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Introduction to Geography, 8/e
Arthur Getis, San Diego State University
Judith Getis
Jerome D. Fellmann, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Human Impact on the Environment

Objectives:

After reading and studying this chapter you should be able to:

1.

Define the three constituent elements of the earth's atmosphere.

2.

Understand the concept of a food chain and be able to trace the passage of elements through one.

3.

Deconstruct the hydrologic cycle into its component processes.

4.

Identify the various types of water pollution, their sources and impacts on the environment.

5.

Identify the sources of air pollution, their specific environmental impact and possible solutions.

6.

Understand the various ways in which human activity modifies landforms, soils and climate.

7.

Identify the primary and secondary effects of soil erosion and the measures currently used to retard or stop them.

8.

Define and give an example of biological magnification and understand its implications for humans.

9.

Understand the impacts of exotic species, deforestation and use of insecticides on numbers and distribution of plants and animals.

10.

Identify sources of solid and hazardous wastes and the locational problems associated with current and proposed methods of their disposal.

11.

To understand why international agreements are needed to prevent the spread of global air pollution.