For students attending Environmental Science in my class, you are requested to write in the comment space below, a short description about the environment conditions either of your home town or the area where you are living in now.
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Februari 15, 2008 pada 4:54 am
Tan Pei Err
Terengganu – a coastal area where it was once famous with the beautiful sea creature, Turtle! This is a place where I’m born and grew up. I’m a sea-lover; I started to fall in love with the ocean since the day I knew its existence. Terengganu used to be leatherback turtle (the largest of all living turtles) major nesting site, but due to many different kinds of reasons, including pollution which is the main factor lead to the drop in turtle landing on Terengganu beach. Besides that, extinction of leatherback turtle also goes by prevailing of turtle eggs consumption and poor hatchery management. I remember, years ago I could see people selling turtle’s eggs everywhere in my hometown, how sad it was! Turtle, please come back…
In addition, Terengganu is also famous with some picturesque scenery islands such as Redang Island, Perhentian Island and Kapas Island. The beauty of these enchanting islands will not be immortal if people keep contributing pollution deeds. The first time I stepped on Redang Island was thirteen years ago. By that time, the island was just developed with only two or three resorts and I was so amazed with the crystal clear water, thousands species of marine life, and coral reefs. Three years ago, I went back to the same island, but sadly, I realised time has changed the image of the island just like wrinkles rushing through a woman’s face! My heart wrenched when I dived into the sea and looked at the dead coral reefs. The once colourful and lively coral reefs were now so “pale”.
After recalling all these environmental problems back in my hometown, I would like to shout out to people on earth, “please be responsible citizens of Earth!” The nature is belonged to us, we have no rights to destroy it but love it. We cannot breath without the green, we cannot live without the blue, and we are all energized by the red! Peace…
Februari 16, 2008 pada 6:03 pm
Rohidayah Abd Majid
Assalamualaikum wbt..
First and foremost, with the name of Allah, I’m writing this to describe the environment condition of my hometown which is Mersing, one of the districts located in the northeast corner in the state of Johor. It is actually just a small town, but what is interesting about it is that, it is situated at the estuary of Mersing River, because of that, Mersing Town is like divided into two sides by the river. Both sides are connected by an old historical bridge, which from there we could see lots of fishing boats and ferries passing along the river. The old bridge was built by the British during their colonization.The best scenery to watch from there is during sunset, as we could see the shine from the orange sky reflected on the river, subhanallah..
Due to its geographic location, Mersing town becomes the main port for ferries usually to Pulau Tioman and other islands which are just nearby. This is another uniqueness of my hometown, as it’s located near by about more than 40 islands, which most of them are tourism place and alhamdulillah still free from any threat of pollutions. As a reason for that, Mersing town is also known as a lively tourist town which is visited by Malaysian and even foreign tourists who wish for having the quiet life, fresh seafood, and unspoiled beaches of the East Coast of mainland West Malaysia.
wassalam.
Februari 17, 2008 pada 5:22 am
Amal Musliha binti Mohd Siran
Bismillahirrahmaanirraheem.
Salamun’alaikum wbt.
I live in Kampung Kundang, Banting. Kampung Kundang is not a popular place but then it is a lovely village. It is just about 90 km west of Kuala Lumpur, the nation’s capital. Compared to busy Kuala Lumpur, living in Kampung Kundang is very much less hectic and the residents have more time for relaxation as we could still see green scenery.
One of the interesting places in Kampung Kundang is Bakau Grove. Related to its name, a lot of ‘bakau’ trees could be found in this area. It is a place where people like to make a camping activity as it is located near the beach. This neighbourhood local beach is not famous for its clear blue water, but it is good enough for the kids to have a splash around. At low tide, people can try to catch little crabs and pick up the shells left behind by the tide. Moreover, fishing activity is also available. On top of that, a number of small chalets are also provided for those who would like to spend their nights there to enjoy fishing.
Besides that, watching a sunset by the sea is also a wonderful experience to be had. One could enjoy seeing the white and grey clouds begin to change colour into orange. Then, the shades of red and yellow could be seen and finally the sun slowly sinks into the sea.
I love my village very much. I hope the beauty of its area would be maintained.
Februari 17, 2008 pada 8:05 am
HEE SOON SEAN
Name: HEE SOON SEAN NIM: 16207726
Student from School of Pharmacy, International Class.
In this era, most country is racing to achieve developed nation status. Therefore, high technology is given a lot of importance in these countries including Malaysia. In my opinion, I must speak truly that my motherland has been facing with environmental pollution of all kinds.
First of all, there are many industrial zones established surrounding with the city of Kuala Lumpur. However, there are much irresponsible management who do not comply with this regulation. One of the reasons for this attitude is they maximise their profits, cut costs at the expense of the health of the general public. The toxic poisonous gases are emitted into the atmosphere and pollute it. By right, the waste products of industrial processes have to be treated and reduced to become less toxic substance. This is one of the regulations under the Act of Environmental Quality 1988 (Malaysian Law). This results in the formation of acid rain, haze and other climatic changes.
The other consequence of environmental pollution is the haze which can be seen every year. The effect of the haze is equally bad. It causes serious harm to our health and affects our daily activities. The greenhouse effects, the rise in temperature are all the after-maths of abundant carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and sulphur dioxide.
Ignorance and lack of education make these issues worse. Generally the aim of developing countries such as Malaysia is to become a technologically advanced country, and the emphasis is knowledge-based society. Sadly, there are many ignorant fools in our society. These people continue to abuse the environment knowingly or unknowingly. A good illustration of this was clearly seen during the peak of the recent haze. At home, many were seen burning household rubbish in the open. (I saw these in Indonesia especially around my hostel in Bandung more than I saw these in K.L) The haze itself was a result of ignorance of poor uneducated farmers. As part of their shifting cultivation, they cut and slashed and burned jungle vegetation to grow their crops. The entire region and neighbour countries were engulfed and overwhelmed by the produced smoke. But again there are poor uneducated people what the about the big multi-national companies whose names were also implicated in recent haze. Were these people ignorant or choose to be ignorant? The bottom line is development is not all about technology but is to also bringing a change in the mindset of the people. There is an urgent need to educate the people about the environment.
I can recapitulate that these stated examples have truly indicated how my motherland (also territory of Indonesia) is being treated and suffered from. Physical developments must parallel with civil cultivation. We should always maintain a harmonic relationship with the ecosystem.
Februari 18, 2008 pada 2:26 pm
Yasmin bt Mohd Noh
Klang is a place where I stay for the past 7 years. Klang can be called as “Bandar Diraja” or known as city of royals because it is where the first Sultan of Selangor settled. I can still remember what my late grandmother told me about Klang for about 50 years back…Klang was so beautiful with all the green scenery and all the roads are full of people using ‘beca’, bicycle and people walking even in the middle of the road. Back at those time, people rarely used cars because it only can be afford by those who are rich people or can also be said as royalties. Despite, the environment of Klang was so cooling and peaceful that we can breath deeply inside our lungs.
As time goes by, people can afford to buy cars and filled along the roads. When there’s a lot of cars filling up the roads, the cooling air that can be enjoyed back at previous time are no longer can be enjoyed nowadays. The air has been polluted by the smokes that came out from the cars, buses and also lorries. More over, the traffic of Klang become worse and worse. Mostly everyday, the traffic jam will starts just right after working time and because of the traffic the smokes that came out from the vehicles especially those who use diesel will produce massive tons of black smokes that contribute major air pollution….
When this happened, the environment of Klang become badly worse and the green scenery that usually can be enjoyed are no longer there….Not even a single trees can lived strongly if the air are so much polluted by all the chemical gases that can destroyed the beauty of the greens…
I can’t imagine what will happened to Klang if this situation did not take seriously by those who are responsible of maintaining the beauty of what we so called the city of royals.
So, even we are live in the modern technology we should have the knowledge to save our environment especially the air because we breath with it and we survive with it. When all the air has been polluted what will become to our grandchildren in the future and what will become to all the greens then? Should we end our destiny only because our mistake of not taking care of the air properly…Think again and let us help together by saving the air that we had been shared together!!
Februari 18, 2008 pada 3:13 pm
NUR SYAZREEN BTE ABDULLAH SIDIT
WATER POLLUTION IN LANGKAWI
Malaysia is a land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in colour and contrasts, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing images that leave visitors to the country in awe. The
natural warmth of Malaysia is legendary, wherever on egoes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people would prove to be very special experience. Malaysia is a paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificient mountains are among the best in the region.
One of the most famous island in Malaysia is Langkawi Island. Langkawi Island is the main island are richly blessed with a heritage of fabolous myths and legends. As a natural paradise, the island are perhaps unmatched anywhere alse in Southeast Asia. The rustic beauty of the island is in itself a compelling attraction.
Nestled against a dramatic backdrop of mountains are ancient lakes and forests, waterfalls and beaches, all of which enhance the wonder that is Langkawi.
Sanctuary of some of the most ancient rainforests in the world, they are teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Clad with jungles in the interior, it is fringed by lovely beaches scattered along its coast.
The most scenic marine park in the west peninsular. The marine park is claimed as the most beautiful due to the existence of coral reefs and clear sea water.
We also can see many kind of fishes in the clear sea water.It is so exciting when u are able to see many kind of fishes that u never see before swimming around you
Now the sea water in langkawi is not as clear as it was.The so called crystal clear sea is polluted by the human doing.
Most water pollutants are eventually carried by the rivers into the oceans.The toxin was thrown into the sea.This will cause oxygen depletion in the area of the surface water caused by chemical using up oxygen and also the algae boom,caused by excess nutrients from algal cell death and decomposition. Fish and shellfish died
,because toxins climb the foodchain after small fish consume copepods, then large fish eat smaller fish, etc. Each successive step up the food chain causes a stepwise concentration of pollutants such as heavy metals (e.g. mercury)
Now we cannot enjoy the clear water in Langkawi and this is all bacause the human doing.If this is going to continue in the future then our future generation cant enjoy the beauty of the environment like we do.
SO PLEASE PRESERVE OUR ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR FUTURE GENERATION….
The most scenic marine park in the west peninsular. The marine park is claimed as the most beautiful due to the existence of coral reefs and clear sea water.
We also can see many kind of fishes in the clear sea water.It is so exciting when u are able to see many kind of fishes that u never see before swimming around you
Februari 18, 2008 pada 3:20 pm
NUR SYAZREEN BTE ABDULLAH SIDIT
WATER POLLUTION IN LANGKAWI
Malaysia is a land of fascinating sights and attractions. Rich in colour and contrasts, her multi-faceted charm provides intriguing images that leave visitors to the country in awe. The natural warmth of Malaysia is legendary, wherever on egoes, the friendliness and hospitality of the people would prove to be very special experience. Malaysia is a paradise. Its sun-drenched beaches, enchanting islands, diverse flora and fauna, forest retreats and magnificient mountains are among the best in the region.
One of the most famous island in Malaysia is Langkawi Island. Langkawi Island is the main island are richly blessed with a heritage of fabolous myths and legends. As a natural paradise, the island are perhaps unmatched anywhere alse in Southeast Asia. The rustic beauty of the island is in itself a compelling attraction.
Nestled against a dramatic backdrop of mountains are ancient lakes and forests, waterfalls and beaches, all of which enhance the wonder that is Langkawi.
Sanctuary of some of the most ancient rainforests in the world, they are teeming with exotic flora and fauna. Clad with jungles in the interior, it is fringed by lovely beaches scattered along its coast.
The most scenic marine park in the west peninsular. The marine park is claimed as the most beautiful due to the existence of coral reefs and clear sea water.
We also can see many kind of fishes in the clear sea water.It is so exciting when u are able to see many kind of fishes that u never see before swimming around you
Now the sea water in langkawi is not as clear as it was.The so called crystal clear sea is polluted by the human doing.
Most water pollutants are eventually carried by the rivers into the oceans.The toxin was thrown into the sea.This will cause oxygen depletion in the area of the surface water caused by chemical using up oxygen and also the algae boom,caused by excess nutrients from algal cell death and decomposition. Fish and shellfish died
,because toxins climb the foodchain after small fish consume copepods, then large fish eat smaller fish, etc. Each successive step up the food chain causes a stepwise concentration of pollutants such as heavy metals (e.g. mercury)
Now we cannot enjoy the clear water in Langkawi and this is all bacause the human doing.If this is going to continue in the future then our future generation cant enjoy the beauty of the environment like we do.
SO PLEASE PRESERVE OUR ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR FUTURE GENERATION….
Februari 18, 2008 pada 3:24 pm
Amirah Balqis bt Shabudin
Though my origin is from Pahang and Penang, my family nestled in the heart of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur’s truly. The city of heaven, I should say. Its development are rapidly growing like mushrooms rose after the rain. Kuala Lumpur is an Asian tiger that roars: in almost 150 years, it has grown from nothing to a modern, bustling city and gleaming skyscrapers. Take in its high-flying triumphs from the viewing deck of one of the world’s tallest buildings, then dive down to explore its more traditional culture in the back lanes of Chinatown. It is well-known for exquisite must-see tourism spot such as Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur Tower, Eye on Malaysia, and also Taman Negara National Park if you enjoy laid back experience with nature at its best.
However, I am deeply dissapointed with the condition Kuala Lumpur has to offer these days. Looking back, it all comes with a price. First and foremost is regarding the air pollution. As factories were allocated in major parts of the city, it produces thick haze that is fatal to the people and environment too. Air pollution threatens not only human being, but also precious flora and fauna surrounding us. Not to mention the poor water conditions us residents have to bear with! It is not a pretty sight to see rubbish and oil substance floating above the lake and river. Look no further, I think that the Klang River suits best for me to fork out an example of damaged river caused by water pollution. I would also like to stress on the noise pollution. Bustling traffic everywhere creates demonic noises that demands attention, and also the nerves of people. I strongly think that there is just too much form of transportation being used in Kuala Lumpur. Hence heavy traffic is also prone to more accidents, which is also one of the disadvantages living in a busy city.
In my opinion, Kuala Lumpur would be more environmental friendly if the goverment took things into matter more seriously. The public must also have the sense of responsibilty towards a better conditions for the sake of humanity. I love Kuala Lumpur. It is my hometown, my land.
Februari 18, 2008 pada 3:26 pm
Yasmin bt Mohd Noh
Air Pollution in Klang,Selangor….
Klang is a place where I stay for the past 7 years. Klang can be called as “Bandar Diraja” or known as city of royals because it is where the first Sultan of Selangor settled. I can still remember what my late grandmother told me about Klang for about 50 years back…Klang was so beautiful with all the green scenery and all the roads are full of people using ‘beca’, bicycle and people walking even in the middle of the road. Back at those time, people rarely used cars because it only can be afford by those who are rich people or can also be said as royalties. Despite, the environment of Klang was so cooling and peaceful that we can breath deeply inside our lungs.
As time goes by, people can afford to buy cars and filled along the roads. When there’s a lot of cars filling up the roads, the cooling air that can be enjoyed back at previous time are no longer can be enjoyed nowadays. The air has been polluted by the smokes that came out from the cars, buses and also lorries. More over, the traffic of Klang become worse and worse. Mostly everyday, the traffic jam will starts just right after working time and because of the traffic the smokes that came out from the vehicles especially those who use diesel will produce massive tons of black smokes that contribute major air pollution….
When this happened, the environment of Klang become badly worse and the green scenery that usually can be enjoyed are no longer there….Not even a single trees can lived strongly if the air are so much polluted by all the chemical gases that can destroyed the beauty of the greens…
I can’t imagine what will happened to Klang if this situation did not take seriously by those who are responsible of maintaining the beauty of what we so called the city of royals.
So, even we are live in the modern technology we should have the knowledge to save our environment especially the air because we breath with it and we survive with it. When all the air has been polluted what will become to our grandchildren in the future and what will become to all the greens then? Should we end our destiny only because our mistake of not taking care of the air properly…Think again and let us help together by saving the air that we had been shared together!!
Februari 18, 2008 pada 3:32 pm
Arevin Sandrasekeran
Pulau Jerejak In Penang
Penang-Jerejak, an island covered with thick coastal forest ageing approximately 4,000 years hosts many species of plants. Many types of plant communities can be found here.
There is a largest prison building at the north side of the island. This area also provides habitat and breeding ground to organisms such as crabs and jellyfish.
The coastal plant community also inhabits the Jerejak tropical forest.
Now on this very quiet island you can relax all day. In the daytime you can go visit the main island of Penang or you can do outdoor activities on Jerejak. In the evening you can’t do much on Pulau Jerejak, because there a no roads or villages. There’s just the resort. All that’s left is the the island of Penang.
In the daytime adventure village of the resort is where you go for outdoor action on Pulau Jerejak. Take it to the limits with abseiling, rock climbing, mountain biking or take to nature with fishing, jungle trekking or camping under the stars.
The recreational facilities such as rock and wall climbing, low ropes obstacles and archery are ideally situated next to the Adventure Village for easy access.
For me this is a awesome place to gain peace and enjoy with friends.
Februari 18, 2008 pada 3:43 pm
Amirah Balqis bt Shabudin
POLLUTIONS IN KUALA LUMPUR
Though my origin is from Pahang and Penang, my family nestled in the heart of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur’s truly. The city of heaven, I should say. Its development are rapidly growing like mushrooms rose after the rain. Kuala Lumpur is an Asian tiger that roars: in almost 150 years, it has grown from nothing to a modern, bustling city and gleaming skyscrapers. Take in its high-flying triumphs from the viewing deck of one of the world’s tallest buildings, then dive down to explore its more traditional culture in the back lanes of Chinatown. It is well-known for exquisite must-see tourism spot such as Petronas Twin Towers (KLCC), Kuala Lumpur Tower, Eye on Malaysia, and also Taman Negara National Park if you enjoy laid back experience with nature at its best.
However, I am deeply dissapointed with the condition Kuala Lumpur has to offer these days. Looking back, it all comes with a price. First and foremost is regarding the air pollution. As factories were allocated in major parts of the city, it produces thick haze that is fatal to the people and environment too. Air pollution threatens not only human being, but also precious flora and fauna surrounding us.
Not to mention the poor water conditions us residents have to bear with! It is not a pretty sight to see rubbish and oil substance floating above the lake and river. Look no further, I think that the Klang River suits best for me to fork out an example of damaged river caused by water pollution.
I would also like to stress on the noise pollution. Bustling traffic everywhere creates demonic noises that demands attention, and also the nerves of people. I strongly think that there is just too much form of transportation being used in Kuala Lumpur. Hence heavy traffic is also prone to more accidents, which is also one of the disadvantages living in a busy city.
In my opinion, Kuala Lumpur would be more environmental friendly if the goverment took things into matter more seriously. The public must also have the sense of responsibilty towards a better conditions for the sake of humanity. I love Kuala Lumpur. It is my hometown, my land.
Februari 19, 2008 pada 10:51 am
Annapurni Devi
I’m from Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia,so you could imagine the rate of development that have taken place in this city in order to potray the image as the major city centre. For the past few years rapid development have taken place in this city.Many sky scaracthing buildings have been built and thus this cost us our green nature. Forest and lands are being exploited to raise up this buidings. Animals no longer belong to their natural habitat.Natural forest can no longer be found and as a subsititute reserved forest have been developed. Many environmental problems have arised from the rapid development of the city such as air pollution, water pollution,noise pollution and so on. Air pollution in this city have been increasing at a phenomenal rate.The sources of air pollution in this city are mainly from the emission of gaseous from the vehicles and thus from the large chemical industrial sector.At times this may lead to haze problem and eventually effect peoples health.Water pollution have also been an environmental problem as an implication of the city’s development. These are again maninly caused by the industrial sector where chemical factories tend to deposit their waste toxic chemical into the nearby rivers in order to decompose them.Apart from the chemical factories, developers at the construction sites also tend to be the culprits. The famous Klang River that runs through the city is probably the most polluted waterstream as it is situated at the most polluting industrial area.Traffic, construction sites, factories and public entertainment centres are the four major sources of noise pollution in the city of Kuala Lumpur.There are many environmental concern that the citizen should be aware of as this is our home and thus we should preserve them for the future generation.
Februari 19, 2008 pada 12:18 pm
JAYANTHI SUPPAYA
Flood in KL.
From its humble origins as a trading outpost at the confluence of the Kelang and Gombak rivers, KL has emerged as the capital city of Malaysia and one of the emerging city in Asia as evidence by its fast paced development.
Yet, an unsettled issue have been bugging the reputation gained through the years.FLOOD.No escapes from flood for KL’s folk.Dad has lost track the number of times KL has been submerged in muddy water.Mom was caught in a massive traffic jam due to a flash flood last week in the heart of KL, while my uncle’s car was once submerged in water near Shah Alam more than five years ago.
The immediate thing that came to dad’s mind is the RM1.93 billion project known as Smart (Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel).Has the stormwater tunnel come into effect to help divert flood water in the Malaysian capital? According to project developers MMC-Gamuda, the three-tier tunnel will act as a motorway and a bypass channel for floodwater at the confluence of the Klang and Ampang rivers into a storage reservoir in Taman Desa, before being discharged into Kerayong river.
Finally,the 3-km motorway portion opened to the public in the end of last year.After free trial for a month,dad now has a lingering feeling that the priority seems to be the opening of the tolled motorway, instead of completing the stormwater tunnel as soon as possible to help drain perennial flood water from the muddy estuary.
Februari 19, 2008 pada 1:12 pm
Nishalini Sivakumar
Im living in Selangor and there is lots of environment issues which is happening recently. One of it is the mis-development of Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam Agriculture Park in Selangor. Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam Agriculture Park in Selangor was once known for its beauty and uniqueness. The 1,295 hectare park was the nation’s agriculture heritage.
Lately there is these up-coming projects to develope the park to woo tourist. Part of it was illegally developed by certain people and was approved by the local government in spite of the park’s status. The park is supposed to be a nature reserve. Its true that having such a facilities attracts tourist, but they have to think of the trees and the living creatures in the park. What will be left if the trees are chopped to make a carpark or something else? Where would the birds go?
Im worried about the future of our agriculture park if this kind projects are allowed by the government . I would be happy if the government make a move to investigate about this . I want our park to be free from any development that can cause harm to the environment as the Malaysia Agriculture Park is the first and so far the only agro-forestry park in the world .
Love our nature do not destroy GOD’s creation.
Februari 19, 2008 pada 2:25 pm
Nur Nadiah binti Marzuki
Actually, I am not familiar with Sabak Bernam because my family and I just move there. From my observation, the environment of Sabak Bernam is still in good condition and has less environmental issues compared to other districts in Selangor. Sabak Bernam main economic activity is agriculture and this district mainly a rice growing area. The air of Sabak Bernam is still fresh because the number of factory and vehicles are less. So, every morning I love to jog and walk to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Sabak Bernam.
Last but not least, Sabak Bernam is famous for tourism and recreation. There are Home Stay that located in Kampung Haji Dorani. Lot of tourists from local or international love to stay at here because they want to feel the atmosphere of living in very peaceful village. I can conclude that the sound pollution in here is minimal.
For me, the local authority and the citizens must cooperate to minimize the environmental issues in each residential area which is bad for the time being and especially for the future.
Februari 19, 2008 pada 2:36 pm
priyadaarshini
Selangor is the most developed state in Malaysia.the cost of living has risen over the years and so is the pollution rate.Many sites that are full of plants have been destroyed and make ways for high rise buiding.The famous klang river which is the longest river in selangor now has given us nothing but shame for its conditon which is filthy with rubbish and water turn into brown mixture.The air pollution are also on the warnig level caused by the gas emitted from factories and vehicles as on average every house owns at least 2cars.there are also not many preserved land in my hometown as every corners is an ugly sight to look at at this moment.Gone the days of beautiful scenery as u drive down the road.The residents in my state is more concerned in saving money then they are on preserving the environment i think everyone has almost the same mindset nowadays.All of this will definitely bring a very bad effect to us in future and the ecology in Selangor may be too late to save them
Februari 19, 2008 pada 2:54 pm
Hasyimah Hashim
Maybe you believe that any place referred to as “The Rice Bowl of Malaysia” is boring – field after field planted with padi and people
toiling to harvest it. Yes, Kedah is the largest rice producer in Malaysia.
Now, Kedah also become famous with industrial development. One of it is Kulim Hi-Tech Park (KHTP) which was conferred the Award of Distinction for best industrial development by the Malaysian chapter of the International Real Estate Federation (Fiabci). Moreover, KHTP also known as “Science City of the Future”.
Despite of this,there are a several pollution that caused from KHTP such as sound pollution, air pollution as well as land pollution. Since KTHP are built,there a lot of development of factories, residentials, educational facilities, recreation facilities and others. This will contributed to environmental problems. Besides that, sound and air pollution come from the smoke of factories will give effect to our health.
Lastly, we have to keep and maintain the development activities in order to get healthy and modern lifestyle.
Februari 19, 2008 pada 2:56 pm
Nur Liyana binti Roslan
MATANG MANGROVE FOREST RESERVE
Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve is the largest mangrove forest in Peninsular Malaysia. It is the pride of Malaysia’s conservation efforts and one of the world best well-managed mangrove swamp. It is located in the Larut Matang District in Perak and just 2km away from Kuala Sepetang town.
The mangrove forest are very important in sustaining the coastal ecosystem, because of their role in protecting environment, preventing soil erosion, providing bird sanctuaries and breeding ground for marine aquatic fauna and timber production. The scenic mangrove forest, with trees beautifully lining along the Sepetang River, will undoubtedly capture the imagination of any visitors. Several species of mangrove trees such as Avicenna sp., Sonneratia sp., Rhizophora sp. and Bruguiera sp. are naturally grown along the coastal area. These trees are very useful for the charcoal and pole making industries.
Matang Mangrove Forest is such a very nice place to visit especially for the natural lovers. There are paths in the forest, a small long bridge, for the visitors to explore and experience the beauty of nature in the closer look. You can experience it by yourself and you won’t feel regret. You can learn more about the nature and feel it.
Just take a deep breath and feel the fresh air. You will simply fall in love with the beauty of the Matang Mangrove Forest. Trust me!
Februari 19, 2008 pada 2:58 pm
Shamala Rajantereh
Open burning in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan.
A massive fire probably burnt out of control in a reserved jungle in Tampin, Negeri Sembilan past few years ago, the place where I was born n grew up. It sent a huge plume of smoke rising high to join the clouds. Some of the big trees in a nearby forest also caught fire. Such widespread forest clearing and subsequent subjection of tender soil to harsh and severe fiery treatment during the height of drought every year is partly blamed for turning the supposedly temperate Tampin into another hot tropic. Smoke from such burning often enveloped the mountains in haze in recent years and marred the view of Tampin.
Over the past few weeks, a persistent ring of smoke was seen encircling the mountains. Some very attractive species of plants found only on the higher slopes of the mountain are indicators of air purity and these can only survive in 100pc unpolluted air. As such, the regular and widespread slash and burn practice which may contaminate the upper levels of air can potentially spell doom to these extremely sensitive plants. Other salient objections to the outright burning include sobering long term ecological implication. Oxygen is a natural coolant and when there are less trees, there is probably less oxygen while burning just keeps pumping more heat generating carbon dioxide into the air, which has made Tampin hotter. On top of that, the weather in the region was very stable in the past but this stability was lost since several years ago.
Therefore, there are some ways to avoid open burning in open areas such as in reserved jungle. For instance, one way to stop open burning is by stopping the open burning of former forest covers. According to the Environmental Quality Act 1974, open burning is an offence and the offenders risk being charged in court. Generally, however, Tampin saw less haze during the current drought and this may reflect that threat of hefty penalties may have worked.
Februari 19, 2008 pada 4:54 pm
Muhammad Hafifi Bin Zainal Abidin
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS OF THE PEOPLE OF KG BARU KUALA KUANG, CHEMOR, PERAK BY RELOCATING THE RUBBER FACTORY AWAY FROM THEIR HOUSING ESTATE
Today more than 500 people came all the way from Kuala Kuang which is about 10 km from Ipoh, to submit a Memorandum to the Menteri Besar of Perak. The Memorandum, among other things, requires the MB to take immediate steps to relocate a rubber factory situated and operating in the Kuala Kuang, Chemor area which has a population of around 5,000 people. They have been suffering unbearable environmental hardship caused by the discharge of various dangerous emission of smoke and related toxins into the surrounding Kuala Kuang area which has resulted in itchiness of skin, breathing difficulties caused by the smell of acid, redness of eyes, pain in the nasal areas, ringing noises in the ears, clothes left to dry become smelly and dirty, the “air” in the kampung area smells of acid and rubber, unsatisfactory and uneasiness in eating and sleeping, and lastly interference in the lifestyles of students and growth of babies.
Although the people have been staying there since 1940, sometime in 1979 a rubber factory was permitted to be built in this new village and to operate its rubber-related activities. Unfortunately this factory is located not very far from this new village and some parts of the factory are only 10 feet away from the houses. Since 1995 a committee was set up to raise and solve this matter.
Februari 19, 2008 pada 6:03 pm
Samreet Kaur Jasbindar Singh
Indonesia – I’m currently in Bandung, Indonesia pursuing my futher studies in pharmacy. I have been here since last year August and found Indonesia as a very fine country with a lots of culture and beautiful environment conditions.
The volcanism that characterizes much of Indonesia reflects the fact that the country lies at the juncture of the Asian and Australian continental plates. Volcanic activity brings significant benefits to Indonesia. Volcanic ash and lava have enriched the soil in many areas, and there is a strong correlation between agricultural development, population density, and the location of volcanoes. Java has the greatest concentration of recently active volcanoes (22), and some of the richest soils and highest population densities in Indonesia.
Indonesia has some 40,000 species of flowering plants including some 3,000 trees, 5,000 orchids, and the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia arnoldii, or the corpse lily. Tropical rainforest vegetation prevails in the northern lowlands of Indonesia. Mangrove trees and nipa palm dominate the forested lowlands of the southern islands. The hill forests consist of oak, chestnut, and mountain plants.Indonesia encompasses a wide variety of habitat types and is home to a huge diversity of plant and animal life—15,000 of its 24,000 known species of plants are endemic. The country contains approximately 10 per cent of the world’s wet tropical forest and expansive wetlands, most of which are under rice cultivation or used for aquaculture.
However, clear-cutting and the export of raw logs, and illegal cutting continues considerably increasing the rate of deforestation and the thick smoke causing the air pollution. The government has taken many prevention steps such as managing a protected area network and the protected status has also been extended to an extensive marine reserve network. Therefore, concern for the environmental status is highly urged among all the residents of the earth to prevent the pollution problems that are aquiring nowadays. Everyone should be together to safe our earth from being further polluted n make it a safe place to live in.
Februari 20, 2008 pada 8:01 am
KUMARASEN SILVA RATNAM
The Pollution of Sungai Juru in mainland Penang,Malaysia.
Sungai Juru is one of the main rivers in Mainland Penang which branches of into many many smaller rivers such as Sungai Rambai. But,sadly Sungai Juru is also one of the worst polluted rivers in Malaysia according to Department of Environment (DOE). It has also been reported by BERNAMA that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has listed it as the dirtiest river in South East Asia. According to the report, the water is so toxic that it is unsafe for drinking even after being boiled. Its Water Quality Index remains at Grade V indicating that the river is excessively polluted and no fish would survive in such rivers. As more lands in the basin of Sungai Juru are turning into urbanized areas, the river is at risk of becoming an open wastewater sewers.
From further investigation it was revealed that Sungai Juru pollution is caused by i) industrial wastes from the nearby industrial areas, ii) wet market waste, iii) household waste and iv) sewage wastewater from the residential /settlement areas. Human settlements including squatters along the riverbanks of Sungai Juru are not equipped with proper sanitary system and domestic wastes are being dumped directly to the river without proper water treatment process. The drainage system from the industrial estates that surround the rivers are being directly dumped into the river. So, no wonder there would be no fish or other water organism that could survive in the river.
After years the Sungai Juru has been “tortured” by humans, a good news awaits it. A massive plan has been designed by the state government to save Sungai Juru which cost slightly more then a million ringgit. It is hoped that under this plan the Sungai Juru’s original condition 50 years ago could be restored.
Februari 20, 2008 pada 8:44 am
mohammad fauzi bin bostanudin
This chapter of the report illustrates some of the major urban environmental issues in Kuala
Lumpur and the Klang Valley region following rapid development and population growth. Due to
its location, topography, history and the detailed manner in which development has been planned
and executed, several of these issues are obviously peculiar and specific only to Kuala Lumpur
and the Klang Valley, but many of the issues are also common to many cities.
Air pollution and haze is the very common problem that occurs in Klang. For certain parts of the year (normally in late August, September
and October), the problem of air pollution may be compounded by the existence of the “haze”.
Due to the high concentration of population in the Klang Valley area, a lot more people are
exposed to the excessively high level of air pollution; and especially for the aged, the very young
children and those with bronchial and asthmatic problems, the situation can be both hazardous
and, in some cases, critical to their survival.
I still remember when I was in form 5. It was an exam week. By that time,haze was very heavy. Students were supposed to get ready for their exam,but,because of this hazeness condition,schools in that area was given a holiday until everything getting better. So,our exam was postponed until school opened back….
Februari 20, 2008 pada 9:55 am
Ahmad Ashraf
HAZE!!!
The haze we see in our city skyline is caused by tiny particulates suspended in the atmosphere. At high concentrations, these particulates scatter and absorb sunlight resulting in diminished horizontal visibility thereby giving the atmosphere a characteristic opalescent appearance. Haze is not confined to urban environments, it may also be observed in rural areas.
In Klang Valley, haze is a common thing. The particles that cause the haze phenomenon can originate from many sources, some of which are natural and some anthropogenic. Natural sources include the oceans, forests and ground surface. However the majority of the particulates are from human activities which include open burning, land clearing, vehicular use and combustion of fossil fuels in industrial boilers.
Last few years, forest fires in Indonesia’s Sumatra province covered Malaysia’s main city Kuala Lumpur and 32 other towns with a smoky haze that reduced visibility to as low as one kilometer. The air quality in my area was “unhealthy,” and it downgraded the air quality from “good” to “moderate” at that time. Forest fires often break out in the region during dry spells because of the spread of illegal land-clearing fires, or carelessly discarded cigarettes.
In Kuala Lumpur, haze causes traffic slowed to a crawl as nothing could be seen beyond a distance of one kilometer. The acrid smell of burning vegetation filled the air. The affect of the haze on flights arriving and leaving Kuala Lumpur was not immediately known, but it affected the tourism industry. Many people wearing surgical masks that offered little protection from the noxious air. Landmarks in Kuala Lumpur, such as the tops of the Petronas Twin Towers vanished in the haze. Acrid smoke seeped into office air-conditioning systems and schools were closed.
How can we reduce the incidence of haze? Firstly, we should refrain from open burning of waste. Most incidences of local haze can be traced to this activity. Motor vehicles, due to their increasing numbers are major sources of haze particulates in urban areas. To reduce haze, vehicles should be well maintained and choose fuels which are the least polluting. Large scale land clearing which exposes large tracts of barren land, not only results in soil erosion and degradation but also provides a source of particulates to the atmosphere. Promoting efforts such as rapid replanting and staggered land clearing can reduce haze. Remember that every individual has a role to play to preserve the quality of our environment as a legacy for our future generations.
This haze phenomenon prompted an agreement among six of the ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations members to fight fire pollution. Thus, it shows that we should work together if we still love our earth. Students also can help by educating people with their knowledge about the environment.
Februari 20, 2008 pada 1:16 pm
KALAIVANI S.PANNEERSELVAM
Kanching Recreational Forest.
A mere 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, lies the Kanching Recreational forest, an invigorating getaway amidst nature. Situated in the Kanching Forest Reserve, the area is a haven for various species of birds and monkeys.
The Kanching Waterfalls present a dramatic backdrop to the jungle setting. Hike up to the top of its seven tiers for a superb view of the surroundings. Located nearby is Templer Park, a popular picnic spot with waterfalls and cool streams.
A short drive away is the beautifully landscaped Commonwealth Forest Park. Nestled within a dense jungle, the area offers chalets, trekking paths, a fountain and a camping site.
On the other hand fireflies or “Kelip-kelip”, is very famous in Kuala Selangor.The firefly colonies of Kampung Kuantan and Kampung Bukit Belimbing are amongst the most popular tourist attractions in Selangor.
You will be amazed at the spectacular light displays from these unique insects – millions of them – which lived on the berembang trees that grow along Kuala Selangor’s riverbanks.
Boats can be hired at the Kampung Kuantan jetty for these nocturnal tours. The skilled local oarsmen make this experience a memorable and unforgettable one.
The Firefly Park Resort in Kampung Bukit Belimbing offers visitors an opportunity to view the enchanting display as well as enjoy a night’s stay.
Februari 24, 2008 pada 5:46 am
Amal Musliha binti Mohd Siran
Comment for: Rohidayah Binti Abd Majid
After read rohidayah’s writing about Mersing, I feel like want to go there because I prefer quiet life rather than hectic life. I would like to see such beautiful islands nearby Mersing and enjoy the feeling of peace and tranquility. I have visited Pulau Langkawi and Pulau Pangkor, but I never been in Pulau Tioman. I heard that Pulau Tioman is known as ‘Tropical Paradise’ in the South China Sea. It must be astounded to see its crystal clear blue water, fascination marine life and colorful coral gardens. Besides that, I love water sports, so I hope that I can take the opportunity of enjoying snorkeling and boating when I go there. On top of that, I am thinking of visiting your ‘village’-Mersing (actually it is a small town). As we know, Tioman Island is accessible by boat from Mersing, so I hope that you can accompany me to go there and walk along the shores during sunset to experience the beauty of the island..huhu..how wonderful it would be..
Februari 24, 2008 pada 6:02 am
ROHIDAYAH ABD MAJID
Bismillah..
Well, to be frank, I’ve never heard a place so called Kampung Kundang before. In fact I’ve never been to Banting, I just know that it is located somewhere in Selangor. However I am impressed about the undiscovered magnificence place that Kampung Kundang serves.
Normally, when one heard a place called “kampung”, I am sure, first picture in his mind would be a boring place with lots of undesired things like irritating mosquitoes, bunch of unappealing bushes and so on. Yet, Kampung Kundang gives different impression with the wonderful sceneries and places. As Amal has told us, it is rich with green sceneries which are mostly bakau trees, and what is imazing is they are still not polluted (I’ve confirmed this with Amal).
As far as I know, it is almost impossible to find an unpolluted place in Selangor, but her village can totally survive. Maybe it’s because of the management of the village is operating effectively until they can protect the area from any pollutions.
Besides, Kampung Kundang also offer a nice place for on-beach camping for those who wish for having a quite moment to release stress or enjoying a nice time with family. They don’t have to travel far to find such place. Even for those who have been to Port Diction for too many times, they should have a try to enjoy their selves in Kampung Kundang’s beach. Can save money and can still enjoy then moment…Amal, I hope you can take me to your place one day..invite me la..
wassalam
Februari 24, 2008 pada 6:11 am
ROHIDAYAH ABD MAJID
the obove comment is for Amal Musliha M. Siran
Februari 24, 2008 pada 7:27 am
HEE SOON SEAN
This comment is pointing to Samreet’s post.
Well, what i feel on the pollution of Indonesia is very damn suck… In my opinion, there are 3 kinds of smoke is abundant here.
Firstly, the smoke of burning rubbishes. Every morning when i walk to take angkot, there will be a bunch of smoke created in front of every single house. This kind of their daily activity always make the refreshing air of the morning polluted.
Secondly, the smoke of smoking by human being. I don’t know why the local people like to smoke, treating it as their essential vitamins. I hate these smokers very much… Not only harm their own body but also other people too!
Thirdly, the smoke produced by vehicles. The population of Bandung is more than KL, of course the number of vehicles too. However, the roads are built smaller than usual. This makes the traffic jamp worse, the vehicles stay longer in the roads, and thus the smoke produced much more greater.
The local people only know shouting slogan “Jagalah kebersihan Kota Bandung”, but no actual action is taken. People are still burning rubbishes, smoking… Haiz…..没眼看。。。
Februari 24, 2008 pada 10:08 am
Nur Nadiah binti Marzuki
This comment is for Hasyimah binti Hashim on the article about Kulim Hi-Tech Park
For me the present condition of Kulim Hi-Tech Park is okay but as you know prevention is better than cure. So, in order to maintain the green environment of Kulim Hi-Tech Park, the factory must have technology for examples smoke purifier, water cooling and lastly to minimize the industrial wastes which usually highly toxic and poisonous.
I strongly recommend that the location of residential and education area must situated far from the industrial area. This is to ensure that the place and people is harmony and not seriously affected with the pollution(air,sound and water).
p/s:I love this simple quote
Modern technology
Owes ecology
An apology.
~Alan M. Eddison
Februari 24, 2008 pada 10:28 am
Nur Liyana binti Roslan
Comment for Tan Pei Err’s post.
“Please be responsible citizens of Earth!”. Yes, I would do the same thing as what Pei Err’s did.
It would be tragic if we couldn’t see any turtles landed, laying eggs at the shore of the Terengganu’s beach and how about if we found turtles stranded at the beach, dead, just because it drowned in the fisherman’s net? Very traumatic, right? As a human being, we should stop this from happen, stop the turtle extinction.
Turtle is such a very special species and it can live for more than 100 years. They deserve to live in their maximum possible age although we know that it would be possible to reach it because of very high mortality rates due to infant mortality, diseases, predators, bad weather, accidents, or competition for food and shelter. It is better than died because of human pitilessness.
In order to save our nature and also for our future generation’s good, please do something..be a responsible human and think rationally about this matter.
Pei Err did a very good job about this matter by showing to all what exactly happened and of couse I will support her effort. =D
Februari 25, 2008 pada 11:44 am
Nishalini Sivakumar
”comment for priyadaarshini”
I agree with you priya. I am staying in selangor too . And its true the beautifull scenery is no longer to be seen anywhere now. There are lots of factory’s in selangor which is the main cause of air pollution and water pollution. We once had problems with our water supply in selangor . The water which is supply to our house are not clean and this couse a huge problem. This is because of the waste product from the factory which has no proper drainage system.
In future there will be more problems regarding to environment issues in Selangor if no one takes action.
STOP POLLUTING THE ENVIRONMENT!!!
Februari 25, 2008 pada 1:11 pm
KALAIVANI S.PANNEERSELVAM
COMMENT FOR: ASHRAF’s post.
As what has said by Ashraf, it’s true that nowadays Kuala Lumpur city becoming more polluted. As a upcoming city in technology wise,we should also take care of the surroundings and environment now itself.So,we have to try to prevent whatever can cause air pollution in the city.Before we point others, we make a move first!!!
We can make changes in the future,if we wants too.
So,take care of our environment..
Februari 26, 2008 pada 1:29 pm
priyadarrshini
comment based on nisha’s post
I agree with nisha that not only Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam Agriculture Park but most park in malaysia are goinng through the same fate.Government is closing one eyes in this matter and this shows their responsibility to preserve nature is longer logical.I used to have good memories in Bukit Cahaya,as i used to go there almost every month with my family.Its landscape is very well done and the sceneries is beautiful what a shame that soon it will not be the same anymore.
Government has to look into this matter seriously and do their best to preserve its beauty and uniqueness so that its fame as Malaysia Agricultural Park will remain.
Februari 27, 2008 pada 4:48 am
Muhammad Hafifi Bin Zainal Abidin
comment for Mohammad Fauzi Bin Bostanudin
First of all, I wanna thanks God for giving this oppurtunity to comment on the people’s environmental problems at their respective hometown. I wanna comment on the Fauzi’s views that at his hometown, there is too much haze until some students need to wear masks in order to avoid haze. Unluckily, the perception of some citizens who always ignore the order from the government that the open burning is prohibited, but they are still doing it.
Besides, Kuala Lumpur was used to be the worst city affected by the haze in 1990’s. Since then, the government has taken stern action on the people who do the open burning and they will face the harsh fine. Pity on the small children who have to bear wearing the mask or otherwise they will adopt the bronchiol problems, and this will automatically interrupt their daily lives.
Thus, I wanna take this chance to suggest that citizens WAKE UP, don’t hesitate if you have seen open burning, immediately report to the authorities. PLEASE I plead you all, don’t ever burden small little children as well as lethargic old people. They need clean air to breathe so that they live longer. PLEASE…….
I render the most famous poem that we all have ever heard by A Samad Said, the most popular poet in Malaysia,
The Dead Crow
He saw a dead crow
in a drain
near the post office.
He saw an old man
gasping for air
and a baby barely able to breathe
in a crowded clinic.
The land is so rich.
Why should we suffer like this?
I want clean air
for my children.
I want the damned fools
to leave the forest alone.
I want trees to grow,
the rivers run free,
and the earth covered with grass
Let the politicians plan
how we may live with dignity
now and always.
Thanks God for giving this air to breathe.
Sincerely written for the attention of everybody…
Februari 27, 2008 pada 6:27 am
mohammad fauzi bin bostanudin
this is a feedback comment for hafifi’s comment.first of all,thanks to hafifi bcoz of his exposuring bout the sickness air in kg baru kuala kuang,chemor.i totally agree with the plan to relocate the rubber factory far away from the housing estate.well,evryone has already known that the air that is produced from rubber factory seriously very not good to our health.it can decrease the activity of our brain and also give a very hard damage to our lungs.actually i hve already experienced this such thing.when i was a kid,my school was located very near to rubber factory.so,every morning,we r forced to breath a very damn air that was produced from the factory every morning.the smell was so suck!i hate that!but,what can we do?government still sleepng while its citizens are suffering.please,i beg to government workers,and also to all the owner of rubber factory,make sure they are not suffering others people..tink bout others..
Februari 27, 2008 pada 2:23 pm
Tan Pei Err
Comment from Nur Liyana brought my memory back to a little wildlife creature I saw while river cruising in Garama River, Kota Kinabalu – Proboscis Monkeys! These long nosed, long tails, big bellies monkeys live near mangrove forest. The Proboscis Monkeys are endangered species and are found only in the island of Borneo where Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan are located. Mangrove forest, where fresh water and lowland rainforests abound is very important to Nasalis Larvatus (scientific name for Proboscis Monkey) because these “handsome” monkeys feed on fruits and young leaves from the forest. Basically, these monkeys are vegetarians! Please conserve our beautiful creation from God, so that my children, my grandchildren, my great-grandchildren…still could see the “gorgeous” monkey of all like I did!
Februari 27, 2008 pada 2:38 pm
ahmad ashraf
Comment for Kalaivani’s post:
Well, all I can say about Kanching recreational park is that this place is amazing because the environment is very nice, there are lots of large trees in this park. The waterfall is beautiful, impressive and the river is very nice and cool. I’ve been there a few years ago and I think this is a must visit for someone that stay in Kuala Lumpur area, since it is very near to the city center. Some of the activities that you can do here is camping, picnicking, tracking or jogging in the morning, bathing or just relaxing.
I found that the most interesting part about Kanching Recreational Forest is that it has 7 layer of waterfall and each of them will have their own pond which visitor can take a bath in. The water also crystal clear and very cool. For me, it is very difficult to find a place like this nowadays especially it is located near the city. The community have to maintain the natural beauty of this park and also the firefly colonies of Kampung Kuantan and Kampung Bukit Belimbing for our next generation.
Februari 27, 2008 pada 2:42 pm
KUMARASEN SILVA RATNAM
KUMARASEN SILVA RATNAM
Comment on the posting of Samreet.
I would say majority of the postings above talk about one thing in general “pollution” which is a major issue in basically every developing and developed country. On the other hand, Samreet here have mentioned about the beauty of Bandung. Somehow i have to agree with Samreet about the beauty of Bandung. Bandung itself has lots to offer in terms of natural beauty. Yes, Hee Soo Sean what u have mention is true that bandung has various air pollution, but come on which country doesnt. I would darely say u would find similar pollutions even in Malaysia and of course u can argue its not as bad as Bandung. Let me ask, have u considered entire Malaysia or you only consider Kuala Lumpur where u live?…Do you know how bad is the air pollution in Malaysia when its the season for padi field burning in states like Kedah and Perlis for example.Talking about traffic jam, u got to be kidding if u say Kuala Lumpur’s traffic conjestion is not as bad as Bandung, it is basically equal and not to metion the amount of public buses in Malaysia that has not been serviced for years, emitting various toxic gas in the atmosphere. In conclusion, pollution in both Malaysia, Bandung or Indonesia in general is equal and both countries should be ashamed of the situation and try to improve in years to come.Thank you.
Februari 27, 2008 pada 3:19 pm
Yasmin bt Mohd Noh
this comment is for nisha’s post…
i mostly agree with what nisha is saying..the agricultural park that situated in Selangor should maintained as it is because it has been issued that the place should be left as an ‘hutan simpanan’…but people are rushing for development has made the forest’s law to be change and destroyed the forest to make housing area n others…
so I also hope that the government should take the responsible of maintaining the agricultural park so that it will last long for the next generation….
help to save the environment……
Februari 27, 2008 pada 3:21 pm
Amirah Balqis bt Shabudin
Comment on the post of Nur Syazreen binti Abdullah Sidit
Reminiscing back, the last time I visited Langkawi Island for a holiday with my family left me with such dissapointment on how the scenic spot have turned very much polluted. I always have a soft spot for this particular place because I used to go here for a quick getaway to enjoy the nature. Before this, Langkawi Island is well known for its clear blue sea that you can actually see deep corals gleaming from the waterbed. Now the sea has turned gloomy and unpleasing for the tourists too. Even majority of the corals are ruined because of heavy pollution caused by irresponsible human activities. Now that Langkawi Island is vastly known to the public, authorities should be more stern by putting up rules and actions to prevent it from getting worse. I strongly believe that there is still vain hope for Langkawi to redeem back its initial condition. Also, the act of stupidity by some poeple is not at all appreciated. They should know by threatening the ecology system, other lives are hanging by the thread too.
Thank you.
Februari 27, 2008 pada 3:34 pm
NUR SYAZREEN BTE ABDULLAH SIDIT
comment for Amirah Balqis post
I agree with Amirah saying that now Kuala Lumpur is getting worse day by day. Im from Kuala Lumpur and know the condition of Kuala lumpur very well. Kuala lumpur is well known all over the world for its own beauty.
But now what can i say about Kuala Lumpur.First and foremost
regarding its air pollution.This is caused by the smoke coming out from the vehicle,especially from the vehicle that used diesel and also from all the smoke coming out from the factory.
The water pollution in Kuala Lumpur is getting worse.This all happen because of the irresponsible factory owner that throw their rubbish into the river.This is not a pretty sight to see rubbish floating above the lake and river.
When i was small my mum said that the Bukit belacan river is as clear as a crystal.We used to go there for picnic.The surrounding of the river is also very clean. But now, the condition of the river and the surrounding is so bad that no one even goes there anymore.
SO I TOTALY AGREE WITH AMIRAH
SAVE OUR COUNTRY FOR THE FUTURE GENERATION
Februari 27, 2008 pada 3:36 pm
Annapurni Devi
I do agree with the comment posted by jayanthi. Flood have been an upcoming issue or should i say that it have been a critical issue in this city and its mainly due to the inproper management of the drainway system.Drainway systems have been constructed in order to prevent flood in this city but yet the problem only seem to be increasing at a phenomenal rate instead of subsiding.Flood have been one of the major problem in the city of Kuala Lumpur because the floos causes a massive traffic in the city and thus this unables the road users to move about. Recently a bilion ringgit project have been developed in order to prevent this flood problem. This is because when there is a heavy rain, the drainage system does not effectively prevent the flood and as mentioned it causes a massive traffic in the city and unables the vehicles to move about. The billion ringgit project known as the SMART tunnel ( Smart Management and Road Tunnel) has a dual function, where it serves as a link road to the nearest highway at a faster rate and thus its domain function where it serves to to help to perennial flood water from the muddy estuary. Besides the fast paced development in this city, environmental issues such as this should be taken into serious consideration. I still remember where there was once I got caught up in a massive traffic jam for hours in the city due to a heavy rain, and during this time the SMART tunnel was being unable to be utilized because it was built in such a way where it does not prevent flasflood…so whats the solution here? I hope environmental problem such as these would be taken into serious consideration and solutions would be derived as soon as possible…
Februari 27, 2008 pada 3:44 pm
Shamala Rajantereh
Well, i’m very much agreed with Annapurni’s opinion that many environmental problems have arised due to the rapid development of the Kuala Lumpur city. The modern city which used to situate many jungles are now replaced with tall buidings. The people in that city are definately not heading a healthy lifestyle due to this pollution. Therefore, the government should take immediate actions to prevent this problem from getting worst. They should keep a balance track on both environment n economy so that the beauty of the nature is not destroyed just like that.
Februari 27, 2008 pada 3:49 pm
Samreet Kaur Jasbindar Singh
Comment for Hee Soon Sean’s post :
Well it is agreeable that most of the countries are facing problem of having pollution in their country meaning every country in the globe is facing it and that is nothing suprising to talk about. Apart from being negative and having an arguement about it, positive viewing should also be seen through. Being positive is also not bad as one of our friend have mention about a place that is having resort and also seem like a nice place for relaxing and having fun. Everyone is not the same in viewing a particular problem as everyone is differrent in many ways.
Regarding the pollution problem being faced, i think if we would to have campaigns or talking with the government, it would be just like talking to a wall and that is all because everyone would turn a deaf ear as no one is interested in solving it and more seem interested in earning money!
So, as we know even raising such a thing has have no effect on anyone, so why argue about it? Everyone should realise about what is happening around us by themselves and try solving it and stop complaining about it as no God is gonna come down and help us with it. Open your ears n eyes wide and solve it by yourself because if you are right and are on the right part of solving a problem then everyone would realise it and and will be with you no matter what others got to say about it. Do it yourself and do it right and then show to others. Live your life to the fullest!
Februari 27, 2008 pada 3:51 pm
JAYANTHI SUPPAYA
comment for :Shamala rajantereh
Open burning releases large amounts of carbon dioxide, other gases, and solid substances directly into the air, which can contribute to respiratory problems.Its sad to see a reserved jungle burnt out in one night.We can’t just sit back and watch till all the nature’s beauty destroyed some day.Actions have to be taken.There’s always alternatives to open burning.Disposal of natural materials is never as good for the environment as using them again in a different form. Tree limbs, brush and other forestry debris can be chipped or composted into landscaping material. save the tree.protect our enviroment.
Maret 7, 2008 pada 6:09 am
ROHIDAYAH ABD MAJID
How to post a flow chart in here..???
Maret 7, 2008 pada 7:47 am
Hee Soon Sean
Name: Hee Soon Sean NIM: 16207726
The appliance that I choose to describe is paper. I use it everyday. The main material that content in paper is wood fibre. The “life” of my paper is usually very short (may be a few days) because I need a large amount of paper in studying.
The barrier that makes people feel reluctant to recycle it is, lacking of rally point of recycling. The public dustbins do not separate the rubbishes well and thus people confuse to place the used paper.
Recycling paper can indirectly save the energy used. The energy used in producing new paper is much more massive than recycling paper. In addition, it can also reduce the trees being slashed down for producing new paper. Hence, it can indirectly preserve the forests.
For used papers which are going to be destroyed, their final fate will be burned in incinerator or buried into the underground. For recycled paper, they can be used again and again until their fibres are no longer tough enough to be paper.
Flow Chart:
Slashing down the wood
Energy input Water input
Chemical pulping Mechanical Pulp
(To free the fibres and make pulp) to separate cellulose fibers
Water input
Additives
(To improve the characteristics of the paper for printing or writing)
Energy input
Pressing and Drying
(To remove water from the paper sheet)
Energy input
Sizing and Finishing
(To alter its physical properties for use in various applications)
In use
To represent a value: Bank notes
For writing: Books
For packaging: Corrugated box
For cleaning: Toilet paper
After use
Energy input
Water input
Recycled Destroyed
(Private and confidential contents)
Maret 7, 2008 pada 7:49 am
Hee Soon Sean
Sir, how come my flow chart being posted like that…..
Should i give u another hard copy to make it literable?
Maret 7, 2008 pada 7:49 am
Hee Soon Sean
the Arrow signs cannot be seen……
Maret 9, 2008 pada 2:43 am
taufikurahman
For Hee Soon Sean and others, if you want to send paper with mind mapping (flow chart), probably better if you send the file via my e-mail address:
taufik@sith.itb.ac.id
btw, I saw you making the assignment in McD last friday 🙂
Maret 11, 2008 pada 4:56 am
Farha Zakaria
Pollution in My town…
Assalamualaikum…Im Farha and I came from Kluang Johor. It is a small town compared to other towns in Johor.Recently,I noticed some kind of problem in my town..It was no longer clean town where it used to be.It was 2007 when the big and disaster flood came.Owh,before i forget,there was a small river called Sungai Mengkibol here.But now,the river is getting bigger because of the flood and the flood is caused by the pollution.And what kind of pollution is that?RUBBISH!!!People who are really stubborn keep throwing rubbish into the river.Come on people,think about others.This river passes through every places in Kluang.So,when the river is filled with rubbish,no wonder why the flood came.And government can’t do anything about this because this is related to people’s behave.So people,behave yourself…Think about others…Thank you,
Maret 11, 2008 pada 4:57 am
Farha Zakaria
Related to Nadiah’s opinion.positively I think that Nadiah’s places is still in good condition.This is because there were lesser transportation back there.and yet,it is far from big town such as KL.Moreover,there are lesser people there to do pollution.But in the other side,there are still some pollution.For example,it got a lot of agricultural site but think about when its yields.There will be such annoying sound and smoke come from lorry that keep coming to pick up the yields So for me,pollution actually is everywhere. No matter how good the technology are or how lame and ancient the places are,if we don’t take a good attention,there are still a possibility of pollution.Thank you…
Maret 11, 2008 pada 1:08 pm
Nishalini Sivakumar
GLASS CONTAINER
I choose glass container. Glass are made of few chemical properties. The chemical composition are 74% of silicon dioxside, 13% of sodium oxide, 10.5% of calcium oxide, 1.3% of aluminium oxide, 0.3% of potassium oxide, 0.2% of sulfur trioxide, 0.2% of magnesium oxide, 0.01 % of titanium oxide and 0.04 % of iron(111)oxide. To reduce the bubble content in the glass sodium sulfate, sodium chloride or antimony oxide are used.
Glass can be used as long as we don’t break it. Nothing will happen to the glass if its not used for a long time . If it breaks or you don’t want it then it can be recycled.
Glass containers are wholly recyclable and in developing countries this is common. However the environmental impact of washing the container as against remelting them is uncertain. Factors to consider here are the chemicals and fresh water used in the washing, and the fact that a single use container can be made much lighter, using less than half the glass (and therefore energy content) of a multiuse container. Also, a significant factor in the developed world’s consideration of reuse are producer concerns over the risk and consequential product liability of using a component (the reused container) of unknown and unqualified safety.
The final faith of all material will be either recycled , burned or buried. Glasses are mostly recyled .
PS : Sir, i have sent the flow chart to your email-add. thank you.
Maret 11, 2008 pada 1:54 pm
JAYANTHI SUPPAYA
ENVIROMENTAL SCIENCES
Plastic shopping bags, or carrier bags, are a common type of shopping bag in several countries. Most often these bags are intended for a single use to carry items from a store to a home.I reuse them for storage or trash and throw it after few days
INPUT
↓
The process starts with a resin that feeds into an extruding machine
↓
As the resin is fed through a heated screw, it is forced to mix and melt to a liquid state.
↓
The screw forces the melted resin through a die forcing it into a tube.
↓
Blowing air through the center of the die ring expands the tube, sometimes called a bubble (much like blowing up a balloon).
↓
The amount of air and speed in which the tube travels up a tower determines the size and thickness of the plastic.
↓
The bubble travels up a tower to cool the melted plastic
↓
Once cooled, the bubble is flattened and travels down the tower through a set of rollers.
↓
When the plastic reaches the bottom, it is wound on a large roll.
OUTPUT
Current research demonstrates that paper in today’s landfills does not degrade or break down at a substantially faster rate than plastic does. When one ton of plastic bags is reused or recycled, the energy equivalent of 11 barrels of oil is saved.Those are few barriers to recycle plastic bags :
-There is a very wide range of plastics in use and segregation is difficult
• the market for using recycled plastic is underdeveloped
• the high volume to weight ratio of plastic means that the collection and transport of this waste is difficult and expensive
• there are often high levels of contamination in plastic making the recyclate less usable, especially where food products are involved
Encouraging some large retailers to reward customers who return the bags for recycling and growing awareness of the problems caused by indiscriminate use of plastic bags may increase the percentage of recycling.Most of the time, plastic bags end ups thorn and destroyed.
Maret 11, 2008 pada 4:18 pm
KUMARASEN SILVA RATNAM
I would like to talk about aluminium one of the daily used products we use but we never think of recycling it.The most common product of aluminium we use is aluminium tin can for drinks. Anything made of aluminium can be recycled repeatedly not only cans, but aluminium foil, plates and pie moulds, window frames, garden furniture and automotive components are melted down and used to make similar products again. The recycling of aluminium requires only 5% of the energy to produce secondary metal as compared to primary metal and generates only 5% of the green house gas emissions.Following would be the process of making aluminium:-
INPUT
BAUXITE-The mining of bauxite is the first step in aluminium production.At 8% of the earth’s crust, aluminium is the third most abundant element in nature.
↓
Bauxite has to be processed into pure aluminium oxide (alumina) before itcan be converted to aluminium by electrolysis. This is achieved through the use of the Bayer chemical process in alumina refineries. The aluminium oxide is released from the other substances in bauxite in a caustic soda solution, which is filtered to remove all insoluble particles
↓
Primary aluminium is produced in reduction plants (or “smelters”), where pure aluminium is extracted from alumina. The reduction of alumina into liquid aluminium is operated at around 950 degrees Celsius in a fluorinated bath under high intensity electrical current
↓
Semi-Fabrication
This encompasses several industrial processes: rolling, casting and extrusion
a)Rolled products, i.e. sheet, plate and foil constitute almost 50 % of all aluminium alloys used
b)Aluminium casting processes are classified as ingot casting or mould casting
c)The term extrusion is usually applied to both the process, and the product obtained, when a hot cylindrical billet of aluminium is pushed through a shaped die. The resulting section can be used in long lengths or cut into short parts for use in structures, vehicles or components
OUTPUT
Aluminium is then formed into products.The aluminium unique combination of properties has enabled designers and manufacturers to develop products that enhance the quality of life. Many applications in transportation, medicine, food preservation and electricity distribution would not have been possible if a material with aluminium’s high strength-to-weight characteristic, outstanding barrier properties, good conductivity and corrosion resistance had not been available.
RECYCLING
Rather then producing new aluminium all the time it is better to recycle aluminium, for example aluminium tin can due to reasons such as :-
· Aluminium has unique recycling qualities: the quality of aluminium is not impaired by recycling -it can be repeatedly recycled.
· Aluminium recycling saves energy: remelting used aluminium saves up to 95% of the energy needed to produce the primary product.
· Aluminium recycling is economical: it uses less energy and recycling is self-supported because of the high value of used aluminiu
REFERENCE OF THIS POSTING
http://www.azom.com/Details.asp?ArticleID=3529
http://www.world-aluminum.org/production/recycling/index.html
Maret 12, 2008 pada 3:37 pm
Tan Pei Err
One of the appliances I use daily is an incredible invention from our ancestors – Chopsticks! Chopsticks have been the utensil of choice throughout all of China since the Han dynasty (approximately 200 BC to 200 AD). This little “technology” here is famous with its delicate art of holding and using it in a proper way. In this posting, I am not going to further discuss the beauty of this art; but I will be a story teller of “The Life of a Pair of Chopsticks”.
There are many different kind of chopsticks being used by people from China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, etc. The one I am using is the typical Chinese chopsticks which have the characteristics as below:
– normally made of unfinished wood or bamboo
– for adults 10 ½ inches, for children shorter
– taper to a blunt end
Raw materials to make a pair of chopsticks:
– variety of wood
– coating oil
– paint
– lacquer
The flow chart of the system of production:
Milling the wood – wood will be cutting into smooth rectangular block
↓
Inlaying – if the wood is to be inlaid with a contrasting wood, this happens next
↓
Cutting the blanks – the blanks are wood pieces that are roughly the length of a finished chopsticks.
↓
Shaping the sticks – the rectangular blanks must next be shaped
↓
Sanding – smoothen the chopsticks
↓
Finishing – dipping in lacquer (natural substance made from the sap of variety of sumac)
The “final” fate of each material:
Lacquer, paint, and coating oil – faded, which may cause by over-washed with detergent (if it is low quality chopsticks)
Wood – all the different types of wood can be recycled
The disposable chopstick industry has been accused of exceedingly wasteful foresting practices. Because only very fine-grained wood is suitable for chopsticks, only some trees, or only parts of some trees, can be forested. In some cases, the forest is clear-cut, though only one quarter of the wood is then fed into the chopstick mill. The remaining lumber is left to rot or burn. The bulk of disposable chopsticks are sold in Japan, where using someone else’s chopsticks is considered disagreeable. Restaurants almost always provide their customers with one-use chopsticks, but because of environmental concerns, some Japanese consumers are foregoing disposable chopsticks. Some corporations are providing their workers with reusable plastic chopsticks in company lunchrooms. Another replacement product growing in popularity is disposable chopsticks that are made only from wood obtained from forest thinning. This is supposed to represent wood that would otherwise be wasted, so the product is environmentally sound. Consumer boycotts and voiced concerns have already made disposable chopsticks a prominent environmental issue. Faced with growing opposition to their wasteful practices, chopstick manufacturers may be forced to come up with alternative.
Information quoted from:
1) http://www.madehow.com/Volume-4/Chopsticks.html
2) http://chinesefood.about.com/od/restaurantdining/a/chopsticks.htm
3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chopsticks
Maret 15, 2008 pada 1:02 pm
mohammad fauzi bin bostanudin
so weird coz i cant submit my work at your blog.huhu..
but,ive already submitted it at your email
April 5, 2008 pada 1:44 pm
ROHIDAYAH ABD MAJID
Assalamualaikum wbt
Comment on the multimedia presentation:
The main thing that i could grab from the presentation was our environment is governed from many important natural cyles such as water cycle, carbon cycle, oxygen cycle and nitrogen cycle.In the water cycle, energy is supplied by the sun, which drives evaporation whether it be from ocean surfaces or from treetops. The sun also provides the energy which drives the weather systems which move the clouds from one place to another. Precipitation occurs when water condenses from a gaseous state in the atmosphere and falls to earth.
For carbon cycle, the important event is the complementary reactions of respiration and photosynthesis. Respiration takes carbohydrates and oxygen and combines them to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy. Photosynthesis takes carbon dioxide and water and produces carbohydrates and oxygen. The outputs of respiration are the inputs of photosynthesis, and the outputs of photosynthesis are the inputs of respiration. For oxygen cycle, oxygen is present in the carbon dioxide, in the carbohydrates, in water, and as a molecule of two oxygen atoms. Oxygen is released to the atmosphere by autotrophs during photosynthesis and taken up by both autotrophs and heterotrophs during respiration. While nitrogen cycle for me is one of the most difficult of the cycles to learn, this is because there are so many important forms of nitrogen, and because organisms are responsible for each of the interconversions which is bacteria and these make it complicated.
Besides that, i also realize that we depend a lot on our environmental sources to survive like water, lands and animals.. We should know that human civilization is dependent on agriculture. Only with agriculture can a few people feed the rest of the population and the part of the population freed from raising food can then go on to do all the things we associate with civilization. Agriculture means manipulating the environment to favor plant species that we can eat.
April 9, 2008 pada 2:45 pm
Muhammad Hafifi Bin Zainal Abidin
Comment on Multimedia presentation
First of all, the slides were describing about the animal extinction. Animal extinction happens when the habitat is destructed. When the forest is destructed, animal has nowhere to go. Thus, the habitat of the animals has been destroyed, and it goes to the extinction of the animal such as tiger, panda, and so on.
Besides, the ozone destruction happens when there is a release of CFC, carbon dioxide, and other pollutants to the atmosphere. When this happens, ozone will be separated into oxygen gases; this will result in UV lights penetrate the atmosphere, and attack human skin. The skin will become cancer if it continuously happens.
Next, accumulation of algae will result in oxygen cannot dissolve in the water.This will make other animals and plants in the water die due to lack of oxygen. When the algae is dead, the oxygen is needed and carbon dioxide is released. This will contribute to the lack of the oxygen in the water.
Lastly, the air pollution comes from the emission of the carbon dioxide gas from the vehicles. The carbon dioxide released is too dangerous to the ozone layer because it might destroy the ozone layer and thus causes the skin cancer. Besides, too many carbon dioxide will result in global warming. This gas will trap the energy from the sunlight and thus heat is not turning back to the atmosphere but trapped by the gases.
This global warming will cause the ice melts at the poles of the earth and thus it will increase the water level. Some parts of the world will experience the flood due to the increase of seawater level. Some animals are extinct such as penguin because habitats are destroyed.
That’s it for now. Thank you.
April 13, 2008 pada 10:01 am
Nur Liyana binti Roslan
Assalamualaikum..
comment on the multimedia presentation..
Global warming,
Global warming is the term used to describe a gradual increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere and its oceans, a change that is believed to be permanently changing the Earth’s climate forever.
While many view the effects of global warming to be more substantial and more rapidly occurring than others do, the scientific consensus on climatic changes related to global warming is that the average temperature of the Earth has risen between 0.4 and 0.8 °C over the past 100 years. The increased volumes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released by the burning of fossil fuels, land clearing, agriculture, and other human activities, are believed to be the primary sources of the global warming.
Ozone depletion,
Ozone depletion describes two distinct, but related observations: a slow, steady decline in the total amount of ozone in Earth’s stratosphere and a much larger, but seasonal, decrease in stratospheric ozone over Earth’s polar regions during the same period. The latter phenomenon is commonly referred to as the ozone hole.
In addition to this well-known stratospheric ozone depletion, there are also tropospheric ozone depletion events, which occur near the surface in polar regions during spring.
Three forms (or allotropes) of oxygen are involved in the ozone-oxygen cycle: Oxygen atoms (O or atomic oxygen), oxygen gas (O2 or diatomic oxygen), and ozone gas (O3 or triatomic oxygen). Ozone is formed in the stratosphere when oxygen molecules photodissociate after absorbing an ultraviolet photon whose wavelength is shorter than 240 nm. This produces two oxygen atoms. The atomic oxygen then combines with O2 to create O3. Ozone molecules absorb UV light between 310 and 200 nm, following which ozone splits into a molecule of O2 and an oxygen atom. The oxygen atom then joins up with an oxygen molecule to regenerate ozone. This is a continuing process which terminates when an oxygen atom “recombines” with an ozone molecule to make two O2 molecules: O + O3 → 2 O2
Since the ozone layer absorbs UVB ultraviolet light from the Sun, ozone layer depletion is expected to increase surface UVB levels, which could lead to damage, including increases in skin cancer. Although decreases in stratospheric ozone are well-tied to CFCs and there are good theoretical reasons to believe that decreases in ozone will lead to increases in surface UVB, there is no direct observational evidence linking ozone depletion to higher incidence of skin cancer in human beings. This is partly due to the fact that UVA, which has also been implicated in some forms of skin cancer, is not absorbed by ozone, and it is nearly impossible to control statistics for lifestyle changes in the populace.
Pollutions,
Air pollution, the release of chemicals and particulates into the atmosphere. Common examples include carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and nitrogen oxides produced by industry and motor vehicles. Photochemical ozone and smog are created as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons react to sunlight. Water pollution via runoff, leaching to groundwater, liquid spills, wastewater discharges, eutrophication and littering. Soil contamination occurs when chemicals are released by spill or underground storage tank leakage. Among the most significant soil contaminants are hydrocarbons, heavy metals, MTBE[4], herbicides, pesticides and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Thermal pollution, is a temperature change in natural water bodies caused by human influence, such as use of water as coolant in a power plant.
That’s all from me..Thank you and sorry for posting this comment late.
April 14, 2008 pada 3:52 pm
Amirah Balqis bt Shabudin
Salam..
Last week our class was conducted quite differently as we use an animation to guide us through the material we are learning. The animation went on briefly about the world itself and how it revolved throughout these years. Earlier, we went through the Green Revolution which focuses more towards the growth of crops and its production. At the moment the use of pesticide to demolish the insects was vastly available but there is a big disadvantage to this trend. Not only the pests were gone, it seems like other animals were poisoned and affected too. As time went by, Industrial Revolution took place. People started to be more attentive to industrial appliance which involves factories and also mechanical usage. Air pollution were also getting worse due to the smoke that factory releases and also the waste that they dump into the river/sea makes water pollution increases over these years, rapidly. The appliance that we use daily now, is also a threat to mother nature. How is this possible?
Appliances such as air conditioner, refrigerator and such releases chemical substance known as Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and this substances would freely dispersed to open air. It would break the bonds of O2 which consist of two oxygen atom. And thus binding with it would form an unstable compound which is O3 . This compound would break the natural protection of our earth by destroying the layers of ozone surrounding us. This would affect our lives since we depend a lot on ozone to protect us from the harmful UV rays(ultraviolet rays) which comes from the sun. Ozone depletion describes two distinct, but related observations: a slow, steady decline of about 4 percent per decade in the total amount of ozone in Earth’s stratosphere since the late 1970s; and a much larger, but seasonal, decrease in stratospheric ozone over Earth’s polar region during the same period. The latter phenomenon is commonly referred to as the ozone hole. In addition to this well-known stratospheric ozone depletion, there are also tropospheric ozone depletion event, which occur near the surface in polar regions during spring.
The detailed mechanism by which the polar ozone holes form is different from that for the mid-latitude thinning, but the most important process in both trends is catalytic destruction of ozone by atomic chlorine and bromine. The main source of these halogen atoms in the stratosphere is photodissociation of chlorofuorocarbon (CFC) compounds, commonly called freons, and of bromofluorocarbon compounds known as halons. These compounds are transported into the stratosphere after being emitted at the surface. Both ozone depletion mechanisms strengthened as emissions of CFCs and halons increased. CFCs and other contributory substances are commonly referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Since the ozone layer prevents most harmful UVB wavelengths (270–315 nm) of ultraviolet light(UV light) from passing through the Earth’s atmosphere, observed and projected decreases in ozone have generated worldwide.
Ozone can be destroyed by a number of free radical catalysts, the most important of which are the hydroxyl radical (OH•), the nitric oxide radical (NO•) and atomic chlorine (Cl•) and bromine(Br•). All of these have both natural and anthropogenic (manmade) sources; at the present time, most of the OH• and NO• in the stratosphere is of natural origin, but human activity has dramatically increased the high in oxygen chlorine and bromine. These elements are found in certain stable organic compounds, especially chlorofuorocarbons (CFCs), which may find their way to the stratosphere without being destroyed in the troposphere due to their low reactivity.
Effects of ozone layer depletion on Humans
UVB (the higher energy UV radiation absorbed by ozone) is generally accepted to be a contributory factor to skin cancer. In addition, increased surface UV leads to increased tropospheric ozone, which is a health risk to humans. The increased surface UV also represents an increase in the vitamin D synthetic capacity of the sunlight.
1. Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinomas — The most common forms of skin cancer in humans, basal and squamous cell carcinomas, have been strongly linked to UVB exposure. The mechanism by which UVB induces these cancers is well understood — absorption of UVB radiation causes the pyrimidine bases in the DNA molecule to form dimers, resulting in transcription errors when the DNA replicates. 2.
2.Malignant Melanoma — Another form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, is much less common but far more dangerous, being lethal in about 15% – 20% of the cases diagnosed. The relationship between malignant melanoma and ultraviolet exposure is not yet well understood, but it appears that both UVB and UVA are involved. Experiments on fish suggest that 90 to 95% of malignant melanomas may be due to UVA and visible radiation whereas experiments on opossums suggest a larger role for UVB. Because of this uncertainty, it is difficult to estimate the impact of ozone depletion on melanoma incidence. One study showed that a 10% increase in UVB radiation was associated with a 19% increase in melanomas for men and 16% for women.
3. Cortical Cataracts — Studies are suggestive of an association between ocular cortical cataracts and UV-B exposure, using crude approximations of exposure and various cataract assessment techniques. A detailed assessment of ocular exposure to UV-B was carried out in a study on Chesapeake Bay Watermen, where increases in average annual ocular exposure were associated with increasing risk of cortical opacity. In this highly exposed group of predominantly white males, the evidence linking cortical opacities to sunlight exposure was the strongest to date. However, subsequent data from a population-based study in Beaver Dam, WI suggested the risk may be confined to men. In the Beaver Dam study, the exposures among women were lower than exposures among men, and no association was seen. Moreover, there were no data linking sunlight exposure to risk of cataract in African Americans, although other eye diseases have different prevalences among the different racial groups, and cortical opacity appears to be higher in African Americans compared with whites.
4. Increased Tropospheric Ozone — Increased surface UV leads to increased tropospheric ozone. Ground-level ozone is generally recognized to be a health risk, as ozone is toxic due to its strong oxidant properties. At this time, ozone at ground level is produced mainly by the action of UV radiation on combustion gases from vehicle exhausts.
Thank you.
April 20, 2008 pada 10:07 am
NUR SYAZREEN BTE ABDULLAH SIDIT
salam
comment on the multimedia presentation
CFC
The haloalkanes (also known as halogenalkanes or alkyl halides) are a group of chemical compounds, consisting of alkanes, such as methane or ethane, with one or more halogens linked, such as chlorine or fluorine, making them a type of organic halide. They are known under many chemical and commercial names. As fire extinguishants, propellants and solvents they have or had wide use. Some haloalkanes (those containing chlorine or bromine) have been shown to have negative effects on the environment such as ozone depletion. The most widely known family within this group are the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs).
General
A haloalkane also known as alkyl halogenide, halogenalkane or halogenoalkane, and alkyl halide is a chemical compound derived from an alkane by substituting one or more hydrogen atoms with halogen atoms. Substitution with fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine results in fluoroalkanes, chloroalkanes, bromoalkanes and iodoalkanes, respectively. Mixed compounds are also possible, the best-known examples being the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which are mainly responsible for ozone depletion. Haloalkanes are used in semiconductor device fabrication, as refrigerants, foam blowing agents, solvents, aerosol spray propellants, fire extinguishing agents, and chemical reagents.
Freon is a trade name for a group of chlorofluorocarbons used primarily as a refrigerant. The word Freon is a registered trademark belonging to DuPont.
There are 3 types of haloalkanes. In primary (1°) haloalkanes the carbon which carries the halogen atom is only attached to one other alkyl group. However CH3Br is also a primary haloalkane, even though there is no alkyl group. In secondary (2°) haloalkanes the carbon that carries the halogen atom is attached to 2 alkyl groups. In tertiary (3°) haloalkanes the carbon that carries the halogen atom is attached to 3 alkyl groups.
CFC molecules
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are compounds containing chlorine, fluorine and carbon only, that is they contain no hydrogen. They were formerly used widely in industry, for example as refrigerants, propellants, and cleaning solvents. Their use has been regularly prohibited by the Montreal Protocol, because of effects on the ozone layer (see ozone depletion). They are also powerful greenhouse gases, in terms of carbon dioxide equivalence (over a time period of one hundred years) between 5000 and 8100 per kg. [1] CFC’s have half-lives between 50-100 years, so their presence in the atmosphere and reactivity with ozone is long lived. One CFC molecule typically degrades around 10,000 ozone molecules before its removal, but this number can sometimes be in the millions.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are of a class of haloalkanes where not all hydrogen has been replaced by chlorine or fluorine. They are used primarily as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) substitutes, as the ozone depleting effects are only about 10% of the CFCs.
] Hydro fluoro compounds (HFC)
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) contain no chlorine. They are composed entirely of carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine. They have no known effects at all on the ozone layer. Only compounds containing chlorine and bromine are thought to harm the ozone layer. Fluorine itself is not ozone-toxic. [2] However, HFCs and perfluorocarbons do have activity in the entirely different realm of greenhouse gases, which do not destroy ozone, but do cause global warming. Two groups of haloalkanes, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs), are targets of the Kyoto Protocol. [2] Allan Thornton, President of Environmental Investigation Agency, an environmental watchdog, says that HFCs are up to 12,500 times as potent as carbon dioxide in global warming. Wealthy countries are clamping down on these gases. Thornton says that many countries are needlessly producing these chemicals just to get the carbon credits. Thus, as a result of carbon trading rules under the Kyoto Protocol, nearly half the credits from developing countries are from HFCs, with China scoring billions of dollars from catching and destroying HFCs that would be in the atmosphere as industrial byproducts.
GREENHOUSE
The greenhouse effect is the process in which the emission of infrared radiation by the atmosphere warms a planet’s surface. The name comes from an incorrect analogy with the warming of air inside a greenhouse compared to the air outside the greenhouse. The greenhouse effect was discovered by Joseph Fourier in 1824 and first investigated quantitatively by Svante Arrhenius in 1896.
The Earth’s average surface temperature of 14 °C (57 °F) would otherwise be about -19 °C (-2.2 °F) in the absence of the greenhouse effect.]Global warming, a recent warming of the Earth’s lower atmosphere, is believed to be the result of an enhanced greenhouse effect due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In addition to the Earth, Mars and Venus have greenhouse effects
BASIC MECHANISM
Earth receives energy from the Sun in the form of radiation. Most of the energy is in visible wavelengths and in infrared wavelengths that are near the visible range (often called “near infrared”). The Earth reflects about 30% of the incoming solar radiation. The remaining 70% is absorbed, warming the land, atmosphere and oceans.
For the Earth’s temperature to be in steady state so that the Earth does not rapidly heat or cool, this absorbed solar radiation must be very closely balanced by energy radiated back to space in the infrared wavelengths. Since the intensity of infrared radiation increases with increasing temperature, one can think of the Earth’s temperature as being determined by the infrared flux needed to balance the absorbed solar flux. The visible solar radiation mostly heats the surface, not the atmosphere, whereas most of the infrared radiation escaping to space is emitted from the upper atmosphere, not the surface. The infrared photons emitted by the surface are mostly absorbed in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases and clouds and do not escape directly to space.
The reason this warms the surface is most easily understood by starting with a simplified model of a purely radiative greenhouse effect that ignores energy transfer in the atmosphere by convection (sensible heat transport) and by the evaporation and condensation of water vapor (latent heat transport). In this purely radiative case, one can think of the atmosphere as emitting infrared radiation both upwards and downwards. The upward infrared flux emitted by the surface must balance not only the absorbed solar flux but also this downward infrared flux emitted by the atmosphere. The surface temperature will rise until it generates thermal radiation equivalent to the sum of the incoming solar and infrared radiation.
A more realistic picture taking into account the convective and latent heat fluxes is somewhat more complex. But the following simple model captures the essence. The starting point is to note that the opacity of the atmosphere to infrared radiation determines the height in the atmosphere from which most of the photons are emitted into space. If the atmosphere is more opaque, the typical photon escaping to space will be emitted from higher in the atmosphere, because one then has to go to higher altitudes to see out to space in the infrared. Since the emission of infrared radiation is a function of temperature, it is the temperature of the atmosphere at this emission level that is effectively determined by the requirement that the emitted flux balance the absorbed solar flux.
But the temperature of the atmosphere generally decreases with height above the surface, at a rate of roughly 6.5 °C per kilometer on average, until one reaches the stratosphere 10-15 km above the surface. (Most infrared photons escaping to space are emitted by the troposphere, the region bounded by the surface and the stratosphere, so we can ignore the stratosphere in this simple picture.) A very simple model, but one that proves to be remarkably useful, involves the assumption that this temperature profile is simply fixed, by the non-radiative energy fluxes. Given the temperature at the emission level of the infrared flux escaping to space, one then computes the surface temperature by increasing temperature at the rate of 6.5 °C per kilometer, the environmental lapse rate, until one reaches the surface. The more opaque the atmosphere, and the higher the emission level of the escaping infrared radiation, the warmer the surface, since one then needs to follow this lapse rate over a larger distance in the vertical.
Greenhouse gases
Quantum mechanics provides the basis for computing the interactions between molecules and radiation. Most of this interaction occurs when the frequency of the radiation closely matches that of the spectral lines of the molecule, determined by the quantization of the modes of vibration and rotation of the molecule. (The electronic excitations are generally not relevant for infrared radiation, as they require energy larger than that in an infrared photon.)
The width of a spectral line is an important element in understanding its importance for the absorption of radiation. In the Earth’s atmosphere these spectral widths are primarily determined by “pressure broadening”, which is the distortion of the spectrum due to the collision with another molecule. Most of the infrared absorption in the atmosphere can be thought of as occurring while two molecules are colliding. The absorption due to a photon interacting with a lone molecule is relatively small. This three-body aspect of the problem, one photon and two molecules, makes direct quantum mechanical computation for molecules of interest more challenging. Careful laboratory spectroscopic measurements, rather than ab initio quantum mechanical computations, provide the basis for most of the radiative transfer calculations used in studies of the atmosphere.
The molecules/atoms that constitute the bulk of the atmosphere: oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2) and argon (Ar); do not interact with infrared radiation significantly. While the oxygen and nitrogen molecules can vibrate, because of their symmetry these vibrations do not create any transient charge separation. Without such a transient dipole moment, they can neither absorb nor emit infrared radiation. In the Earth’s atmosphere, the dominant infrared absorbing gases are water vapor, carbon dioxide, and ozone (O3). The same molecules are also the dominant infrared emitting molecules. CO2 and O3 have “floppy” vibration motions whose quantum states can be excited by collisions at energies encountered in the atmosphere. For example, carbon dioxide is a linear molecule, but it has an important vibrational mode in which the molecule bends with the carbon in the middle moving one way and the oxygens on the ends moving the other way, creating some charge separation, a dipole moment, thus carbon dioxide molecules can absorb IR radiation. Collisions will immediately transfer this energy to heating the surrounding gas. On the other hand, other CO2 molecules will be vibrationally excited by collisions. Roughly 5% of CO2 molecules are vibrationally excited at room temperature and it is this 5% that radiates. A substantial part of the greenhouse effect due to carbon dioxide exists because this vibration is easily excited by infrared radiation. CO2 has two other vibrational modes. The symmetric stretch does not radiate, and the asymmetric stretch is at too high a frequency to be effectively excited by atmospheric temperature collisions, although it does contribute to absorption of IR radiation. The vibrational modes of water are at too high energies to effectively radiate, but do absorb higher frequency IR radiation. Water vapor has a bent shape. It has a permanent dipole moment (the O atom end is electron rich, and the H atoms electron poor) which means that IR light can be emitted and absorbed during rotational transitions, and these transitions can also be produced by collisional energy transfer. Clouds are also very important infrared absorbers. Therefore, water has multiple effects on infrared radiation, through its vapor phase and through its condensed phases. Other absorbers of significance include methane, nitrous oxide and the chlorofluorocarbons.
Discussion of the relative importance of different infrared absorbers is confused by the overlap between the spectral lines due to different gases, widened by pressure broadening. As a result, the absorption due to one gas cannot be thought of as independent of the presence of other gases. One convenient approach is to remove the chosen constituent, leaving all other absorbers, and the temperatures, untouched, and monitoring the infrared radiation escaping to space. The reduction in infrared absorption is then a measure of the importance of that constituent. More precisely, define the greenhouse effect (GE) to be the difference between the infrared radiation that the surface would radiate to space if there were no atmosphere and the actual infrared radiation escaping to space. Then compute the percentage reduction in GE when a constituent is removed.
thank you
April 25, 2008 pada 3:33 pm
Amirah Balqis bt Shabudin
Salam..
On Thursday our class again had multimedia animation to continue the study of our nature. Here we study about the biome of lives. A biome is a climatically and geographically defined area of ecologically similar communities of plants, animals, and soil organisms, often referred to as ecosystem.
Biomes are defined based on factors such as plant structures (such as trees, shrubs, and grasses), leaf types (such as broadleaf and needleleaf), plant spacing (forest, woodland, savanna), and climate. Unlike ecozones, biomes are not defined by genetic, taxonomic, or historical similarities. Biomes are often identified with particular patterns of ecological succession and climax vegetation.
The biodiversity characteristic of each biome, especially the diversity of fauna and subdominant plant forms, is a function of abiotic factors and the biomass productivity of the dominant vegetation. Species diversity tends to be higher in terrestrial biomes with higher net primary productivity, moisture availability, and temperature. A fundamental classification of biomes is into:
1.Terrestrial (land) biomes and
2. Aquatic (water) biomes.
Biomes are often given local names. For example, a shrublands biome is known commonly as steppe in central Asia, praire in North America, and pampas in South America. Tropical grasslands are known as savanna. Sometimes an entire biome may be targeted for protection, especially under an individual nation’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Climate is a major factor determining the distribution of terrestrial biomes. Among the important climatic factors are:
latitude: Arctic, boreal, temperate, subtropical, tropical.
humidity: humid, semi-humid, semi-arid, and arid.
seasonal variation: Rainfall may be distributed evenly throughout the year or be marked by seasonal variations.
dry summer, wet winter: Most regions of the earth receive most of their rainfall during the summer months; Mediterranean climate regions receive their rainfall during the winter months.
elevation: Increasing elevation causes a distribution of habitat types similar to that of increasing latitude.
Biodiversity generally increases away from the poles towards the equator and increases with humidity. Climate classification systems are ways of classifying the world’s climate. A climate classification may correlate closely with a biome category, as climate is a major influence on biological life in a region. The most popular classification scheme is probably the Koppen climate classification scheme.
We also discussed the use of solar energy. Solar energy is energy from the Sun in the form of heat and light. This energy drives the climate and weather and supports virtually all life on Earth. Heat and light from the Sun, along with secondary solar resources such as wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass, account for over 99.9% of the available flow of renewable energy on Earth.
Solar energy technologies harness the sun’s heat and light for practical ends such as heating, lighting and electricity. These technologies date from the time of the early Greeks, Native Americans and Chinese, who warmed their buildings by orienting them toward the sun.
Solar power is used synonymously with solar energy or more specifically to refer to the conversion of sunlight into electricity. This can be done with photovoltaics, concentrating solar thermal devices and various experimental technologies.
April 27, 2008 pada 3:41 am
AREVIN SANDRASEKERAN
Comment on multimedia presentation
Last Thursday we had a multimedia presentation on biome of lives.Here we studied few factors that influence the biome of lives.
First we get to know that climate is the main factor that influence our biome of lives. Under climate there are few sub-factors that we had to consider. One of it is the solar energy which consists earth rotation and earth shape
Next we had a view on air and ocean circulation.It has explained that the oceans currents alters the lands climates in few ways.It was interesting.
We also had studied the geographical factors that influence our climate. For example the mountains are the geographical factors that we had viewed about.Its clear that these mountains had influence our climate in biome of lives.
We also had viewed about few other factors such as wind exposure, shade and moisture.
When we viewed about the terrestrial biomes, there were few terrestrial biomes such as, Tundra, Forest,Grassland and desert.
The tundra biome also known as land of midnight sun was interesting.We also learnt how to survive in tundra terrestrial biomes. Example such as, migration, cold tolerent and few others.
The animals in other side wil avoid or adapt to winter snow.
We also had a view on aquatic ecosystem such as fresh water and marine lives.When we had a view on desert biome, the interesting study was the survivalship of animals and plants in deserts.
Thats all for now.thanks you.
April 27, 2008 pada 3:51 pm
Nur Nadiah binti Marzuki
This is a summary about multimedia presentation last week…
BIOMES
Biome = large terrestrial region with a defining climate and vegetation
The main biomes – (tundra, taiga, forest, grassland, desert, and aquatic ecosystem)
Factors: solar energy, air and ocean circulation, geographical factors, local (wind exposure, moisture, earth shape, rotation, tilt and orbit)
Tundra-
1) Climate: cold and dry
2) Winter: are up to 24 hours (dark)
3) Summer: short, intense, busy
Adaptation: migration, dormancy, cold tolerant ex. short plant with small hairy lives
Forest biomes – Taiga, temperate forest, tropical rain forest, Chaparral
Taiga-
1) Dark northern woods, cold and very snowy, longer and warmer than tundra summers, plants content with heavy snowfall and lack of water, conifers shed snow and withstand wind, shallow roots collect nutrients and water from surface soil, animal avoid or adapt (hibernation)
Temperate forest-
1) Temperate Coniferous Forest-evergreen trees with needle-like leaves and grow in harsh winters, dry periods
2) Temperate Deciduous Forest-deciduous trees with bread leaves, warm summer, cold winters, and relatively abundant precipitation spread over through the year
Tropical Rain forest-
1) Warm temperature, ample rainfall, lack seasons, plants compete for sunlight, parasite plant kill the host tree, great biodiversity
Chaparral
1) Hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters
2) Plants cope with summer drought, light colour, small, waxy leaves, evergreen plants photosynthesize whenever soil moisture is favorable
Grassland and Savanna
1) Plants for grazing, herbivores, animal defense (herd together)
Desert-
1) Hot, cold and usually dry
2) Plants may acquire water and use efficiently
Aquatic ecosystem-
1) Stream, wetland, lake, fresh water, estuarine, marine
2) Inter-tidal zone is a part where separate land from the sea
April 27, 2008 pada 5:20 pm
ROHIDAYAH ABD MAJID
Assalamualaikum wbt…
comment on the second multimedia presentation which was about biomes
The first thing that i could grab from the presentation was the main factors that influence climate which are solar energy, air and ocean circulation and geographical factors for example at the mountain.
Then we were introduced about the terrestrial biomes which are consist of, taiga, tundra, temperate forest, tropical rain-forest, chaparral, grassland and savanna, desert and marine. I got to know briefly about each of them and i found that they are all wonderful creations of God..subhanallah..for example desert,eventhough it is dry and has extreme temperature change, but there are living things that specifically created to withstand in the extreme condition live there.
Each of terrestrial biomes has special characteristics which is resulted from different climate that they have. Beside animals and plants also adapted to its climate change, so we observed that different types of animals and plant live in each of the terrestrial biomes and they have special characteristics which allow them to survive in different climates. For animal, they have several adaptations which are migration, dormancy and cold tolerant. So as plants which have special adaptation in their structures to survive. And all these govern our beautiful environment…makanya cintailah lingkungan kita..”(^_^)”
Mei 1, 2008 pada 12:40 am
Muhammad Hafifi Bin Zainal Abidin
The last slides told us about the three main factors that influence the climate. First of all, the solar energy that comes from the sun through electromagnetic radiation and secondly the air and ocean circulation which the air from pressure from the high part will move to the low pressure area. Thirdly, the geographical factors such as mountain, ocean, and and lands. Mountain has the high altitude which increases the temperature of the surroundings. Besides, ocean possesses the low temperature at night due to ocean circulation.
Next, the slides described about the biome which is a large terrestrial region with a defining climate that supports characteristics plants and animals with adaptations to the particular environment. The examples of it are tundra, forest, grassland, and desert, For the aquatic, there are three kinds of environment such as freshwater, esturaine, and marine. The estuarine ecosystem is a part where the freshwater meets the sea while the marine ecosystem is the tidal zones, coral reefs, and open ocean.
One kind of biome is tundra. This is a place with a cold and dry environment and winters are harsh with up to 24 hours of darkness. Besides, the summers in tundra are very short and intense. However, plants could adapt to cold dry winters because the short plants provide better protection due to small leaves.
Plants contend with the heavy omourfall and unavailability of water in the taiga biome. However they could adapt or avoid to winter snow by possessing special characteristics. The temperate forest which is moderate and seasons has two kinds of forest which are the temperate coniferous forest and temperate deciduous forests. In tropical rainforest, there are warm temperatures and ample rainfall. In this kind of environment, plants compete for sunlight and animals demonstrates the great biodiversity.
The hot, dry summers, and cool, and wet winters suitably refer to teh chaparrel. Plants could cope with summer drought byhaving the light colored leaves, small waxy leaves, and drop leaves in dry seasons. In the grassland and savana, there are big sky and big animals. Plants contend with grazing, fire, and temperature extremum. Desert, on the other hand, possesses the hot, and cold sky. Plants acquire and use water efficiently in this kind of environment by having seeds that can wait decades for sufficient moisture to grow.
Overall, the slides told us many detailed knowledge about the environment that is very important in our living. Students should acquire all these basic knowledge of environment.
That’s all, Thank you
Mei 1, 2008 pada 3:30 pm
yasmin bt mohd noh
comments on biomes multimedia presentation….
Basically, biomes is a large region with a definate climate that supports characteristic plants and animal with adptations to that particular environment. Climate can be said a temperature range, over annual precipitation, humidity and amount of solar energy that a region typically experiences. There are severals main factors of the climate such as solar energy, air and ocean circulate and also geographical factors. Besides factors, there some that influence the climate such as the earth shape, earth rotation and also the tilt and the orbit of the earth. Moreover, local factors can also affect the climate, for example, the wind exposure, shade and moisture. Other than that, in the slides also shows there is a microclimate that describe the actual conditions experienced by an organisms.
There are 4 main terrestial biomes such as the tundra, forest, grassland and desert.
Tundra ~Tundra is the coldest of all the biomes. Tundra comes from the
Finnish word tunturi, meaning treeless plain. It is noted for its
frost-molded landscapes, extremely low temperatures, little
precipitation, poor nutrients, and short growing seasons. Dead
organic material functions as a nutrient pool. The two major
nutrients are nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen is created by
biological fixation, and phosphorus is created by precipitation.
~ Characteristic of tundra are as follows:
a) Extremely cold climate
b) Low biotic diversity
c) Simple vegetation structure
d) Limitation of drainage
e) Short season of growth and reproduction
f) Energy and nutrients in the form of dead organic material
g) Large population oscillations
Forest ~ Forests represent a third of the earth’s land, and are found in the
four corners of the globe. The major attribute of the forest biome
is its trees. While they are different from animals in many ways,
they share one common characteristic: they breathe. While
humans and animals breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon
dioxide, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
~ There are 4 forests biomes
a) Taiga ~ The largest of the land biomes is the boreal, or Taiga
biome. Taiga biomes can be found in areas with shorter,
warm summers and long winters; there are Taiga Biomes in
Europe, Asia, Siberia, and North-America. Because of the cold
climates, plant life in the boreal forest is sturdy, consisting
mainly of evergreens and other resilient vegetation. Because
the forests’ canopy is dense, forest floor vegetation is thin.
Animal life in the boreal forest consists mainly of birds and
mammals, such as deer, wolves, and various rodents, and
very few reptiles. Most of the boreal forests’ creatures are
well adapted to the cold climate, and hibernate during the
long winters.
b) Temperature deciduous~ Temperate deciduous forest are a
close relative of the Taiga biome, and can be found in areas
with a milder, shorter winter season. In addition to
evergreens, trees in the temperate forest include maple, elm,
oak, cedar and other trees which shed their leaves in the fall.
The temperate forest’s soil in richer than that of the boreal
forests’ and features a larger assortment of forest floor plan
life; this is also due to the fact that the forests’ canopy is
thinner, allowing more light and heat to penetrate, permitting
photosynthesis in the forest floor plants, and the survival of
smaller, and cold blooded animals such as garter snakes,
turtles, and a few amphibians. Again, several of the
temperate forests’ species hibernate, and/or burrow in the
ground to pass the winter months.
c) Tropical rainforest ~ The rainforest is the most ecologically rich
of the world’s biomes. Daylight in the rainforest lasts for 12
hours, there is no winter, and the seasons can best be
described as rainy, or dry, with little change in temperature.
The rainforest is host to the largest variety of life forms in all of
nature, with thousands of different species of trees, plants,
flowers, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects,
invertebrates and micro-organisms. Many of the animals in
the rainforest are highly adapted to their highly competitive
and diverse environment, having developed camouflage or
strong defenses, which are always heralded by colorful
markings.
d) Chaiparral ~ The annual rainfall in the chaparral biome may
reach 20–30 in., but in contrast to the grasslands, almost all of
this falls in winter. Summers are very dry and all the plants —
trees, shrubs, and grasses — are more or less dormant then.
The chaparral is found in California. The trees in the chaparral
are mostly oaks, both deciduous and evergreen. Scrub oaks
and shrubs like manzanita and the California lilac (not a
relative of the eastern lilac) form dense, evergreen thickets. All
of these plants are adapted to drought by such mechanisms
as waxy, waterproof coatings on their leaves. The chaparral
has many plants brought to it from similar biomes elsewhere.
Vineyards, olives, and figs flourish just as they do in their
native Mediterranean biome. So, too, do eucalyptus trees
transplanted from the equivalent biome in Australia.
All this while my knowledge about the biomes of the earth are so little…But now i know there are lots kind of forests in the world and knowing how beauty it is….So people, enjoy your stay in the earth as long as you live..take care of it as god creation can’t be exchange with something much more better…
thank you…^_^
Mei 1, 2008 pada 3:33 pm
yasmin bt mohd noh
comments on biomes multimedia presentation….
Basically, biomes is a large region with a definate climate that supports characteristic plants and animal with adptations to that particular environment. Climate can be said a temperature range, over annual precipitation, humidity and amount of solar energy that a region typically experiences. There are severals main factors of the climate such as solar energy, air and ocean circulate and also geographical factors. Besides factors, there some that influence the climate such as the earth shape, earth rotation and also the tilt and the orbit of the earth. Moreover, local factors can also affect the climate, for example, the wind exposure, shade and moisture. Other than that, in the slides also shows there is a microclimate that describe the actual conditions experienced by an organisms.
There are 4 main terrestial biomes such as the tundra, forest, grassland and desert. Some of it is:
Tundra ~Tundra is the coldest of all the biomes. Tundra comes from the
Finnish word tunturi, meaning treeless plain. It is noted for its
frost-molded landscapes, extremely low temperatures, little
precipitation, poor nutrients, and short growing seasons. Dead
organic material functions as a nutrient pool. The two major
nutrients are nitrogen and phosphorus. Nitrogen is created by
biological fixation, and phosphorus is created by precipitation.
~ Characteristic of tundra are as follows:
a) Extremely cold climate
b) Low biotic diversity
c) Simple vegetation structure
d) Limitation of drainage
e) Short season of growth and reproduction
f) Energy and nutrients in the form of dead organic material
g) Large population oscillations
Forest ~ Forests represent a third of the earth’s land, and are found in the
four corners of the globe. The major attribute of the forest biome
is its trees. While they are different from animals in many ways,
they share one common characteristic: they breathe. While
humans and animals breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon
dioxide, trees take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.
~ There are 4 forests biomes
a) Taiga ~ The largest of the land biomes is the boreal, or Taiga
biome. Taiga biomes can be found in areas with shorter,
warm summers and long winters; there are Taiga Biomes in
Europe, Asia, Siberia, and North-America. Because of the cold
climates, plant life in the boreal forest is sturdy, consisting
mainly of evergreens and other resilient vegetation. Because
the forests’ canopy is dense, forest floor vegetation is thin.
Animal life in the boreal forest consists mainly of birds and
mammals, such as deer, wolves, and various rodents, and
very few reptiles. Most of the boreal forests’ creatures are
well adapted to the cold climate, and hibernate during the
long winters.
b) Temperature deciduous~ Temperate deciduous forest are a
close relative of the Taiga biome, and can be found in areas
with a milder, shorter winter season. In addition to
evergreens, trees in the temperate forest include maple, elm,
oak, cedar and other trees which shed their leaves in the fall.
The temperate forest’s soil in richer than that of the boreal
forests’ and features a larger assortment of forest floor plan
life; this is also due to the fact that the forests’ canopy is
thinner, allowing more light and heat to penetrate, permitting
photosynthesis in the forest floor plants, and the survival of
smaller, and cold blooded animals such as garter snakes,
turtles, and a few amphibians. Again, several of the
temperate forests’ species hibernate, and/or burrow in the
ground to pass the winter months.
c) Tropical rainforest ~ The rainforest is the most ecologically rich
of the world’s biomes. Daylight in the rainforest lasts for 12
hours, there is no winter, and the seasons can best be
described as rainy, or dry, with little change in temperature.
The rainforest is host to the largest variety of life forms in all of
nature, with thousands of different species of trees, plants,
flowers, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, insects,
invertebrates and micro-organisms. Many of the animals in
the rainforest are highly adapted to their highly competitive
and diverse environment, having developed camouflage or
strong defenses, which are always heralded by colorful
markings.
d) Chaiparral ~ The annual rainfall in the chaparral biome may
reach 20–30 in., but in contrast to the grasslands, almost all of
this falls in winter. Summers are very dry and all the plants —
trees, shrubs, and grasses — are more or less dormant then.
The chaparral is found in California. The trees in the chaparral
are mostly oaks, both deciduous and evergreen. Scrub oaks
and shrubs like manzanita and the California lilac (not a
relative of the eastern lilac) form dense, evergreen thickets. All
of these plants are adapted to drought by such mechanisms
as waxy, waterproof coatings on their leaves. The chaparral
has many plants brought to it from similar biomes elsewhere.
Vineyards, olives, and figs flourish just as they do in their
native Mediterranean biome. So, too, do eucalyptus trees
transplanted from the equivalent biome in Australia.
All this while my knowledge about the biomes of the earth are so little…But now i know there are lots kind of forests in the world and knowing how beauty it is….So people, enjoy your stay in the earth as long as you live..take care of it as god creation can’t be exchange with something much more better…
thank you…^_^
P/S: sorry sir..so please check the second comment because i dont know how to delete the first one…..
Mei 1, 2008 pada 5:15 pm
MOHAMMAD IZAIDI ISMAIL(INTERNATIONAL CLASS)
BIOMES=is a climatically and geographically defined area of ecologically similar communities of plants, animals, and soil organisms, often referred to as ecosystems. Biomes are defined based on factors such as plant structures (such as trees, shrubs, and grasses), leaf types (such as broadleaf and needleleaf), plant spacing (forest, woodland, savanna), and climate. Unlike ecozones, biomes are not defined by genetic, taxonomic, or historical similarities. Biomes are often identified with particular patterns of ecological succession and climax vegetation.
The main biomes – (tundra, taiga, forest, grassland, desert, and aquatic ecosystem)
Factors: solar energy, air and ocean circulation, geographical factors, local (wind exposure, moisture, earth shape, rotation, tilt and orbit)
Tundra=an area where the tree growth is hindered by low temperatures and short growing seasons. The term “tundra” comes from Kildin Sami tūndâr ‘uplands, tundra, treeless mountain tract’. There are two types of tundra: Arctic tundra (which also occurs in Antarctica), and alpine tundra[1]. In tundra, the vegetation is composed of dwarf shrubs, sedges and grasses, mosses, and lichens. Scattered trees grow in some tundra. The ecotone (or ecological boundary region) between the tundra and the forest is known as the tree line or timberline.
Adaptation: migration, dormancy, cold tolerant ex. short plant with small hairy lives
Taiga=is a biome characterized by coniferous forests. Covering most of inland Alaska, Canada, Sweden, Finland, inland Norway and Russia (especially Siberia), as well as parts of the extreme northern continental United States (Northern Minnesota, Upstate New York, New Hampshire, and Maine), northern Kazakhstan and Japan (Hokkaidō), the taiga is the world’s largest terrestrial biome. In Canada, boreal forest is the term used to refer to the southern part of this biome, while “taiga” is used to describe the more barren northern areas of the Arctic tree line.
Temperate forest=are coniferous or broadleaf forests that occur in the mid-latitudes in areas of high rainfall. Most of these occur in Oceanic-Moist Climates in Western North America (Southeastern Alaska to Central California), Western Europe (Southern Norway to Northern Spain), Southwestern South America (Southern Chile), Southeastern Australia (Tasmania/Victoria), and Western New Zealand (South Island’s west coast). Others occur in Subtropical-Moist Climates (The Colchian temperate rain forests of the Eastern Black Sea region of Turkey and Georgia, New Zealand’s North Island, South Africa’s Garden Route, Western Japan, and the mountain temperate coniferous rain forests of Taiwan’s Central Mountain Ranges). Some areas, however, such as the Russian Far East (Ussuri, Manchuria, Sakhalin) in Asia, British Columbia’s Rocky Mountains, Cariboo Mountains, Rocky Mountain Trench and the Columbia Mountains of BC’s interior, and in the Appalachian Mountains of Eastern North America have more of a continental climate but get enough precipitation in both rain and snow to harbor pockets of temperate rain forest. The mountainous coniferous forests of the Changbai Mountains bordering China and North Korea are a good example contain some of the richest high-elevation coniferous evergreen forests in Eastern Asia.
ropical Rain forest=is a diverse region of the African continent that falls between the Tropic of Cancer in the northern hemisphere, at approximately 23°26′ (23.4°) N latitude, and the Tropic of Capricorn in the southern hemisphere at 23°26′ (23.4°) S latitude. This region in Africa contains tropical rain forests, alpine zones, and dry deserts, plus all areas in between. Although tropical Africa is most familiar in the West as depicted by its rain forests, this region of Africa is far more diverse. While the tropics are thought of as regions with warm to hot moist climates caused by latitude and the tropical rain belt, the geology of areas, particularly mountain chains, and geographical relation to continental and regional scale winds impact the overall climate of areas, also, making the ropics run from arid to humid.
Chaparral=is a shrubland or heathland plant community found primarily in California, USA, that is shaped by a Mediterranean climate (mild, wet winters and hot dry summers) and wildfire. Similar plant communities are found in the five other Mediterranean climate regions around the world, including the Mediterranean Basin (where it is known as maquis), central Chile (where it is called matorral), South African Cape Region (known there as fynbos), and in Western and Southern Australia.
The word chaparral is a loan word from Spanish. The Spanish word comes from the word chaparro, which means both small and dwarf evergreen oak, which itself comes from the Basque word txapar, with the same meaning.A typical chaparral plant community consists of densely-growing evergreen scrub oaks and other drought-resistant shrubs. It often grows so densely that it is all but impenetrable to large animals and humans. This, and its generally arid condition, makes it notoriously prone to wildfires. Although many chaparral plant species require some fire cue (heat, smoke, or charred wood) for germination, chaparral plants are not “adapted” to fire per se. Rather, these species are adapted to particular fire regimes involving season, frequency, intensity and severity of the burn.
Desert=is a landscape form or region that receives very little precipitation. Deserts can be defined as areas that receive an average annual precipitation of less than 250 mm (10 in), or as areas in which more water is lost than falls as precipitation. In the Köppen climate classification system, deserts are classed as BWh (hot desert) or BWk (temperate desert).Deserts are part of a wider classification of regions that, on an average annual basis, have a moisture deficit (i.e. they can potentially lose more than is received). Deserts are located where vegetation cover is exceedingly sparse.Many deserts are formed by rain shadows, mountains blocking the path of precipitation to the desert. Deserts are often composed of sand and rocky surfaces. Sand dunes called ergs and stony surfaces called hamada surfaces compose a minority of desert surfaces. Exposures of rocky terrain are typical, and reflect minimal soil development and sparseness of vegetation.
Savanna=is a grassland ecosystem with scattered trees or shrubs. In savannas trees are small or widely spaced so that the canopy does not close. It is often believed that savannas are characterized by widely spaced, scattered trees, however in many savanna communities tree densities are higher and trees are more regularly spaced than in forest communities. The open canopy allows sufficient light to reach the ground to support an unbroken herbaceous layer consisting primarily of C4 grasses. Savannas are also characterised by seasonal water availability, with the majority of rainfall being confined to one season of the year. Savannas can be associated with several types of biomes. Savannas are frequently seen as a transitional zone, occurring between forest and desert or prairie.
Although the term savanna is believed to have originally come from a Native American word describing “land which is without trees but with much grass either tall or short” (Oviedo y Valdes, 1535), by the late 1800s it was used to mean “land with both grass and trees”. It now refers to land with grass and either scattered trees or an open canopy of trees.
Grassland=are areas where the vegetation is dominated by grasses (Poaceae) and other herbaceous (non-woody) plants (forbs). Plants of the sedge (Cyperacae) and rush (Juncaceae) families can also be frequent in grasslands. Grasslands occur naturally on all continents except Antarctica, and in many other areas they have replaced the natural vegetation due to human influence. In temperate latitudes, such as north-west Europe, grasslands are dominated by perennial species, whereas in warmer climates annual species form a greater component of the vegetation.
Grasslands can be found in most terrestrial climates. Grassland vegetation can vary in height from very short, as in chalk downland where the vegetation may be less than 30 cm high, to quite tall, as in the case of North American tallgrass prairie, South American grasslands and African savannah. Woody plants, shrubs or trees, may occur on some grasslands – forming wooded, scrubby or semi-wooded grassland, such as the African savannahs or the Iberian dehesa. Such grasslands are sometimes referred to as wood-pasture or savannah woodland. Grasslands cover nearly fifty percent of the land surface of the continent of Africa.While grasslands in general support diverse wildlife, given the lack of hiding places for predators, the African Savanna regions support a much greater diversity in wildlife than do temperate grasslands.
The appearance of mountains in the western United States during the Miocene and Pliocene epochs, a period of some 25 million years, created a continental climate favorable to the evolution of grasslands. Existing forest biomes declined, and grasslands became much more widespread. Following the Pleistocene Ice Ages, grasslands expanded in range in the hotter, drier climates, and began to become the dominant land feature worldwide.
As flowering plants, grasses grow in great concentrations in climates where annual rainfall ranges between 500 mm and 900 mm (approximately 20 to 35 inches). The root systems of perennial grasses and forbs form complex mats that hold the soil in place. Mites, insect larvae, nematodes and earthworms inhabit deep soil, which can reach 6 meters (about 20 feet) underground in undisturbed grasslands on the richest soils of the world. These invertebrates, along with symbiotic fungi, extend the root systems, break apart hard soil, enrich it with urea and other natural fertilizers, trap minerals and water and promote growth (Chadwick 1995). Some types of fungi make the plants more resistant to insect and microbial attacks.
Mei 2, 2008 pada 3:46 am
NUR SYAZREEN BTE ABDULLAH SIDIT
comment on last week presentation
A biome is a climatically and geographically defined area of ecologically similar communities of plants, animals, and soil organisms, often referred to as ecosystems. Biomes are defined based on factors such as plant structures (such as trees, shrubs, and grasses), leaf types (such as broadleaf and needleleaf), plant spacing (forest, woodland, savanna), and climate. Unlike ecozones, biomes are not defined by genetic, taxonomic, or historical similarities. Biomes are often identified with particular patterns of ecological succession and climax vegetation.
The biodiversity characteristic of each biome, especially the diversity of fauna and subdominant plant forms, is a function of abiotic factors and the biomass productivity of the dominant vegetation. Species diversity tends to be higher in terrestrial biomes with higher net primary productivity, moisture availability, and temperature.[1]
Ecoregions are grouped into both biomes and ecozones.
A fundamental classification of biomes is into:
1. Terrestrial (land) biomes and
2. Aquatic (water) biomes.
Biomes are often given local names. For example, a Temperate grassland or shrubland biome is known commonly as steppe in central Asia, prairie in North America, and pampas in South America. Tropical grasslands are known as savanna or veldt in southern Africa and outback or scrub in Australia. Sometimes an entire biome may be targeted for protection, especially under an individual nation’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Climate is a major factor determining the distribution of terrestrial biomes. Among the important climatic factors are:
• latitude: Arctic, boreal, temperate, subtropical, tropical.
• humidity: humid, semi-humid, semi-arid, and arid.
o seasonal variation: Rainfall may be distributed evenly throughout the year or be marked by seasonal variations.
o dry summer, wet winter: Most regions of the earth receive most of their rainfall during the summer months; Mediterranean climate regions receive their rainfall during the winter months.
• elevation: Increasing elevation causes a distribution of habitat types similar to that of increasing latitude.
Biodiversity generally increases away from the poles towards the equator and increases with humidity.
The most widely used systems of classifying biomes correspond to latitude (or temperature zoning) and humidity.
biome is a large, distinctive complex of plant communities created and maintained by climate.
How many biomes are there?
A study published in 1999 concluded that there are 150 different “ecoregions” in North America alone. But I shall cast my lot with the “lumpers” rather than the “splitters” and lump these into 8 biomes:
• tundra
• taiga
• temperate deciduous forest
• scrub forest (called chaparral in California)
• grassland
• desert
• tropical rain forest
• temperate rain forest
A number of climatic factors interact in the creation and maintenance of a biome. Where precipitation is moderately abundant (40 inches or more per year), and distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, the major determinant is temperature. It is not simply a matter of average temperature, but includes such limiting factors as:
• whether it ever freezes;
• length of the growing season
If there is ample rainfall, we find 4 characteristic biomes as we proceed from the tropics (high temperatures) to the extreme latitudes (low temperatures). In order, they are:
• tropical rain forest or jungle
• temperate deciduous forest
• taiga
• tundra
Tropical Rain Forest
In the Western Hemisphere, the tropical rain forest reaches its fullest development in the jungles of Central and South America.
• The trees are very tall and of a great variety of species.
• One rarely finds two trees of the same species growing close to one another.
• The vegetation is so dense that little light reaches the forest floor.
• Most of the plants are evergreen, not deciduous.
• The branches of the trees are festooned with vines and epiphytes The lushness of the tropical rain forest suggests a high net productivity, but this is illusory. Many of the frequent attempts to use the tropical rain forest for conventional crops have been disappointing. Two problems:
• The high rainfall leaches soil minerals below the reach of plant roots.
• The warmth and moisture cause rapid decay so little humus is added to the soil.
The tropical rain forest exceeds all the other biomes in the diversity of its animals as well as plants. Most of the animals — mammals and reptiles, as well as birds and insects — live in the trees.
The closest thing to a tropical rain forest in the continental United States are the little wooded “islands” found scattered through the Everglades in the southern tip of Florida. Their existence depends on the fact that it never freezes, and they often escape the fires that periodically sweep the Everglades.
Temperate Deciduous Forest
This biome occupies the eastern half of the United States and a large portion of Europe. It is characterized by:
• hardwood trees (e.g., beech, maple, oak, hickory) which
• are deciduous; that is, shed their leaves in the autumn.
• The number of different species is far more limited than in the jungle.
• Large stands dominated by a single species are common.
• Deer, raccoons, and salamanders are characteristic inhabitants.
• During the growing season, this biome can be quite productive in both natural and agricultural ecosystems.
Taiga
The taiga is named after the biome in Russia.
• It is a land dominated by conifers, especially spruces and firs.
• It is dotted with lakes, bogs, and marshes.
• It is populated by an even more limited variety of plants and animals than is the temperate deciduous forest.
• In North America, the moose is such a typical member that it has led to the name: “spruce-moose” biome.
• Before the long, snowy winter sets in, many of the mammals hibernate, and many of the birds migrate south.
• Although the long days of summer permit plants to grow luxuriantly, net productivity is low.
Tundra
At extreme latitudes, the trees of the taiga become stunted by the harshness of the subarctic climate. Finally, they disappear leaving a land of bogs and lakes.
• The climate is so cold in winter that even the long days of summer are unable to thaw the permafrost beneath the surface layers of soil.
• Sphagnum moss, a wide variety of lichens, and some grasses and fast-growing annuals dominate the landscape during the short growing season.
• Caribou feed on this growth as do vast numbers of insects.
• Swarms of migrating birds, especially waterfowl, invade the tundra in the summer to raise their young, feeding them on a large variety of aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates.
• As the brief arctic summer draws to a close, the birds fly south, and
• all but a few of the permanent residents, in one way or another, prepare themselves to spend the winter in a dormant state.
Biomes established by altitude
Temperature is the major influence on the biomes discussed above. Because temperatures decline with altitude as well as latitude, similar biomes exist on mountains even when they are at low latitudes. As a rule of thumb, a climb of 1000 feet is equivalent in changed flora and fauna to a trip northward of some 600 miles.
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Biomes established by rainfall
The other major biomes are controlled not so much by temperature but by the amount and seasonal distribution of rainfall.
The prevailing winds in the western half of North America blow in from the Pacific laden with moisture. Each time this air rises up from the western slopes of, successively, the Coast Ranges, the Sierras and Cascades, and finally the Rockies, it expands and cools. Its moisture condenses to rain or snow, which drenches the mountain slopes beneath. When the air reaches the eastern slopes, it is relatively dry, and much less precipitation falls. How much falls and when determine whether the biome will be
• temperate rain forest
• grassland
• desert or
• chaparral
Temperate Rain Forest
The temperate rain forest combines high annual rainfall with a temperate climate. The Olympic Peninsular in North America is a good example. An annual rainfall of as much as 150 inches produces a lush forest of conifers.
Grasslands
Grasslands are also known as prairie or plains. The annual precipitation in the grasslands averages 20 in./year. A large proportion of this falls as rain early in the growing season. This promotes a vigorous growth of perennial grasses and herbs, but — except along river valleys — is barely adequate for the growth of forests.
The photo shows grassland in the Badlands National Monument in South Dakota.
Fire is probably the factor that tips the balance from forest to grasslands. Fires — set by lightning and by humans — regularly swept the plains in earlier times. Thanks to their underground stems and buds, perennial grasses and herbs are not harmed by fires that destroy most shrubs and trees.
The abundance of grass for food, coupled with the lack of shelter from predators, produces similar animal populations in grasslands throughout the world. The dominant vertebrates are swiftly-moving, herbivorous ungulates. In North America, bison and antelope were conspicuous members of the grassland fauna before the coming of white settlers.
Now the level grasslands supply corn, wheat, and other grains, and the hillier areas support domesticated ungulates: cattle and sheep.
When cultivated carefully, the grassland biome is capable of high net productivity. A major reason: rainfall in this biome never leaches soil minerals below the reach of the roots of crop plants.
Desert
Annual rainfall in the desert is less than 10 in. and, in some years, may be zero. Because of the extreme dryness of the desert, its colonization is limited to
• plants such as cacti, sagebrush, and mesquite that have a number of adaptations that conserve water over long periods;
• fast-growing annuals whose seeds can germinate, develop to maturity, flower, and produce a new crop of seeds all within a few weeks following a rare, soaking rain.
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Many of the animals in the desert (mammals, lizards and snakes, insects, and even some birds) are adapted for burrowing to escape the scorching heat of the desert sun. Many of them limit their forays for food to the night.
The net productivity of the desert is low. High productivity can sometimes be achieved with irrigation, but these gains are often only temporary. The high rates of evaporation cause minerals to accumulate near the surface and soon their concentration may reach levels toxic to plants.
Chaparral
The annual rainfall in the chaparral biome may reach 20–30 in., but in contrast to the grasslands, almost all of this falls in winter. Summers are very dry and all the plants — trees, shrubs, and grasses — are more or less dormant then.
The chaparral is found in California. (The photo shows the chaparral-clad foothills of the Sierra Nevada in California.) Similar biomes (with other names, such as scrub forest, are found around much of the Mediterranean Sea and along the southern coast of Australia.
The trees in the chaparral are mostly oaks, both deciduous and evergreen. Scrub oaks and shrubs like manzanita and the California lilac (not a relative of the eastern lilac) form dense, evergreen thickets. All of these plants are adapted to drought by such mechanisms as waxy, waterproof coatings on their leaves.
The chaparral has many plants brought to it from similar biomes elsewhere. Vineyards, olives, and figs flourish just as they do in their native Mediterranean biome. So, too, do eucalyptus trees transplanted from the equivalent biome in Australia.
Mei 3, 2008 pada 6:11 pm
KUMARASEN SILVA RATNAM
Comment on the first multimedia presentation that focused on animal extinction, CFC, ozone depletion and global warming
Today we’re living through the sixth great extinction, sometimes known as the Holocene extinction event. Humans changed the ecosystem forever by wiping out at least some of the unique megafauna of the times, including, perhaps, the sabre-toothed cats and woolly mammoths. Throughout the 20th century the causes of extinction – habitat degradation, overexploitation, agricultural monocultures, human-borne invasive species, human-induced climate-change – increased exponentially, until now in the 21st century the rate is nothing short of explosive. If we continue this trend it is believed that in the next 50 years various or species would be totally wiped out from the face of earth. When are we gonna realize our mistakes all these while and do something about it so that we don’t further damage our system.
Ozone depletion occurs when the natural balance between the production and destruction of stratospheric ozone is tipped in favour of destruction. Although natural phenomena can cause temporary ozone loss, chlorine and bromine released from man-made compounds such as CFCs are now accepted as the main cause of this depletion
Emissions of CFCs have accounted for roughly 80% of total stratospheric ozone depletion. Thankfully, the developed world has phased out the use of CFCs in response to international agreements to protect the ozone layer. However, because CFCs remain in the atmosphere so long, the ozone layer will not fully repair itself until at least the middle of the 21st century. Naturally occurring chlorine has the same effect on the ozone layer, but has a shorter life span in the atmosphere.
Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the Earth’s near-surface air and oceans since the mid-twentieth century and its projected continuation
Increasing global temperature will cause sea level to rise, and is expected to increase the intensity of extreme weather events and to change the amount and pattern of precipitation. Other effects of global warming include changes in agricultural yields, trade routes, glacier retreat, species extinctions and increases in the ranges of disease vectors.
Remaining scientific uncertainties include the amount of warming expected in the future, and how warming and related changes will vary from region to region around the globe. Most national governments have signed and ratified the Kyoto Protocol aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but there is ongoing political and public debate worldwide regarding what, if any, action should be taken to reduce or reverse future warming or to adapt to its expected consequences
That’s the summary for the weeks presentation….SORRY for the late posting….thank you.
Mei 3, 2008 pada 6:22 pm
KUMARASEN SILVA RATNAM
Comments on the multimedia presentation of BIOMES.
A biome is a large, distinctive complex of plant communities created and maintained by climate.
Tropical Rain Forest
In the Western Hemisphere, the tropical rain forest reaches its fullest development in the jungles of Central and South America.
• The trees are very tall and of a great variety of species.
• One rarely finds two trees of the same species growing close to one another.
• The vegetation is so dense that little light reaches the forest floor.
• Most of the plants are evergreen, not deciduous.
Temperate Deciduous Forest
This biome occupies the eastern half of the United States and a large portion of Europe. It is characterized by:
• hardwood trees (e.g., beech, maple, oak, hickory) which
• are deciduous; that is, shed their leaves in the autumn.
• The number of different species is far more limited than in the jungle.
• Large stands dominated by a single species are common.
Taiga
The taiga is named after the biome in Russia.
• It is a land dominated by conifers, especially spruces and firs.
• It is dotted with lakes, bogs, and marshes.
• It is populated by an even more limited variety of plants and animals than is the temperate deciduous forest.
• In North America, the moose is such a typical member that it has led to the name: “spruce-moose” biome.
Tundra
At extreme latitudes, the trees of the taiga become stunted by the harshness of the subarctic climate. Finally, they disappear leaving a land of bogs and lakes.
• The climate is so cold in winter that even the long days of summer are unable to thaw the permafrost beneath the surface layers of soil.
• Sphagnum moss, a wide variety of lichens, and some grasses and fast-growing annuals dominate the landscape during the short growing season.
• Caribou feed on this growth as do vast numbers of insects. .
Grasslands
Grasslands are also known as prairie or plains. The annual precipitation in the grasslands averages 20 in./year. A large proportion of this falls as rain early in the growing season. This promotes a vigorous growth of perennial grasses and herbs, but — except along river valleys — is barely adequate for the growth of forests.
Desert
Annual rainfall in the desert is less than 10 in. and, in some years, may be zero. Because of the extreme dryness of the desert, its colonization is limited to
• plants such as cacti, sagebrush, and mesquite that have a number of adaptations that conserve water over long periods;
• fast-growing annuals whose seeds can germinate, develop to maturity, flower, and produce a new crop of seeds all within a few weeks following a rare, soaking rain.
Chaparral
The annual rainfall in the chaparral biome may reach 20–30 in., but in contrast to the grasslands, almost all of this falls in winter. Summers are very dry and all the plants — trees, shrubs, and grasses — are more or less dormant then.
The trees in the chaparral are mostly oaks, both deciduous and evergreen. All of these plants are adapted to drought by such mechanisms as waxy, waterproof coatings on their leaves.
The chaparral has many plants brought to it from similar biomes elsewhere. Vineyards, olives, and figs flourish just as they do in their native Mediterranean biome. So, too, do eucalyptus trees transplanted from the equivalent biome in Australia
Adapted from the webpage :
http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/B/Biomes.html
The biomes mentioned above a different according to climate and geographical consideration. Each biome is unique and different in its own way, where it has different plants and animal in habitants.
That’s all for the weeks multimedia presentation, thank you.
Mei 7, 2008 pada 5:41 am
Annapurni Devi
This comment is on the multimedia presentation presented on the previous class on Biomes.
Biomes organize the biological communities of the earth based on similarities in the dominant vegetation, climate, geographic location, and other characteristics. Aspects of the physical environment such as precipitation, temperature, and water depth, have a strong influence on the traits of species living in that environment, and thus biological communities experiencing similar environmental conditions often contain species that have evolved similar characteristics. There is no single classification of biomes that is agreed upon by all scientists because different scientists wish to emphasize different characteristics by their definition. Historically however, biomes have been identified and mapped based on general differences in vegetation type associated with regional variations in climate and terrain.
Terrestrial BiomesTerrestrial biomes characterize ecosystems on land, and are usually identified by the growth form of the dominant vegetation, climate, and/or where they are located on the earth. The major terrestrial biomes include the tundra biome, the forest biome, the grassland biome, and the desert biome. Note that forests and grasslands are defined based on the growth form of the dominant vegetation whereas deserts are classified based on the dominant climatic conditions. The geographic distribution of terrestrial biomes is mostly influenced by climatic conditions such as rainfall and temperature.
Some people prefer to subdivide these four broad biomes. For example, the forest biome can be subdivided into a temperate forest biome and tropical forest biome. The temperate forest biome and tropical forest biome can then be further divided based on the characteristics of the trees found in the biome. The World Wildlife Fund recommends the following classification scheme of terrestrial biomes
Tundra Biome
Tundra
Forest Biome
Boreal Forest/Taiga Biome
Temperate Coniferous Forest Biome
Temperate Broadleaf and Mixed Forest Biome
Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub
Tropical Subtropical Moist Broadleaf forests
Tropical and subtropical Dry broadleaf forests
Tropical and subtropical coniferous forests.
Grassland Biome
Temperate Grasslands, Savannas and Shrubland Biome
Montane Grassland and Shrublands
Tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands
Flooded Grasslands and Savannas
Desert Biome
Deserts and Xeric Shrublands
Freshwater Biomes Coral Reef. (Source: Coral Reef Alliance Photobank)Freshwater biomes are generally distinguished by characteristics such as water depth and whether the water is moving or standing. Major freshwater biomes include ponds and lakes, streams and rivers, and wetlands.
Marine BiomesMarine biomes are generally distinguished by the depth of the water and whether there is a substrate on which organisms can attach. Important marine biomes include oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries. The ocean biome, the largest of all of the earth’s biomes, can be divided into several zones including the shore/intertidal zone, the pelagic zone, the benthic zone, and the abyssal zone
Anthropogenic BiomesHumans have fundamentally altered global patterns of biodiversity and ecosystem processes. As a result, vegetation forms predicted by conventional biome systems are rarely observed across most of Earth’s land surface. While not a replacement for existing biome systems, anthropogenic biomes provide an alternative view of the terrestrial biosphere based on global patterns of sustained direct human interaction with ecosystems, including agriculture, human settlements, urbanization, forestry and other uses of land. Anthropogenic biomes offer a new way forward in ecology and conservation by recognizing the irreversible coupling of human and ecological systems at global scales, and moving us toward an understanding how best to live in and manage our biosphere and the anthropogenic biomes we live in.
Ecological communities can share characteristics for a number of reasons. Classifying communities into biomes attempts to highlight the role of the physical environment in determining characteristics of communities.
Communities can also be classified into biogeographical realms (e.g, Australasia, Antarctic, Afrotropic, Indo-Malayan, Neartic, Neotropic, Oceania, Paleartic). Classifying communities into biogeographic realms attempts to highlight the importance of a shared bioegoraphic/evolutionary history in determining the composition of biological communities. It is important to recognize that many different biomes can be found in the same biogeographic realm and that the same biome can be located in many different geographic realms.
The ecoregion, a relatively large unit of land that contains geographically distinct assemblages of natural communities, is a subset of a biome found within a biogeographic realm. The World Wildlife Fund has identified 825 terrestrial ecoregions, 450 freshwater ecoregions, and 229 marine ecoregions. Several distinct ecological communities may be found in a single ecoregion.
Conservation and preservation of biomes
Biomes have changed many times during the history of life on Earth. Different biomes have different effect on the planet. The world’s oceans have an even greater effect on global climate than forests do. More recently, human activities have drastically altered these communities.
Thus, conservation and preservation of biomes should be a major concern to all. We must understand how human activity affects these biomes. Aquatic biomes are the most valuable and they are also more threatened by pollution.
Thank you.
Mei 7, 2008 pada 5:50 am
SHAMALA RAJANTEREH
Comment on Biome presentation
Biomes are defined as “the world’s major communities, classified according to the predominant vegetation and characterized by adaptations of organisms to that particular environment” (Campbell 1996). The importance of biomes cannot be overestimated. Biomes have changed and moved many times during the history of life on Earth. More recently, human activities have drastically altered these communities. Thus, conservation and preservation of biomes should be a major concern to all.
There are six major types of biomes: freshwater, marine, desert, forest, grassland and tundra. Because we share the world with many other species of plants and animals, we must consider the consequences of our actions. Over the past several decades, increasing human activity has rapidly destroyed or polluted many ecological habitats throughout the world. It is important to preserve all types of biomes as each houses many unique forms of life. However, the continued heavy exploitation of certain biomes, such as the forest, freshwater, and marine, may have more severe implications.
Forests are important as they are home to the most diverse biotic communties in the world. Hidden within these biomes are potential medicines and many thousands of unseen and undiscovered species. Also, forests have a global climate-buffering capacity, so their destruction may cause large-scale changes in global climate. Logging has depleted many old-growth temperate forests. The increased demand for homes, paper, and other wood products have not allowed for much conservation. More recently, people have begun to realize that logging has cleared much of these forests. Wiser use of the forests and efforts to replant trees have helped to slow down the depletion of these communities.
Tropical forests have fallen victim to timber exploitation, slash and burn farming, and clearfelling for industrial use or cattle ranching, particularly in Latin America. Our increasing demand for meat products has spurred these events. For years, this destruction was occuring at a rapid rate. Over half of the world’s original tropical forests are already gone. Public attention to this exploitation have helped to alleviate the problem somewhat, though many challenges are still to be faced. The freshwater and marine biomes are probably the most important of all the biomes. Their medium, water, is a major natural resource. Water is the basis of life, it supports life, and countless species live in it for all or part of their lives. Freshwater biomes supply us with our drinking water and water for crop irrigation. The world’s oceans have an even greater effect on global climate than forests do. Water has a high capacity for heat, and because the Earth is mostly covered with water, the temperature of the atmosphere is kept fairly constant and able to support life. In addition to this climate-buffering capacity, the oceans contain several billion photosynthetic plankton which account for most of the photosynthesis occuring on Earth. Without these, there might not be enough oxygen to support such a large world population and complex animal life. Freshwater biomes have suffered mainly from pollution. Runoff containing fertilizer and other wastes and industrial dumpings enter into rivers, ponds, and lakes and tend to promote abnormally rapid algae growth. When these algae die, dead organic matter accumulates in the water. This makes the water unusable and it kills many of the organisms living in the habitat. Stricter laws have helped to slow down this thoughtless pollution.
By educating people about the consequences of our actions, we can all gain a better understanding of how to preserve the Earth’s natural biomes. The areas that have been destroyed the most will never regain their original forms, but conservation will help to keep them from getting worse.
Mei 7, 2008 pada 6:33 am
SHAMALA RAJANTEREH
Comment on the multimedia presentation about CFC, animal extinction and pollution.
~CFC
In the stratosphere, the region of the atmosphere between about 6 and 30 miles (10 and 50 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface, ozone (O3) plays a vital role by absorbing harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Stratospheric ozone is threatened by some of the human-made gases that have been released into the atmosphere, including those known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). Once widely used as propellants in spray cans, refrigerants, electronics cleaning agents, and in foam and insulating products, the CFCs had been hailed as the “wonder chemicals.” But the very properties that make them useful – chemical inertness, non-toxicity, insolubility in water – also make them resistant to removal in the lower atmosphere. CFCs are mixed worldwide by the large-scale motions of the atmosphere and survive until, after 1-2 years, they reach the stratosphere and are broken down by ultraviolet radiation. The chlorine atoms within them are released and directly attack ozone. In the process of destroying ozone, the chlorine atoms are regenerated and begin to attack other ozone molecules… and so on, for thousands of cycles before the chlorine atoms are removed from the stratosphere by other processes.
~Pollution~
Pollution, in one sense, is the introduction of contaminants into an environment, of whatever predetermined or agreed upon proportions or frame of reference, that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the physical systems or living organisms therein. Pollution can be in the form of chemical substances, or energy such as noise, heat, or light. Pollutants can be naturally occurring substances or energies, but are considered contaminants when in excess of natural levels. Pollution is often categorized into point source and nonpoint source pollution.Motor vehicle emissions are one of the leading causes of air pollution. Principal stationary pollution sources include chemical plants, coal-fired power plants, oil refineries, petrochemical plants, nuclear waste disposal activity, incinerators, large livestock farms (dairy cows, pigs, poultry, etc.), PVC factories, metals production factories, plastics factories, and other heavy industry. Pollution can also be the consequence of a natural disaster. For example, hurricanes often involve water contamination from sewage, and petrochemical spills from ruptured boats or automobiles. Larger scale and environmental damage is not uncommon when coastal oil rigs or refineries are involved. Some sources of pollution, such as nuclear power plants or oil tankers, can produce widespread and potentially hazardous releases when accidents occur.
~Animal extinction~
Many factors contribute to the loss of species, including: the impact of introduced (“alien”) species, pollution, disease, and excess hunting and other forms of harvesting that exploit species at a rate that exceeds their reproductive potential. But the single largest and expanding threat is habitat destruction caused by human actions. No species can continue to exist when its ecosystem—its very home—is destroyed. The occupied habitat of an endangered species is usually found to be reduced to a fragment of its former area and is often of marginal quality at best.Those are the basic human generated vectors to animal extinction. They don’t deter the naturally occurring vectors. Many species already lived on the thin edge of natural extinction vectors before the sudden advent of humanity. Humans are a relatively new species in the natural history of earth. And few animals can compensate quickly enough for the presence of this Primate. Limit predation (hunting) of threatened species. Quit human activity on the remaining habitat. Eliminate the burning of hydrocarbons by humans. Completely eliminate chemical discharges. Recycle chemical and human made materials. Yet humans could significantly reduce the strength of extinction vectors on many species but will never completely eliminate the event of natural extinction vectors. It is important to appreciate the difference, and effective if humans to learn to do reduce their impact.
Sorry for the late posting of this comment!!
Mei 7, 2008 pada 7:07 am
Annapurni Devi
comment on CFC, pollution and animal extinction
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are compounds containing chlorine, fluorine and carbon only, that is they contain no hydrogen. They were formerly used widely in industry, for example as refrigerants, propellants, and cleaning solvents. Their use has been regularly prohibited by the Montreal Protocol, because of effects on the ozone layer (see ozone depletion). They are also powerful greenhouse gases, in terms of carbon dioxide equivalence (over a time period of one hundred years) between 5000 and 8100 per kg. [1] CFCs have half-lives between 50-100 years, so their presence in the atmosphere and reactivity with ozone is long lived. One CFC molecule typically degrades around 10,000 ozone molecules before its removal, but this number can sometimes be in the millions.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are of a class of haloalkanes where not all hydrogen has been replaced by chlorine or fluorine. They are used primarily as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) substitutes, as the ozone depleting effects are only about 10% of the CFCs.
Pollution, in one sense, is the introduction of contaminants into an environment, of whatever predetermined or agreed upon proportions or frame of reference, that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the physical systems or living organisms therein.[1] Pollution can be in the form of chemical substances, or energy such as noise, heat, or light. Pollutants can be naturally occurring substances or energies, but are considered contaminants when in excess of natural levels. Pollution is often categorized into point source and nonpoint source pollution.
In another sense, pollution is a term for any substance introduced into an ecology that causes instability and breakdown of the life or reproductive forces of said system. A substance as common and generally healthy as water can become a “pollutant” at high enough concentrations, e.g. if a human were to drink excessive amounts, leading to a burden on physical systems, a breakdown of such systems, and potentially leading to death. Water has been used in just such a way in suicide attempts and successes. In an even broader application of the concept, excessive noise “pollution” and exposure is used in military exercises to induce imbalance in the subject’s mental ecology.Air Pollution is the human introduction into the atmosphere of chemicals, particulates, or biological materials that cause harm or discomfort to humans or other living organisms, or damage the environment.[1] Air pollution causes deaths[2] and respiratory disease.[3] Air pollution is often identified with major stationary sources, but the greatest source of emissions is actually mobile sources, mainly automobiles.[4] Gases such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to global warming, have recently gained recognition as pollutants by climate scientists, while they also recognize that carbon dioxide is essential for plant life through photosynthesis.
The atmosphere is a complex, dynamic natural gaseous system that is essential to support life on planet Earth. Stratospheric ozone depletion due to air pollution has long been recognized as a threat to human health as well as to the Earth’s ecosystems.
Today we’re living through the sixth great extinction, sometimes known as the Holocene extinction event. We carried its seeds with us 50,000 years ago as we migrated beyond Africa with Stone Age blades, darts, and harpoons, entering pristine Ice Age ecosystems and changing them forever by wiping out at least some of the unique megafauna of the times, including, perhaps, the sabre-toothed cats and woolly mammoths. When the ice retreated, we terminated the long and biologically rich epoch sometimes called the Edenic period with assaults from our newest weapons: hoes, scythes, cattle, goats, and pigs.
But, as harmful as our forebears may have been, nothing compares to what’s under way today. Throughout the 20th century the causes of extinction – habitat degradation, overexploitation, agricultural monocultures, human-borne invasive species, human-induced climate-change – increased exponentially, until now in the 21st century the rate is nothing short of explosive. The World Conservation Union’s Red List – a database measuring the global status of Earth’s 1.5 million scientifically named species – tells a haunting tale of unchecked, unaddressed, and accelerating biocide.
When we hear of extinction, most of us think of the plight of the rhino, tiger, panda or blue whale. But these sad sagas are only small pieces of the extinction puzzle. The overall numbers are terrifying. Of the 40,168 species that the 10,000 scientists in the World Conservation Union have assessed, one in four mammals, one in eight birds, one in three amphibians, one in three conifers and other gymnosperms are at risk of extinction. The peril faced by other classes of organisms is less thoroughly analysed, but fully 40 per cent of the examined species of planet earth are in danger, including perhaps 51 per cent of reptiles, 52 per cent of insects, and 73 per cent of flowering plants.
By the most conservative measure – based on the last century’s recorded extinctions – the current rate of extinction is 100 times the background rate. But the eminent Harvard biologist Edward O Wilson, and other scientists, estimate that the true rate is more like 1,000 to 10,000 times the background rate. The actual annual sum is only an educated guess, because no scientist believes that the tally of life ends at the 1.5 million species already discovered; estimates range as high as 100 million species on earth, with 10 million as the median guess. Bracketed between best- and worst-case scenarios, then, somewhere between 2.7 and 270 species are erased from existence every day. Including today.
We now understand that the majority of life on Earth has never been – and will never be – known to us. In a staggering forecast, Wilson predicts that our present course will lead to the extinction of half of all plant and animal species by 2100.
sorry for the late comment sir.
Mei 7, 2008 pada 7:44 am
JAYANTHI SUPPAYA
Comment on multimedia presentation;BIOME
A biome is a large geographical area of distinctive plant and animal groups, which are adapted to that particular environment. The climate and geography of a region determines what type of biome can exist in that region. Major biomes include deserts, forests, grasslands, tundra, and several types of aquatic environments. Each biome consists of many ecosystems whose communities have adapted to the small differences in climate and the environment inside the biome
• tundra
• taiga
• temperate deciduous forest
• scrub forest (called chaparral in California)
• grassland
• desert
• tropical rain forest
• temperate rain forest
• The figure shows the distribution of these 8 biomes around the world.
Tropical Rain Forest
In the Western Hemisphere, the tropical rain forest reaches its fullest development in the jungles of Central and South America.
• The trees are very tall and of a great variety of species.
• One rarely finds two trees of the same species growing close to one another.
• The vegetation is so dense that little light reaches the forest floor.
• Most of the plants are evergreen, not deciduous.
• The branches of the trees are festooned with vines and epiphytes (see the photo taken in the Luquillo National Forest of Puerto Rico).
The lushness of the tropical rain forest suggests a high net productivity, but this is illusory. Many of the frequent attempts to use the tropical rain forest for conventional crops have been disappointing. Two problems:
• The high rainfall leaches soil minerals below the reach of plant roots.
• The warmth and moisture cause rapid decay so little humus is added to the soil.
The tropical rain forest exceeds all the other biomes in the diversity of its animals as well as plants. Most of the animals — mammals and reptiles, as well as birds and insects — live in the trees.
The closest thing to a tropical rain forest in the continental United States are the little wooded “islands” found scattered through the Everglades in the southern tip of Florida. Their existence depends on the fact that it never freezes, and they often escape the fires that periodically sweep the Everglades.
Temperate Deciduous Forest
This biome occupies the eastern half of the United States and a large portion of Europe. It is characterized by:
• hardwood trees (e.g., beech, maple, oak, hickory) which
• are deciduous; that is, shed their leaves in the autumn.
• The number of different species is far more limited than in the jungle.
• Large stands dominated by a single species are common.
• Deer, raccoons, and salamanders are characteristic inhabitants.
• During the growing season, this biome can be quite productive in both natural and agricultural ecosystems.
.
Taiga
The taiga is named after the biome in Russia.
• It is a land dominated by conifers, especially spruces and firs.
• It is dotted with lakes, bogs, and marshes.
• It is populated by an even more limited variety of plants and animals than is the temperate deciduous forest.
• In North America, the moose is such a typical member that it has led to the name: “spruce-moose” biome.
• Before the long, snowy winter sets in, many of the mammals hibernate, and many of the birds migrate south.
• Although the long days of summer permit plants to grow luxuriantly, net productivity is low.
The photo (courtesy of Dr. Benjamin Dane of Tufts University) shows the “spruce-moose” biome in British Columbia.
Tundra
At extreme latitudes, the trees of the taiga become stunted by the harshness of the subarctic climate. Finally, they disappear leaving a land of bogs and lakes.
• The climate is so cold in winter that even the long days of summer are unable to thaw the permafrost beneath the surface layers of soil.
• Sphagnum moss, a wide variety of lichens, and some grasses and fast-growing annuals dominate the landscape during the short growing season.
• Caribou feed on this growth as do vast numbers of insects.
• Swarms of migrating birds, especially waterfowl, invade the tundra in the summer to raise their young, feeding them on a large variety of aquatic invertebrates and vertebrates.
• As the brief arctic summer draws to a close, the birds fly south, and
• all but a few of the permanent residents, in one way or another, prepare themselves to spend the winter in a dormant state.
Mei 7, 2008 pada 7:47 am
JAYANTHI SUPPAYA
Comment on environmental issue;OZONE DEPLETION
Ozone depletion describes two distinct, but related observations: a slow, steady decline of about 4 percent per decade in the total amount of ozone in Earth’s stratosphere since the late 1970s; and a much larger, but seasonal, decrease in stratospheric ozone over Earth’s polar regions during the same period. The latter phenomenon is commonly referred to as the ozone hole. it is affecting the ozone layer
In addition to this well-known stratospheric ozone depletion, there are also tropospheric ozone depletion events, which occur near the surface in polar regions during spring.
The detailed mechanism by which the polar ozone holes form is different from that for the mid-latitude thinning, but the most important process in both trends is catalytic destruction of ozone by atomic chlorine and bromine.[1] The main source of these halogen atoms in the stratosphere is photodissociation of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compounds, commonly called freons, and of bromofluorocarbon compounds known as halons. These compounds are transported into the stratosphere after being emitted at the surface. Both ozone depletion mechanisms strengthened as emissions of CFCs and halons increased.
CFCs and other contributory substances are commonly referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Since the ozone layer prevents most harmful UVB wavelengths (270–315 nm) of ultraviolet light (UV light) from passing through the Earth’s atmosphere, observed and projected decreases in ozone have generated worldwide concern leading to adoption of the Montreal Protocol banning the production of CFCs and halons as well as related ozone depleting chemicals such as carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethane. It is suspected that a variety of biological consequences such as increases in skin cancer, damage to plants, and reduction of plankton populations in the ocean’s photic zone may result from the increased UV exposure due to ozone depletion.
Mei 7, 2008 pada 8:06 am
JAYANTHI SUPPAYA
Comment on CFC,polution and animal extinction
Chloro fluoro compounds
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) are compounds containing chlorine, fluorine and carbon only, that is they contain no hydrogen. They were formerly used widely in industry, for example as refrigerants, propellants, and cleaning solvents. Their use has been regularly prohibited by the Montreal Protocol, because of effects on the ozone layer (see ozone depletion). They are also powerful greenhouse gases, in terms of carbon dioxide equivalence (over a time period of one hundred years) between 5000 and 8100 per kg. CFCs have half-lives between 50-100 years, so their presence in the atmosphere and reactivity with ozone is long lived. One CFC molecule typically degrades around 10,000 ozone molecules before its removal, but this number can sometimes be in the millions.
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are of a class of haloalkanes where not all hydrogen has been replaced by chlorine or fluorine. They are used primarily as chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) substitutes, as the ozone depleting effects are only about 10% of the CFCs
Pollution
Pollution, in one sense, is the introduction of contaminants into an environment, of whatever predetermined or agreed upon proportions or frame of reference, that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the physical systems or living organisms therein.[1] Pollution can be in the form of chemical substances, or energy such as noise, heat, or light. Pollutants can be naturally occurring substances or energies, but are considered contaminants when in excess of natural levels. Pollution is often categorized into point source and nonpoint source pollution.
In another sense, pollution is a term for any substance introduced into an ecology that causes instability and breakdown of the life or reproductive forces of said system. A substance as common and generally healthy as water can become a “pollutant” at high enough concentrations, e.g. if a human were to drink excessive amounts, leading to a burden on physical systems, a breakdown of such systems, and potentially leading to death. Water has been used in just such a way in suicide attempts and successes. In an even broader application of the concept, excessive noise “pollution” and exposure is used in military exercises to induce imbalance in the subject’s mental ecology, causing malfunction and psychosis
animal extinction
A species becomes extinct when the last existing member of that species dies. Extinction therefore becomes a certainty when there are no surviving individuals that are able to reproduce and create a new generation. A species may become functionally extinct when only a handful of individuals survive, which are unable to reproduce due to poor health, age, sparse distribution over a large range, a lack of individuals of both sexes (in sexually reproducing species), or other reasons.
Bark from the extinct Lepidodendron, which died out after the Carboniferous, likely due to competition from newer plant life.[6]Pinpointing the extinction (or pseudoextinction) of a species requires a clear definition of that species. If it is to be declared extinct, the species in question must be uniquely identifiable from any ancestor or daughter species, or from other closely related species. Extinction of a species (or replacement by a daughter species) plays a key role in the punctuated equilibrium hypothesis of Stephen Jay Gould and Niles Eldredge.[7]
In ecology, extinction is often used informally to refer to local extinction, in which a species ceases to exist in the chosen area of study, but still exists elsewhere. This phenomenon is also known as extirpation. Local extinctions may be followed by a replacement of the species taken from other locations; wolf reintroduction is an example of this. Species which are not extinct are termed extant. Those that are extant but threatened by extinction are referred to as threatened or endangered species.
An important aspect of extinction at the present time are human attempts to preserve critically endangered species, which is reflected by the creation of the conservation status “Extinct in the Wild” (EW). Species listed under this status by the World Conservation Union (IUCN) are not known to have any living specimens in the wild, and are maintained only in zoos or other artificial environments. Some of these species are functionally extinct, as they are no longer part of their natural habitat and it is unlikely the species will ever be restored to the wild.[8] When possible, modern zoological institutions attempt to maintain a viable population for species preservation and possible future reintroduction to the wild through use of carefully planned breeding programs.
The extinction of one species’ wild population can have knock-on effects, causing further extinctions. These are also called “chains of extinction
Mei 7, 2008 pada 2:10 pm
Hasyimah binti Hashim
Comment on multimedia presentation :BIOME
Climate describes the temperature range, average annual precipitation humanity and amount of solar energy that a region typically experience. Factors that influence climate is solar energy, air and ocean circulation as well as geographical factors.
A biome is a climatically and geographically defined area of ecologically similar communities of plants, animals, and soil organisms, often referred to as ecosystems. Biomes are defined based on factors such as plant structures (such as trees, shrubs, and grasses), leaf types (such as broadleaf and needle leaf), plant spacing (forest, woodland, savanna), and climate. Unlike ecozones, biomes are not defined by genetic, taxonomic, or historical similarities. Biomes are often identified with particular patterns of ecological succession and climax vegetation.
The biodiversity characteristic of each biome, especially the diversity of fauna and subdominant plant forms, is a function of abiotic factors and the biomass productivity of the dominant vegetation. Species diversity tends to be higher in terrestrial biomes with higher net primary productivity, moisture availability, and temperature.
There are four main terrestrial biomes based on climate and vegetation which are tundra, forest, grassland and desert. Adaptation is any physiological, structured or behavioral change that did the survival and reproduction of an organism to a particular environment.
Deserts are biomes that receive little rainfall (less than 25 cm a year). There are hot and cold deserts. Some deserts are huge areas of sand where plants cannot grow. Others are bare patches of rock. Most of the plants in this biome are succulents. They have thick, waxy skin and needles for holding in water. Kangaroo rats, rattlesnakes, peccary, camels, jackrabbits, prairie dogs, and reptiles have all adapted so that do not lose or use much water.
Grassland biomes are covered with grass, shrubs, and a few trees. Most type of trees cannot grow in grassland biomes because there is not enough rain. Prairies, plains and meadows are temperate biomes that receive between 25-50 cm of rain each year. Natural fires that occur in grasslands kill trees but they do not kill the grass. Some animals in the meadow and prairie biomes include bison, hawks, ground squirrels, grouse, mice and snakes.
The savannah is a tropical grassland. It is hot and dry for more than half the year. During the dry season, the grass turns brown and dies. Sometimes fire burns the grass. When it rains, its deep roots sprout again and the grass grows tall. Some of the largest animals in the world live in the savannah. Herbivores such as elephants, giraffes, and wildebeest feed on grasses, small shrubs, and trees. They travel from one area to another in search of new plants to eat. Savannah predators include lions, cheetahs, leopards and hyenas. Kangaroos live in the grassland animals in Australia and New Zealand.
The land just below the northern ice cap is called the arctic tundra. This biome is a cold desert – very little snow or rain fall there. During part of the winter, the sun never rises, and during part of the summer, it never sets.
Only small, strong plants are able to survive. Larger trees such as trees cannot grow because the soil is frozen beneath the surface (permafrost). Arctic plants include lichens, mosses, sedges and some flowering plants. Hardy tundra plants grow close to the ground, where they find protection from cold winds.
Arctic animals have adapted to the cold tundra winters. Sea mammals like seals and walruses have thick layers of blubber to keep them warm. Land mammals have thick fur coats. Ground squirrels and lemmings hibernate. Many animals migrate to the tundra for the summer – like birds and caribou. Polar bears, arctic foxes, snowshoe hares, seals, ptarmigan, and musk oxen stay all year.
Mei 7, 2008 pada 2:42 pm
Amal Musliha binti Mohd Siran
Summary on BIOME slide presentation.
Climate describes the temperature range. average annual precipitation. There are 3 main factors influence climate:
-solar energy
-air and ocean circulation
geographical factors
Air & Ocean Circulation:
-Condensation causes precipitation
-Hadley cells drive tropical weather
Air masses influence weather in temperature and polar regions
-Ocean currents alter land climates- the circulation of surface ocean currents transport heat around the globe.
Biome: a large terrestial region with a defining climate that supports characteristic plants and animals with adaptations to that particular environment.
Tundra:
-land of the midnight sun-cold and dry
-winters are harsh with up to 24 hours of darkness
-summers are short, intense and busy
Adaptation: short plants with small hairy leaves provide better, animals-migration, dormancy, cold tolerant
Forest: Taiga. Temperate forest, tropical rainforest, chaparall.
Taiga:
-plants contend with heavy snowfall and the availability of water.
-conifers shed snow and withstand wind
-shallow roots collect nutriens and water
-animals avoid or adopt to winter snow-hibernation
Temperate forest:
-temperate conifers forests mostly evergreen trees with needle-like leaves
-grow in areas with distinct harsh winters or dry periods
Tropical rainforest:
warm temperate
-ample rainfall
Chaparral:
-hot, dry summers, cool, wet winters
-plants cope with summer drought
-light colored leaves reflect heat
-small, waxy leaves limit evaporation
-evergreen plants photosynthesize wherever soil moisture is favorable. Other plants drop their leaves during dry seasons.
Mei 12, 2008 pada 1:03 pm
KALAIVANIP
Climate is describe about the temperature range, average annual precipitation, humidity and amount of solar energy. The three factors that influence the climate are solar energy, air and ocean circulation and geographical features. The local factors affect climate are wind exposure, shade and moisture.
The four main Terrestrial Biomes are tundra, forest, grassland and desserts. Tundra have short leave plants and their summer season are short. It is a cold and dry place where winters are harsh. There are four types of forest which are Taiga, Temperate Forest, Tropical Rain Forest and Chaparral. In Taiga, plants are very huge and it is cold and very snowy. During the summer, the duration is longer and warmer than Tundra. In Temperate Forest, the plants are in smaller size. While in Tropical Rain Forest the plants are very huge and warm and ample rainfall. Chaparral is hot, dry summer and cool, wet winters. The plants cope with summer drought. Third is about the Grassland and Savanna, where it has big sky and big animals and the plants contend with grazing, fire and extreme temperature. The fourth is the Dessert, which is very hot, cold and usually dries. The plants must acquire and use water efficiently and the animals evolve special traits and behavior to survive.
Biome conversion is the aquatic ecosystem. There are three types of ecosystem, which are Freshwater ecosystem, Estuarine ecosystem and Marine. Freshwater ecosystem is the wetland, lakes and streams. Estuarine ecosystem is the fresh water meets the sea. Lastly, Marine have three types, Tidal zone is the separate the land from the sea, Coral reefs is originate from living organism in tropical areas and Open ocean is occupy vast areas like jelly, fish and microorganism.
Mei 12, 2008 pada 1:04 pm
KALAIVANIP
Bioplastics are a form of plastics derived from renewable biomass sources, such as vegetable oil, corn starch, pea starch or microbiota, rather than traditional plastics which are derived from petroleum.
Bioplastics are mainly composed by a matrix (resin) and a reinforcement of natural fibers usually derived from plants or cellulose. With wide-ranging uses from environment-friendly biodegradable composites to biomedical composites for drug/gene delivery, tissue engineering applications and cosmetic orthodontics. They often mimic the structures of the living materials involved in the process in addition to the strengthening properties of the matrix that was used but still providing biocompatibility, e.g in creating scaffolds in bone tissue engineering.
Bioplastics are characterized by replacing the petrochemical resin with a vegetable or animal resin, and/or the bolsters (glass or carbon fiber or talc) by natural fiber (e.g. wood fibers, hemp, flax, sisal, jute).
The production and use of bioplastics is generally regarded as a more sustainable activity when compared with plastic production from petroleum, because it relies less on fossil fuel as a carbon source and also introduces less, net-new greenhouse emissions if it biodegrades.[citation needed] However, manufacturing of bioplastic materials is often still reliant upon petroleum as an energy and materials source. This comes in the form of energy required to power farm machinery and irrigate growing crops, to produce fertilizers and pesticides, to transport crops and crop products to processing plants, to process raw materials, and ultimately to produce the bioplastic.
These days’ plastics are predominantly made from crude oil. However, the increasing hunger for energy worldwide and also political instability in the large oil exporting countries have led to a dramatic increase in the price of oil in recent years. A consistently low oil price, as was seen throughout the 90s, is not very likely in the future. In this context, renewable resources are becoming a more viable and promising alternative for the plastics industry. However, as energy is used in the growing, harvesting and conversion of agricultural crops to bioplastics immunity to rising oil prices is sometimes overestimated.
“Bioplastics” offer the world a way to wean itself off oil and most are biodegradable to varying degrees. But the “green” argument is complex and environmentalists are cautious in their support.Manufacturing bioplastics produces carbon dioxide, which contributes to global warming. The materials are made from crops – corn, switchgrass, sugar cane, even sweet potatoes – that require land and water to grow.Some people sound alarms because genetically modified organisms are used to spur the fermentation that creates them. And recycling them presents still other pitfalls.Bioplastics also can cost three times more than conventional plastics, which gives businesses pause about adopting them.”It’s almost a chicken-and-egg scenario,” said David Cornell of the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers. “It might someday reach that critical mass, but it has to happen very quickly because in the meantime it can be a nuisance for us.”
Plants ( vegetable oil, corn starch)
↓
Energy input + Water input
↓
Chemical pulping Mechanical Pulp
(To free the fibres and make pulp) and (to separate cellulose fibers)
↓
Water input
↓
Additives
(To improve the characteristics of the particular plastics)
↓
Energy input
↓
Pressing and Drying
(To remove water from the plastic)
↓
Energy input
↓
Sizing and Finishing
(To alter its physical properties for use in various applications)
↓
After use
↓
Energy input
↓
Water input
↓
Destroyed
↓
Recycled
Mei 12, 2008 pada 1:07 pm
KALAIVANIP
Global warming is the name given to the fact that the world’s temperature has been rising over the last two hundred years. Global warming may become a problem for the world. Some people say it causes floods and storms.
Today, the atmosphere of the world is about a half a degree Celsius warmer than it was two hundred years ago. Many people want to know why the earth’s climate is changing. Some say that the changes are caused by people themselves (by cars and factories, for example). Others say the change is natural and not the fault of humans.
The average temperature at the surface of the Earth has gone up by 0.6 Celsius since the late 19th century. There are several theories (ways) which try to explain this increase. Some scientists think that the warming of the last 50 years is believed to be a result of increases in the greenhouse effect caused by human-generated carbon dioxide (CO2). Others think that variations in the amount of heat from the sun and other natural causes may be the major cause.
Unfortunately, climate theories are difficult to test and often rely on computer models which are not always accurate. Today, many scientists agree that the “theory” that global warming is caused by human activity is true. Still, because scientific answers are found through experiment and not votes the search for the cause of global warming must go on.
Coal-burning power plants, car exhausts, factory smokestacks, and other waste vents of the human environment give off about 23 billion tons of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the Earth’s atmosphere each year. The atmospheric concentration of CO2 has increased by 31% above pre-industrial levels since 1750. This is quite higher than at any time during the last 420,000 years, the period for which reliable data has been extracted from ice cores. From less direct geological evidence, it is believed that CO2 values this high were last attained 40 million years ago. About three-quarters of the anthropogenic emissions of CO2 to the atmosphere during the past 20 years are due to fossil fuel burning. The rest is predominantly due to land-use change, especially deforestation.
Mei 14, 2008 pada 12:50 am
Tan Pei Err
Group members:
1) Tan Pei Err
2) Hasyimah Hashim
3) Nur Nadiah Marzuki
4) Farha Zakaria
5) Yasmin Nor
This is my group Environmental Project Proposal:
Topic: Overpopulation in Bandung, Indonesia
-1- Introduction- Description about the population in the world then specifically to Indonesia and then narrow down to Bandung certain areas.
-2- Causes – We are going to search through the internet and get some books as reference to help us on finding the causes that led to overpopulation.
-3- Effects – After knowing the causes, certainly we would like to investigate the side effects which are brought by this overpopulation problem. Overpopulation does not only trouble human lifestyle but also bring a hug problem to the country’s economy.
-4- Survey – Our group will be going to carry out a survey about the population in a certain area of Bandung.
-5- Solutions – After all, we get some information through the internet on getting solution for this problem.
-6- Conclusion – A quick summary on this topic.
Mei 14, 2008 pada 2:52 pm
Farha Zakaria
A biome is a large, distinctive complex of plant communities created and maintained by climate.
Tropical Rain Forest
In the Western Hemisphere, the tropical rain forest reaches its fullest development in the jungles of Central and South America.
-The trees are very tall and of a great variety of species.
-One rarely finds two trees of the same species growing close to one another.
– The vegetation is so dense that little light reaches the forest floor.
– Most of the plants are evergreen, not deciduous.
Temperate Deciduous Forest
This biome occupies the eastern half of the United States and a large portion of Europe. It is characterized by:
– hardwood trees (e.g., beech, maple, oak, hickory) which
– are deciduous; that is, shed their leaves in the autumn.
– The number of different species is far more limited than in the jungle.
– Large stands dominated by a single species are common.
Taiga
The taiga is named after the biome in Russia.
– It is a land dominated by conifers, especially spruces and firs.
– It is dotted with lakes, bogs, and marshes.
– It is populated by an even more limited variety of plants and animals than is the temperate deciduous forest.
– In North America, the moose is such a typical member that it has led to the name: “spruce-moose” biome.
Tundra
At extreme latitudes, the trees of the taiga become stunted by the harshness of the subarctic climate. Finally, they disappear leaving a land of bogs and lakes.
– The climate is so cold in winter that even the long days of summer are unable to thaw the permafrost beneath the surface layers of soil.
– Sphagnum moss, a wide variety of lichens, and some grasses and fast-growing annuals dominate the landscape during the short growing season.
– Caribou feed on this growth as do vast numbers of insects. .
Grasslands
Grasslands are also known as prairie or plains. The annual precipitation in the grasslands averages 20 in./year. A large proportion of this falls as rain early in the growing season. This promotes a vigorous growth of perennial grasses and herbs, but — except along river valleys — is barely adequate for the growth of forests.
Desert
Annual rainfall in the desert is less than 10 in. and, in some years, may be zero. Because of the extreme dryness of the desert, its colonization is limited to
– plants such as cacti, sagebrush, and mesquite that have a number of adaptations that conserve water over long periods;
– fast-growing annuals whose seeds can germinate, develop to maturity, flower, and produce a new crop of seeds all within a few weeks following a rare, soaking rain.
Chaparral
The annual rainfall in the chaparral biome may reach 20–30 in., but in contrast to the grasslands, almost all of this falls in winter. Summers are very dry and all the plants — trees, shrubs, and grasses — are more or less dormant then.
The trees in the chaparral are mostly oaks, both deciduous and evergreen. All of these plants are adapted to drought by such mechanisms as waxy, waterproof coatings on their leaves.
The chaparral has many plants brought to it from similar biomes elsewhere. Vineyards, olives, and figs flourish just as they do in their native Mediterranean biome.
Mei 14, 2008 pada 4:24 pm
Priyadarrshini Visva Nathan
this is comment on BIOME presentation
BIOME
A biome is a climatically and geographically defined area of ecologically similar communities of plants, animals, and soil organisms, often referred to as ecosystems. Biomes are defined based on factors such as plant structures (such as trees, shrubs, and grasses), leaf types (such as broadleaf and needleleaf), plant spacing (forest, woodland, savanna), and climate. Unlike ecozones, biomes are not defined by genetic, taxonomic, or historical similarities.
A fundamental classification of biomes is into:
1. Terrestrial (land) biomes and
2. Aquatic (water) biomes
CLIMATE
Climate is the average and variations of weather in a region over long periods of time. The climate of a location is affected by the presence of mountains, ice caps, as well nearby oceans and their associated currents. Locations on the western side of oceans exposed to warm water currents are relatively warm and humid, while deserts tend to exist on the east side of oceans where cold water currents contribute less warmth and moisture, leading to a more stable atmospheric profile.Climate zones can be defined using parameters such as temperature and rainfall to define desert, steppe, rain forest and polar ice cap regimes
TYPES OF ZONE
• Tropical rain forest
Rain forests are characterized by high rainfall, with definitions setting minimum normal annual rainfall between 1,750 millimetres (69 in) and 2,000 millimetres (79 in). Mean monthly temperatures exceed 18 °C (64 °F) during all months of the year. Rainforests are home to half of all the living animal and plant species on the planet.
• Tropical monsoon
A monsoon is a seasonal prevailing wind which lasts for several months, ushering in a region’s rainy season. The term was first used in English in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and neighboring countries to refer to the big seasonal winds blowing from the Indian Ocean and Arabian Sea in the southwest bringing heavy rainfall to the region.
• Tropical savanna
A tropical savanna is a grassland biome located in semi-arid to semi-humid climate regions of subtropical and tropical latitudes. A total of 11.5% of the world’s landmass is classified under this climate regime. Average temperatures remain at or above 18 °C (64 °F) year round. Grasslands are dominated by grass and other herbaceous plants. Savannas are grasslands with scattered trees. Shrublands are dominated by woody or herbaceous shrubs. They are widespread on Africa, and are also found in India, the northern parts of South America, Malaysia, and Australia.
• Humid subtropical
The Humid subtropical climate zone is characterized by hot, humid summers and chilly to mild winters. This climate type covers a broad category of climates, and the term “subtropical” may be a misnomer for the winter climate in the cooler areas within this category. Significant amounts of precipitation occur in all seasons in most areas. Winter rainfall (and sometimes snowfall) is associated with large storms that the westerlies steer from west to east. Most summer rainfall occurs during thunderstorms and from occasional tropical cyclones.
• Mediterranean climate
The Mediterranean climate climate regime resembles the climate of the lands in the Mediterranean Basin, which includes over half of the area with this climate type worldwide. Elsewhere, this climate type prevails in parts of western North America, in parts of Western and South Australia, in southwestern South Africa and in parts of central Chile. The climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
• Continental steppe
A steppe is a dry forest, but not dry enough to be a desert. The term steppe originally comes from the Russian word /stɛp/ which means a flat and arid land. The climates of all steppes are summarized by a continental climate. Peaks can be recorded in the summer of up to 40 °C (104 °F) and in winter down to −40 °C (−40.0 °F). Besides this huge temperature variation, the diurnal temperature differences are also very great. In the highlands of Mongolia, 30 °C (86 °F) can be reached during the day with temperatures below 0 °C (32 °F) at night.
• Tundra
Arctic tundra occurs in the far Northern Hemisphere, north of the taiga belt. It is one of the world’s youngest biomes, forming 10,000 years ago. The word “tundra” usually refers only to the areas where the subsoil is permafrost, or permanently frozen soil. Permafrost tundra includes vast areas of northern Russia and Canada. The polar tundra is home to several peoples who are mostly nomadic reindeer herders, such as the Nganasan and Nenets in the permafrost area (and the Sami in Sápmi).
• Desert
A desert is a landscape form or region that receives very little precipitation. Just over 14% of the landmass of the Earth fits within this climate classification. Deserts can be defined as areas that receive an average annual precipitation of less than 250 millimetres (9.8 in), or as areas in which more water is lost than falls as precipitation.
For aquatic biomes.There are three types of ecosystem, which are *Freshwater ecosystem,
Freshwater ecosystem is the wetland, lakes and streams
*Estuarine ecosystem
Estuarine ecosystem is the fresh water meets the sea.
*Marine ecosystem.
Marine have three types, Tidal zone is the separate the land from the sea, Coral reefs is originate from living organism in tropical areas and Open ocean is occupy vast areas like jelly, fish and microorganism.
Mei 21, 2008 pada 7:07 am
ahmad ashraf
Based on the presentation, I noticed that the factors that affected the climate are solar energy, air and ocean circulation and geographical factors.
A biome is a large geographical area of distinctive plant and animal groups, which are adapted to that particular environment. The climate and geography of a region determines what type of biome can exist in that region. Major biomes include deserts, forests, grasslands, tundra, and several types of aquatic environments. Each biome consists of many ecosystems whose communities have adapted to the small differences in climate and the environment inside the biome.
forests have a global climate-buffering capacity, so their destruction may cause large-scale changes in global climate.
All living things are closely related to their environment. Any change in one part of an environment, like an increase or decrease of a species of animal or plant, causes a ripple effect of change in through other parts of the environment.
The earth includes a huge variety of living things, from complex plants and animals to very simple, one-celled organisms. But large or small, simple or complex, no organism lives alone. Each depends in some way on other living and nonliving things in its surroundings.
Forests are important as they are home to the most diverse biotic communties in the world because forests have a global climate-buffering capacity, so their destruction may cause large-scale changes in global climate.
Tropical forests have fallen victim to timber exploitation, slash and burn farming, and clearfelling for industrial use or cattle ranching. Over half of the world’s original tropical forests are already gone. Public attention to this exploitation have helped to alleviate the problem somewhat, though many challenges are still to be faced.
The freshwater and marine biomes are probably the most important of all the biomes. Their medium, water, is a major natural resource. Water is the basis of life, it supports life, and countless species live in it for all or part of their lives. Freshwater biomes supply us with our drinking water and water for crop irrigation. The world’s oceans have an even greater effect on global climate than forests do. Water has a high capacity for heat, and because the Earth is mostly covered with water, the temperature of the atmosphere is kept fairly constant and able to support life. In addition to this climate-buffering capacity, the oceans contain several billion photosynthetic plankton which account for most of the photosynthesis occuring on Earth. Without these, there might not be enough oxygen to support such a large world population and complex animal life.
By educating people about the consequences of our actions, we can all gain a better understanding of how to preserve the Earth’s natural biomes. The areas that have been destroyed the most will never regain their original forms, but conservation will help to keep them from getting worse.
Mei 21, 2008 pada 11:01 am
Tan Pei Err
GREENHOUSE EFFECTS
The greenhouse effect is the process in which the emission of infrared radiation by the atmosphere warms a planet’s surface.
The name comes from an analogy with the warming of air inside a greenhouse compared to the air outside the greenhouse.
The Earth’s average surface temperature is about 33°C warmer than it would be without the greenhouse effect.
In addition to the Earth, Mars and especially Venus have greenhouse effects. The Earth receives energy from the Sun in the form of radiation.
The Earth reflects about 30% of the incoming solar radiation.
The remaining 70% is absorbed, warming the land, atmosphere and oceans.
For the Earth’s temperature to be in steady state so that the Earth does not rapidly heat or cool, this absorbed solar radiation must be very nearly balanced by energy radiated back to space in the infrared wavelengths.
Since the intensity of infrared radiation increases with increasing temperature, one can think of the Earth’s temperature as being determined by the infrared flux needed to balance the absorbed solar flux.
The visible solar radiation mostly heats the surface, not the atmosphere, whereas most of the infrared radiation escaping to space is emitted from the upper atmosphere, not the surface.
The infrared photons emitted by the surface are mostly absorbed in the atmosphere by greenhouse gases and clouds and do not escape directly to space. The reason this warms the surface is most easily understood by starting with a simplified model of a purely radiative greenhouse effect that ignores energy transfer in the atmosphere by convection (sensible heat transport) and by the evaporation and condensation of water vapor (latent heat transport).
In this purely radiative case, one can think of the atmosphere as emitting infrared radiation both upwards and downwards.
The upward infrared flux emitted by the surface must balance not only the absorbed solar flux but also this downward infrared flux emitted by the atmosphere.
The surface temperature will rise until it generates thermal radiation equivalent to the sum of the incoming solar and infrared radiation.
Mei 21, 2008 pada 11:20 am
Tan Pei Err
BIOMES
1) Three factors that influence climate:
o Earth’s shape (oblique ray, direct ray)
o Earth’s rotation
o Earth’s tilt and orbit
2) Air Ocean Circulation
o Condensation causes precipitation (In the atmosphere: rain, snow…)
o Hadley Cells Drive Tropical Weather – pattern of the air circulation
o Air Masses Influence Weather in Temperate and Polar Regions
o Ocean currents Alter Land Climate
3) Geographical Features
o Mountains influence Climate – Rainshadow effect
o Increases in Elevation Decreases Temperature, increase precipitation, influences vegetation.
4) Climate
o Local Factors Affect Climate (Wind Exposure, Shade, Moisture) – Microclimate describes the actual conditions experienced by an organism.
5) What is a Biome?
o A large terrestrial region is a defining climate that supports characteristics plants and animals with adaptations to that particular environment.
o Terrestrial
a. Tundra
b. Forest
– Taiga – Life in the Dark North Woods
– Temperature Forest – Moderation and Seasons
– Tropical Rainforest – Warm temperature and Ample Rainfall
– Chaparral – Hot, Dry Summers and Cool, Wet Winters
c. Grassland
d. Desert
o Three Main Aquatic Ecosystem
a. Freshwater
– Wetlands
– Lakes
– Streams
b. Estuarine – Where freshwater meets the sea
c. Marine
– Tidal Zones
– Coral Reefs
– Open Ocean
Mei 21, 2008 pada 11:29 am
Tan Pei Err
I would like to give some comments on the talk about the global warming
. I guess everyone is alerted by the increased of temperature. There are many blockbuster movies showing the melting of ice berg, which then leads to big flood whatsoever. We, as human must be blamed on this!
The Earth’s climate changes in response to external forcing, including variations in its orbit around the Sun (orbital forcing),[14][15][16], changes in solar luminosity, volcanic eruptions,[17] and atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations. The detailed causes of the recent warming remain an active field of research, but the scientific consensus[18][19] is that the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases due to human activity caused most of the warming observed since the start of the industrial era. This attribution is clearest for the most recent 50 years, for which the most detailed data are available. Some other hypotheses departing from the consensus view have been suggested to explain most of the temperature increase. One such hypothesis proposes that warming may be the result of variations in solar activity.
None of the effects of forcing are instantaneous. The thermal inertia of the Earth’s oceans and slow responses of other indirect effects mean that the Earth’s current climate is not in equilibrium with the forcing imposed. Climate commitment studies indicate that even if greenhouse gases were stabilized at 2000 levels, a further warming of about 0.5 °C (0.9 °F) would still occur.
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