Interaction Between Major Environmental Systems

Interaction Between Major Environmental Systems ‘Explain how the major environmental systems (atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and biosphere) interact and are interrelated’ In this assignment I will discuss and explain how our four major environmental systems the atmosphere, hydrosphere, pedosphere and biosphere interact and are interrelated. I will explain each one individually then go onto detailing how they link with one another with examples of photosynthesis, respiration and precipitation with the help of conceptual diagrams, lecture notes and my own personal knowledge. Our planet is made up of four basic ‘spheres’ or also known as ‘the four great realms of earth’ (Strahler and Strahler, 1994, pp. 7-7). Each serves a purpose and is interrelated with one-another and requires each other to form the life-cycle we live in. Figure 1 below shows a basic form of how our four main environmental systems interact: Figure 1: Interactive processes (Lal, Kimble, and Follett, 1997, 4.) Our atmosphere consists of many elements and plays an important part in making our planet inhabitable and sustainable for life. It comprises of around 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 1% argon and a small trace of gases such as carbon dioxide (earth system pp). There are also several layers which can be split up which are the Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere and the Ionosphere (White, 1984, pp. 71 -71). The atmosphere today has been derived from the Earth itself by chemical and biochemical reactions (White, 1984, pp. 68 68) and also plays a vital role in creating our Earth’s weather systems. The hydrosphere is the Earth’s liquid cycle; it contains our rivers, lakes, oceans, streams, glaciers and groundwater and is linked into our water cycle. It’s our most dominate environmental system and covers around 70% of the earth’s surface which it contrives of features for plants and animals to inhabit. It also contains 1.4 billion cubic kilometres of water and water is essential to life and required for the survival of organisms (Strahler Strahler, 1999, pp. 7 7). The biosphere can be referred as the part of our environmental system where life exists. The term biosphere is used to describe either this veneer of life, or these organisms together with the surface environments in which they interact (White, 1984, pp. 128 128). It consists of abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) components and it extends from our deepest oceans all the way to around 10km above sea level (earth system pp) and incorporates all different kinds of organisms and species. The Pedosphere is the Earth’s outer layer which contrive of soils and soil formations. It can also be linked in with the Lithosphere but has its own determined category. It provides a solid foundation for sustainability for plants and other organisms to live. The major factors influencing soil and soil development are parent material, climate, vegetation and time (Strahler Strahler, 1999, pp. 240 240). There are two main classes of soils which are primary and secondary which vary in terms of substance. Photosynthesis is the process by which higher plants, algae, and certain species of bacterial transform and store solar energy in the form of energy-rich organic molecules (Eaton-Rye, Tripathy, Sharkey, 2011, pp 1-1) and is a direct interaction between the atmosphere and biosphere. The process occurs from when the sun releases energy rays into our atmosphere which are absorbed by the biosphere within plants via their leaves, they then use this energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into oxygen, sugar and starch which is used as a food source by plants. Plants contain chloroplasts which makes the scenario of photosynthesis possible. They then release oxygen back into our atmosphere which humans intake and release back carbon dioxide to complete the cycle. This interaction between the atmosphere and biosphere in terms of collaborating and enhancing organisms. Photosynthesis also contributes towards ‘fossil fuels’ (i.e., coals, oil, and gas) that power the industrial s ociety. The fuels provide energy to fuel factories, homes and also raw materials such as plastics and other materials (Bassham, 2014). Figure 2 below shows the basic process in which photosynthesis occurs and how the cycle works: Figure 2: Diagram showing Photosynthesis (n. d.) In return, respiration occurs from the process of photosynthesis in animals and plant life contributing to the atmosphere where energy is released from glucose and other substances. Respiration, which occurs in mitochondrial and bacterial membranes, utilizes energy present in organic molecules to fuel a wide range of metabolic reactions critical for cell growth and development (Eaton-Rye, Tripathy, Sharkey, 2011, pp 1-1). There are two types of respiration, the first being aerobic which are common in all higher plants and animals and the process occurs within living cells and oxygen. It is a permanent process that continues throughout the life of plants and animals. The second is anaerobic and is common in microorganisms but very rare in higher plants and animals. The process occurs in the absence of oxygen and can be toxic to plants and animals (‘Major Differences’, n.d.). Respiration breaks down food molecules which occur inside cells to release energy, this is known as the oxygen cycle which animals and humans consume oxygen discharged by plants through the basis of metabolism. Carbon dioxide is then released by animals and humans in which plants then absorb and the whole cycle begins again starting with photosynthesis which forms part of an interrelated system and sustainability for life. Figure 3 below shows the process of the oxygen cycle with respiration between animals and plants in working order: Figure 3: The Oxygen Cycle (n.d) Precipitation is a direct interaction between the hydrosphere and the atmosphere. Water exists in the air in the form of humidity, clouds, fog and precipitation (Introducing physical geography p 77). Precipitation can form in two ways. In the first, cloud droplets collide and coalesce into larger and larger water droplets that fall as rain. In the second, ice crystals form and grow in a cloud that contains a mixture of both ice crystals and water droplets (Strahler Strahler, 1999, pp. 86 86). There are many forms of precipitation which include rain, freezing rain, snow, sleet and hail which form a part of the water cycle. It also plays a part in creating our weather system which can affect the environmental systems on our planet. Rain develops when the droplets clouds hold become too heavy to sustain and eventually fall to the ground producing rain. Rain can also start out as being small ice crystals which then turn into snowflakes and as the temperature gets warmer with the flakes falling they warm up and melt into rain droplets. These rain drops can benefit organisms in the biosphere such as plants for food and growth. Snow is formed by the process of water vapour turning into ice crystals from within clouds, the process is called sublimation (‘Sublimation from Snow and Ice’, n.d.) and the snow never melts on its way down to the ground. Hail is the process of where raindrops collaborate and freeze and when the clumps get too heavy for clouds to hold they fall to the ground. Hail can form in all different sizes from tiny pebble shapes to anything up to the size of a cricket ball. Sleet is the simple form of frozen raindrops which melt then refreeze in sleet as it falls to the ground. It begins as either rain or snow which falls through layers of cold air which contains temperatures below freezing. Figure 4 below shows the water cycle with precipitation incorporated into it: Figure 4: The water Cycle ‘USGS’ U.S Dept. of the Interior, U.S Geological Survey In conclusion our planet contrives of many different environments which contain contrasting forms of organisms and life. Us as humans have categorised and produced cycles in which all these processes occur. The cycles play a major role in how life is sustained on our planet and each cycle relies and interacts with one another in maintaining the constant flow needed. Having these processes helps us understand how things work and how we can help make a difference to insuring to managing our environment for future generations. Word count References: Bassham, J. A. (2014, August 27). Photosynthesis (biology). In Encyclopaedia Britannica. Encyclopaedia Britannica. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/458172/photosynthesis (n. d.) Retrieved 6 December 2014, from https://biochemunrated.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/jgjffjf.jpg (n.d.) Retrieved 30 November 2014, from http://www.ecoregionproject.weebly.com/nitrogen-oxygen-and-carbon-cycles.html Major Differences. (n.d.) Retrieved 6 December 2014, from http://www.majordifferences.com/2013/05/difference-between-aerobic-and.html Sublimation from Snow and Ice. (n.d). Retrieved 7 December 2014, from http://link.springer.com/referenceworkenentry/10.1007/978-90-481-2642-2_686 The Water Cycle. (n.d.). Retrieved 7 December 2014, from http://water.usgs.gov/edu/watercycle.html Bibliography: Dury, G. H. (1981). Introduction to Environmental Systems: Tchrs’. United Kingdom: Heinemann. Eaton-Rye, J., Tripathy, B. C., Sharkey, T. (2011). Photosynthesis: Plastid Biology, Energy Conversion and Carbon Assimilation. Gresswell, R. K., Cooper, H. J. (1971). The geography of the earth as a globe. Amersham: Hulton Educational Publications Ltd. Organizations, B. on I.S and Affairs, P. and G. (2009) Frontiers in Soil Science Research: Report of a Workshop. United States: National Academies Press. Strahler, A. and Strahler, A. (1994) Introducing Physical Geography. United States: John Wiley and Sons (WIE). White, I. (1984) Environmental Systems. London: Chapman Hall.

Finding Common Ground: Resolving the Controversy that Surrounds Stem Cell Research

The extensive debate over ethics of stem cell research provides a number of differing points of views. Most of these take potently opposing sides in either justifying or rejecting stem cell research thereby enhancing the dilemma faced by the common man in understanding the issue. The politics of human stem cell research has also added to the impasse with protagonists and opponents using time worn cliches and tactics to sustain their arguments. Lebacqz and Young supplement this debate by providing somewhat parallel yet opposing perspectives. While Lebacqz justifies stem cell research based on the concept of respect which is due to an entity be it living or non living, Young seeks to view the same from an ethical rather than a moral perspective. Thus authors Karen Lebacqz and Ernle Young contemplate the wide gap between acceptance and objection to human stem cell research. Lebacqz believes that it is possible to respect embryos and embryonic tissue by adopting an atypical approach. This can come about by treating a tissue as an entity with value. Lebacqz states, â€Å"I speak of respecting embryos and embryonic tissue, because the creation of embryonic stem cells involves use of an early embryo (blastocyst) from which particular tissue (inner cell mass) is derived and manipulated. † Lebacqz defines respect by alluding to the definition provided by Downie and Telfer in, Respect for Persons. Respect for Persons provides an ends based rather than a means based view of deference. Respect is thus an end in itself rather than a means to gain advantage for the person offering veneration. Lebacqz also adds, â€Å"Having respect involves ways of thinking and feeling as well as ways of acting. In order to sufficiently respect another person, you must exercise empathy. It is important not to inflict anything on that individual that you would not be willing to accept for yourself. However, Lebacqz admits that there are some differences between a fully developed human and an embryo. For instance, embryos lack self-determination an d rational will. Thus applying similar norms to an embryo as that applied to a fully developed human is contentious and sparks many passionate debates. To overcome this deficiency, Lebacqz provides other methods of offering respect than those that could be applicable to embryos. These include the type of value offered to non-persons, sentient beings, plants, and ecosystems. In her essay, Lebacqz thus illustrates how the definition of respect is mutable as it relates to various things and concepts. Lebacqz thus provides a three pointed approach to justify stem cell research to include respect, empathy and valuing it as being part of the overall ecosystem. Ernle Young on the other hand argues that difference in perspective arises because of differential between ethical and moral arguments on stem cells. According to Young morality is, â€Å"An attempt of individuals, or of groups, to live out in daily attitudes and actions their visions of the highest good. † Morality is commonly associated with religious tradition. In contrast ethics â€Å"employs a common public language in justifying assertions about prescribed or proscribed attitudes and actions. † Ethics adopts a more universal and secular academic approach or legislation while morality is exclusivist thereby narrowing opinions to traditional positions. Young believes that the gap between morality and ethics is the main cause of debate in society over stem cell research. In her essay, Young refers to the need to respect an individual’s moral view in accepting the argument on stem cells research. It is important to respect morals and opinions of people of different religious backgrounds. In order to do this, it is imperative to find a common language between groups which can be achieved by replacing moral reasoning by ethical thinking. Therefore Young suggests a secular rather than a pious attitude in viewing stem cell research thereby broadening the argument to a more congruent and contemporary universalistic approach. Rights of non persons are a common thread in the writings of Lebacqz and Young. By attempting to explain these privileges both writers bring more focus to the argument even though their views are diametrically opposite. Lebacqz uses animal rights as an example. Lebacqz explains, â€Å"If respect is restricted to rights (along the model of respect for autonomous persons), the difficulty becomes specifying what constitute appropriate animal rights. However, it is not necessary to use rights language to see animals as deserving of respect. In contrast, Young feels that this sentiment can be taken too far. Specifically, Young criticizes Schweitzer’s philosophy regarding all living things. According to Schweitzer, every living organism has full and equal moral status. Young explains that this â€Å"makes brushing one’s teeth as problematic as killing flies, cockroaches, and mice, or even members of our own species. † Young believes the flaw in this line of reasoning is in the assumption that all living things have a will to live. Then there is the issue of more abstract concepts and their relationship to respect. Lebacqz and Young both mention human consideration for ecosystems. They both establish that sentience alone is not a criterion for deserving respect. Once again, Lebacqz mentions the concept of value in regard to ecosystems. Lebacqz explains, â€Å"First there is the independent value of creature and the ecosystem itself. † Therefore, the struggle seems to be finding a value system that acknowledges the individual commodity of stem cells, while respecting their importance in the web of life. While both authors make strong points, the overall argument may appear unconvincing to many. According to both Lebacqz and Young the goal is to find a method that allows the existence of stem cell research for the betterment of humans, while finding a common moral ground that respects individual beliefs. The essence of the argument on stem cell research thus lies in placing it in perspective with reference to benefit to humans as well as the overall organic eco system. Once this is established as a truism, fostering the idea should be possible by taking a combination of the ethical argument suggested by Young and empathy and respect towards non persons indicated by Lebacqz. Given that stem cell research is an evolving scientific phenomenon which has yet to acquire critical mass; it is believed that once sufficient evidence of its relevance is available adoption of rights, ethics and empathy based approach will lead to its common acceptance. Till such time believers and skeptics will continue to raise numerous arguments to prove their respective points of views.

Ab109 Paper - 949 Words

AB 109 Assembly Bill 109 was signed by Governor Edmund Brown Jr. and implemented on October 1, 2011 to close the revolving door of low-level inmates cycling in and out of state prison. It was a way to reduce the number of inmate in our overpopulated 33 prisons. The cause ab109 and ab117 to be put into place was a lawsuit Plata vs. Schwarzenegger fact that California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation was in violation of the eight amendments, the American with Disabilities Act and section 504 rehabilitation act of 1973. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation medical services repeatedly violated. Which this happen it was decided by a three judge penal of the U.S. Supreme court they concluded in a 184 page†¦show more content†¦What next $842 million dollars in two years to help countries supervising local inmate those on probation and other resource need to get the state down to 137.5% that the three judge court to reduce neglected medical service in pri sons. Assembly bill 109 has been introduced to California as a way to help reduce prison inmates have their medical service denied. Assembly bill 109 introduce it has affected aspect of the justice system all they can do is roll with the punches. There has been increase in employees in counties from corrections to court to police department. As previously stated, it just in beta version and are still working out kinks that come with new laws trying to find the right rhythm for each county to work with. I have to say this assembly bill is very complex to understand for citizen but it’s twice as hard for the justices system to implement it to every county in California. It does say it going to be different from county to county and the end result it to reduce the number of inmate in our prison system. In which I believe we are in the right road to fixing our correctional institute. Have the non-offender serving in local jails instead of state prisons we are saving money in those areas but also bring more offenders closer to our community to committee crime in our back yards. It would benefit all those in justice system if instead of adding new laws fixing those laws we already have at work in ourShow MoreRelatedCaleb Roberts . Pols 602. Final Paper. Ab109 Prison Realignment:1478 Words   |  6 Pages Caleb Roberts POLS 602 Final Paper AB109 Prison Realignment: An Examination of California s Historic Legislation INTRODUCTION In 2011, California Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. signed Assembly Bill (AB) 109 into law. The purpose of this historic legislation, was to enable California to finally close the revolving door policy for lower-level convicted felons coming in and out of the state’s 33 prisons. AB 109 was also the key piece of legislation for California’s solution to abide by a federal