northern Arizona, Northern New Mexico, Southern Colorado, and Southern Utah. As previously stated, most high country Southwest USA seasons and weather are very similar. The desert areas like Southern Arizona, Southern New Mexico, and California have less distinctive seasons.
Spring and Fall weather for these places are more unpredictable. These times require inhabitants to be prepared as sudden changes are prevalent at these times of the year.

The Global wind that mainly impacts West USA is the prevailing westerlies. Most weather in the United States moves from West to East because of this.

Northwest USA (Oregon, Washington and Southern Alaska) will have orographic precipitation. These places are close to the sea; relief/orographic rainfall occurs when winds pick up moisture from sea as they travel across making the air most.  These places are commonly known for being wet, moist areas.
Southwest USA

5 Themes of Geography (West USA: Portland,Oregon)

Location: The absolute location of Portland is the latitude and longitude which is  45.5200° N, 122.6819° W. A relative location of Portland is that it's located 70 miles east of the pacific ocean in the Willamette Valley between Coast Range and the Cascade Range.


Place: This picture of Multnomah Falls in Portland shows forestry and the falls itself; natural traits that belong in the physical characteristics. The bridge that links one pathway to another is a human characteristic.
*The physical characteristics of Portland include a mild marine climate with wet winters and nearby forests.  


Interaction between humans and the environment: Due to the rivers that divide the city, Portland must accomodate by building bridges as means of transportation.  People living in Portland must also accomodate to its wet, and occasional cold climate.  They would do this from the clothing that they wear to the gear that they carry such as; umbrellas, rain coats, rain boots, etc. Heaters would be prevalent in homes as well due to its chilly winters, something you will not see in other countries.


Movement: The Port of Portland is the port district responsible for general aviation and marine activities. Its organization promotes the regions' economy and quality of life by providing efficient cargo.  The Port imports over 400,000 automobiles from Asia every year, which contributes to the transportation mode of the people in the city. 

Region: Portland is located in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States.  It is considered a part of "Cascadia," a bioregion that includes Western Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, and parts of California.

"Good Friday" Earthquake hits West USA

In 1964 on March 27th, an earthquake followed by a tsunami hit the western areas of USA. It was the most powerful recorded earthquake in the US history; having a moment magnitude of 9.2, it even lifted parts of Alaska. The massive ground movements unleashed a powerful tsunami, sloshing water up to 220ft high. Another impactful destruction was when an underwater landslide and tsunami caused the Voltez dock to collapse, killing 32 people. Not only were the Alaskan coastal communities devastated by the tsunami, but so were the west coast regions including Oregon and California. This natural disaster caused soil liquefaction and several landslides that caused major structural damage to property. The result of the earthquake and tsunami had believed to have killed 139 people.  Evidence of motion directly related to the earthquake was reported from all over the world.

Hydrosphere: The tsunamis causing destruction is related to the Hydrosphere as tsunamis are a series of waves caused by the displacement of a large volume of water.
Biosphere: The deaths impacted from the collapsing buildings and the damaged, irreparable property are all related to the Biosphere as these are both parts and contributions to the ecosystem
Lithosphere: The landslides and soil liquefaction are involved in the lithosphere, the earthquake also belongs in this category.

The three spheres correlate in this corresponding manner:
The earthquake caused by the movement of tectonic plates which belongs in the category of lithosphere, impacts the biosphere by killing many of its inhabitants and ruining countless structures.  The landslides and soil liquefaction which also belong in the lithosphere category, are after-effects from the earthquake. The tsunamis belonging in the hydrosphere, were from the impacts of the moving tectonic plates belonging in the lithosphere category.

1st Post

2) Where is it?
 It's in the western region of USA; West of the Rocky Mountains
3) Major cities?
The largest city in Western USA is Los Angeles, California
Others are: Las Vegas, Nevada
                   Seattle, Washington
                   Phoenix, Arizona
                   Portland, Oregon
4) Size (square km including water)?
Including Alaska, West USA has a size of 4,892,545 km^2
5) Population (2010)?
71, 945, 553
6) Type of Government?
Republic