Canadian Geography 1202 UNIT 2 NATURAL AND HUMAN

Canadian Geography 1202 UNIT 2

NATURAL AND HUMAN SYSTEMS � Students are expected to know how natural and human systems interact. More specifically students should be able to: � 1. Identify and describe natural systems � 2. Identify and describe human systems � 3. Explain how systems thinking maybe be used to understand the interaction between human and natural systems

NATURAL SYSTEMS �A natural system is one that is created by nature. It is not artificial � Earth’s natural systems maybe divided into four spheres: � 1. � 2. � 3. � 4. Atmosphere Lithosphere Hydrosphere Biosphere

ATMOSPHERE � Atmosphere our planet � refers to the gases surrounding

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LITHOSPHERE � Lithosphere is the crust and uppermost part of the earth’s surface. It is made of tectonic plates

� Examples include lava, rocks and soil

HYDROSPHERE � Hydrosphere surface is the water of the earth’s

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BIOSPHERE � Biosphere is all the living systems on the earth, including humans, plants and animals

LET’S MAP � Let’s take our four natural systems and place them on a concept map

� Take some natural things and place them in the correct system

PLACE IT IN THE NATURAL SYSTEM � � � Moose Wind Smog Soil Ozone layer Fog Stream Atlantic Ocean Bear Grass Northern lights Lava � � � Rain Trees Rocks Snow Clouds Ground Lightning Fox Lake Mink River Mud

VIDEO � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Bnp. F 0 nd. X k-8

QUESTIONS… � Is one natural system more important than another? � Can one natural system have an impact on another? Explain

NATURAL SYSTEMS AND CONNECTIONS � Rank the natural systems � Which do you think is the most important? Why?

� Natural systems are connected � Natural systems interact with each other

SYSTEMS THINKING � What is a system? � A system is a series of interrelated parts that connect and work together to form a whole

WHY ARE SYSTEMS IMPORTANT? � It is important to study systems because the systems on earth shape the environment in which we live � Two categories of systems: � Natural � Human

SYSTEMS THAT OCCUR IN NATURE Systems that occur in nature � Circulation of water in the ocean � Weather and climate � Water drainage � Energy cycles � ***These systems form ecosystems, which make up our planet

WHAT ARE ECOSYSTEMS? � An ecosystem is a community of plants and animals that interact with another and their physical environment (land, climate, soil, water and nutrients).

WHAT ARE HUMAN SYSTEMS? � Human systems are systems created by people. They are artificial

HUMAN SYSTEMS � System that are created by humans include: Human settlements � Transportation routes � Communication systems � Economics � Infrastructure � Energy �

WHY USE A SYSTEMS APPROACH? � Everything is connected in a complex web of systems � Help us make better decisions as we work to create safer and healthier environments. � Help us to protect natural systems and to use resources so they last into the future.

COMPLEX WEB OF SYSTEMS �A complex set of “dynamic” systems make up our world. � Dynamic � May means continually changing! take millions of years for the change(oil formation) � May only take a few minutes for the change (car burning gas)

SYNERGY: GREATER THAN THE SUM OF ITS PARTS � Synergy means the whole is greater than the sum � Systems are dependent on one another � The whole system is greater than the sum of it parts � WATER (2 parts hydrogen/1 part oxygen) � CAR (engine, tires, brakes)

HUMAN SYSTEMS…TRANSPORTATION � Transportation Systems � Interconnecting network of roads, trains, air travel, shipping and cycling routes. � Shopping for clothes, music, sports equipment etc. is all part of our ECONOMIC System as well as our transportation system.

HUMAN SYSTEMS…COMMUNICATION Communication Systems � is a fundamental to every society. Language, drawing, and writing have enabled mankind to evolve and to pass on knowledge and values. � Interconnecting network of: Phone Television Radio Cell phones Internet web pages News papers

HUMAN SYSTEMS-INFRASTRUCTURE � The basic facilities, services, and installations needed for the functioning of a community or society � such as transportation and communications systems, water and power lines, and public institutions including schools, post offices, and prisons

WATER � Water is a natural substance that is essential to all known forms of life. � It covers 70% of Earth's surface.

THE HYDROLOGIC CYCLE

WATER � We need water to live � 2/3 of our body is water � Crops and livestock require water � Average Canadian uses 300 liters of water per day � Add production/manufacturing it is 4000 liters

WATER… Average daily residential water use per capita (litres person): United States - 425 L Canada - 326 L Italy - 250 L Sweden - 200 L France - 150 L Israel - 135 L

INTERACTION OF HUMAN AND NATURAL SOLUTIONS

WATER POLLUTION � 3 main types of water pollution: � Biological Pollution � Physical Pollution � Chemical Pollution

1. WATER POLLUTION…BIOLOGICAL � Bacteria and algae that enter lakes and rivers. � Sewage from cities and towns are the largest source. � Solved by reducing sewage from entering water supplies (sewage treatment plants)

2. WATER POLLUTION…PHYSICAL � Least harmful but most obvious. � Floating garbage, paper, tin cans etc. � These are easily seen and clean-up and prevention is relatively simple.

3. WATER POLLUTION…CHEMICAL � Most dangerous � Dumping of poisonous chemicals into rivers and lakes � Using pesticides on our lawns or pouring paint or cleaners down the drain.

3. WATER…CHEMICAL POLLUTION � Clean-Up � Not there are 2 problems: able to completely stop chemicals from reaching water supplies � Do not have the technology to clean-up chemicals once they are in the water.

POLLUTION � Human health and environmental health are closely linked � Example… � Using pesticides on our lawns or pouring paint or cleaners down the drain all add to the toxic chemicals found in your water system � Many water treatment plants cannot remove toxic waste from water

VIDEOS � Water Pollution: � http: //video. nationalgeographic. com/video/envfreshwater-whycare � Water/Biological/Physical Pollution: � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=u. DSm. JSGr. C 6 c � Chemical Pollution: � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Vn 9 r 4 JSMGg 0

CASE STUDY #1 � Read pp. 69 -75 � Do together questions 1 and 2 from “Stretch your Thinking” on Page 75 � Video: � http: //www. cbsnews. com/news/saving-wildsalmon/

CASE STUDY #2 � Handout: “Tar Sands Oil” � Video: � https: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=Ykwo. Riv P 17 A

� Human activities like burning fossil fuels to run cars, trucks, factories, heat buildings, etc. have started to change the make up of gases in the atmosphere � This has lead to changes in our climate systems � GLOBAL WARMING!!!

INTERACTION OF HUMAN AND NATURAL SYSTEMS � Remember?

� Human activities like burning fossil fuels to run cars, trucks, factories, heat buildings, etc. have started to change the make up of gases in the atmosphere � This has lead to changes in our climate systems � GLOBAL WARMING!!!

CANADA’S CLIMATE SYSTEMS � Climate is the weather conditions of a particular region averaged over a long period of time � Climate in Canada varies widely from place to place and season to season

CANADA’S CLIMATE � Affected by seven natural characteristics: � 1. Size: 9, 971, 000 km 2. Temps and precipitation vary. � 2. Latitude: Northern country. Closer to the north pole than equator � 3. Ocean Currents: Warm (Pacific) and cold currents (Atlantic) � 4. Winds and Air Masses: Winds carry air masses across the country

� 4. Air Mass: Body of air with same temperature and moisture. High air pressure masses have high temps and clear skies. Low air pressure masses have low temps and precipitation

� 5. Jet Stream: Fast-moving, high altitude air moving across Canada. Divides warm and cool air. Steers weather systems.

� 6. Landscapes: Canada has a wide range of landforms and elevations. Elevation means cooler temperatures. Mountains create precipitation

� 7. Water: Slower to heat up and cool down than land. Places near large bodies of water have cool summers and milder winters

VIDEO � “Inconvenient Truth” � 2006 Academy Award winning documentary � Questions: � 1. What is Al Gore’s message? � 2. What does Gore suggest we do to fight global warming? � 3. What is the meaning or significance of the title? � http: //vimeo. com/24857305

CLIMATE CHANGE � Questions: � 1. What is Al Gore’s message? � 2. What does Gore suggest we do to fight global warming? � 3. What is the meaning of the title?

WIND AIR MASSES � Huge air masses stretch across the country � Major affect on our weather � Winds move from high pressure to low pressure � Front is a leading edge of an air mass

JET STREAM � Blows from west to east across the country � In a curvy pattern � Separates warm and cold air

WHAT IS WEATHER? � Daily conditions of the atmosphere in terms of heat, rain, wind, snow, sunshine, dryness, and cloud cover

HOW DOES WEATHER AFFECT US? � Brainstorming � Recreation � Work � Travel � Location Activity!

WHAT IS CLIMATE? � Climate is long-term weather patterns in a particular area

COMPARE WEATHER AND CLIMATE � Same? � Both deal with rain, snow, sun, humidity and other atmosphere conditions � Different? � Weather can change in a few hours � Climate change can take tens, hundreds or thousands of year to change

WEATHER STATEMENTS � It is sunny and 25 degrees today. � The forecast calls for 10 centimetres of snow. � There is a storm warning for tomorrow. � The humidity today is at 85% � The UV index is high for tomorrow

CLIMATE STATEMENTS � Deer Lake historically receives less rainfall than Corner Brook. � St. John’s has a higher annual snowfall than Toronto. � Halifax had its coldest winter in recorded history. � Ottawa set a heat wave record this past summer.

TO DO: � Read pp. 76 -89 � Questions on page 89. #’s 1 -3 � Worksheet: Weather and Climate

CLIMATE � What is a climate region? � A climate region is an area that shares similar weather conditions (precipitation, warmth, wind and sun) � Canada has 7 distinct climate regions. � Why? � Because Canada is so big

� Canada’s � 1. climate regions: Arctic: � Very cold winter, short cold summer, very dry � 2. Subarctic: � Cold winter, cool summer, moderate precipitation � 3. Pacific: � Mild winter, warm summer, heavy precipitation

� 4. Mountain: � Temperatures and precipitation vary greatly � 5. Prairie: � Cold winter, hot dry summer � 6. Lower Lakes: � Cool winter, hot summer, moderate precipitation � 7. Atlantic: � Cold winter, warm summer, moderate precipitation

CLIMATE GRAPHS � What is a Climate Graph? � Climate graphs show temperature and precipitation for a particular region

QUESTIONS… � 1. What is the wettest month? � 2. What is the driest? � 3. What is the warmest month? � 4. What is the coldest? � 5. What is the annual amount of precipitation?

QUESTIONS…ON YOUR OWN � 1. What is the wettest month? � 2. What is the dryest? � 3. What is the warmest month? � 4. What is the coldest? � 5. What is the annual amount of precipitation?

� 1. What is the wettest month? � 2. What is the driest? � 3. What is the warmest month? � 4. What is the coldest? � 5. What is the annual amount of precipitation?

CANADA’S VEGETATION SYSTEM �A vegetation system is a system of plants that are native to an area � They have not been planted by people

� � Canada’s Vegetation Regions: 1. Tundra: � � 2. Temperate Rainforest: � � 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Southern prairie Mixed Forest � � Most of Canada Grassland: � � Western Canada/BC Boreal Coniferous Forest: � � Pacific coast Mountain Forest: � � North South Ontario, Quebec and Maritimes Deciduous � Southern Ontario

� What is a biome? � A large region of the earth (i. e. rainforest or desert) which is distinct because of the plants that grow there � Biomes include animals � Plants in the biome are the product of the landforms and the climate

� Biomes correspond with latitude and longitude � The farther from the equator, the less direct sunlight, and the less heat � The boreal (northern) forest is the largest biome in the world!

� Boreal Forest: � Made of coniferous (needle –pine, spruce and fir) and deciduous (leaves –birch, maple) trees � Animals like moose, bears, and wolves

CANADA’S BOREAL FOREST � Video: � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=uhe 5 FHb mp � Read pp. 90 -94

CANADA’ NATURAL SYSTEMS � Canada’s Water Systems: � Much of the rain and snow that falls in Canada ends up in our interconnected waterways � A waterway is a body of water. It includes lakes, rivers, and wetlands

� Wetlands are bogs, swamps or marshes � Once considered wasteland � One of our most important natural systems

� Why � 1. � 2. � 3. � 4. � 5. are wetlands important? Remove contaminants from water Habitat: nesting and feeding ground Spawning and nursery ground for fish Protect shore from erosion Reservoir: store water

� Video: The value of wetlands � http: //www. youtube. com/watch? v=DYZUXB 9 JJz. E

� Water runoff: What is it? � Water that runs over the surface of the land into rivers and lakes is called runoff � Does not absorb into the ground

� What is groundwater? � Water that filters down through layers of soil, sand gravel

� Drainage basins: � What is a drainage basin? � An area of land that collects all water that flows into the ocean

� Drainage basins: � About 75% of all water in Canada drains into the Arctic Ocean or Hudson Bay � Water flows downhill � These areas are at lower elevation

� Canada’s Lakes: � Canada has two million lakes � Great Lakes are the largest freshwater lakes in the world � 21% of the earth’s surface fresh water

NATURAL SYSTEMS: SOIL � What is Soil? � Soil is the uppermost layer of the earth’s crust. � Soil is a mixture of broken rocks and minerals, living organisms, and decaying organic matter called humus � Soil includes air and water. � Made of layers, called profile

� Soil Profile:

� Humus is decaying matter that is dark, soft and rich in nutrients.

� Many different organisms live in the soil � Include worms, algae, fungi and bacteria � Without them, no room for plants to grow

� Why is Soil Important? � 1. Food: we do not eat if we do not have soil � 2. Oxygen: supports trees � 3. Water: soaks up and purifies it

� Types � 1. � 2. � 3. � 4. � 5. of soils: Coniferous forest Mountain forest Deciduous forest Bog soils Stony/rocky soil

INTERACTION: HUMANS AND SOILS � Soil quality is decreasing � Farmers yields are declining � Due to pesticides. Killing unwanted bugs and plants � Also kills creatures that make soil function � Also affect chemistry of soil and humus

NATURAL AND HUMAN SYSTEMS: PESTICIDES � http: //www. cbc. ca/player/Radio/ID/23956670 45/

CASE STUDY #3…ON YOUR OWN � Read “Water Crisis” on page 62 � Answer the following questions: � 1. Who are the players/stakeholders in this case study? � 2. What is the problem with the water infrastructure in the case study? � 3. What is the even bigger problem for the towns? What answer do they propose? � 4. What actions can you take to ensure your water supply is safe and preserved?