Kia ora,
For the past seven weeks of school, in Science I have been learning about the deep impacts Mining and Deforestation do to the Earth and its operating system. Over all, the intention of this topic was to become proficient in gaining an understanding of how these specific human-induced activities alter the ecosystem and its working programme.
During this unit, I have learned that Earth has four main subsystems that are classified as “spheres.” The four spheres associate accordingly, making up the environment of plant and animal life on the planet. The Geosphere, the sphere that makes up the Earth’s rocky structure and main land. The Atmosphere, the sphere that includes all aquatic water on Earth. The Biosphere, the sphere that relates to all living organisms and things on the plant. The Atmosphere, the sphere that induces the different gasses in the air.
Deforestation was an issue we fixated on, ensuring we knew the purpose for stripping forests of their trees. I learned that the clearance of trees causes significant amounts of Carbon Dioxide to be released into the air, contributing to global warming. Deforestation is useful for agricultural purposes and building resources, collecting supplies to moderate houses and many buildings. The impact of Deforestation escalated after European arrival, and most definitely hasn’t slowed. Many years ago, the country was blanketed with lush forests that produced towering native trees. Now-days, the forest covers almost only 20% of New Zealand.
From deforestation, I learned the effects it has on the world. The impact deforestation does is rather negative to the environment. With relation to the four spheres, it alters biodiversity, atmospheric gasses, the land structure and water bodies. Deforestation causes soil erosion that converts to run-off. Acid rain soon comes in contact with the materials, this enhances the acid. The sediments wash into waterways, contaminating the water, characterising ocean acidification. Ocean acidification alters pH level in water, affecting the natural habitat for marine life. With the change in habitation, this eventually leads to death or causes aquatic life to migrate elsewhere.
Mining was sometimes started in the same area Deforestation has taken place. After trees are taken down, it makes the area more clear which saves time for miners to clean the surface. There are two main methods that help to extract the valuable minerals; Surface Mining and Underground Mining. They are both useful mining processes that help to gather resources. I now know that mining is an essential activity that will forever take place to keep a maintained and modern lifetime.
