THEORY EXAMINATION (SEM–VI) 2016-17 EARTH AND EVIRONMENT

EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT – EEV011

B.Tech (SEM VI) | Section-wise Solved Answers

SECTION – A

(10 × 2 = 20 Marks)

(a) Greenhouse Effect

The greenhouse effect is the natural process by which gases like carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. This trapped heat maintains the Earth’s temperature at a level suitable for life. Excess greenhouse gases increase global warming.

(b) Biosphere

The biosphere is the zone of life on Earth that includes all living organisms and their interactions with the lithosphere, hydrosphere, and atmosphere. It supports ecosystems and maintains ecological balance.

(c) Biogeochemical cycle

A biogeochemical cycle refers to the movement and recycling of essential elements like carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorus between living organisms and the physical environment.

(d) Organic farming

Organic farming is an agricultural system that avoids synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and genetically modified organisms. It relies on natural processes, compost, crop rotation, and biological pest control.

(e) Natural hazards

Natural hazards are naturally occurring events such as earthquakes, floods, cyclones, landslides, and volcanic eruptions that can cause damage to life, property, and the environment.

(f) Aquaculture

Aquaculture is the practice of cultivating aquatic organisms such as fish, prawns, and algae in controlled water environments for food production and economic benefit.

(g) Renewable biological resources

Renewable biological resources include forests, wildlife, fisheries, and agricultural crops that can regenerate naturally if managed sustainably.

(h) Traditional vs modern agriculture

Traditional agriculture depends on natural rainfall, organic manure, and simple tools, whereas modern agriculture uses high-yield seeds, chemical fertilizers, irrigation systems, and machinery to increase productivity.

(i) Water harvesting

Water harvesting is the collection and storage of rainwater from rooftops, land surfaces, or catchments for future use, helping conserve water and recharge groundwater.

(j) Mineral recycling

Mineral recycling involves reusing metals and minerals from waste products to reduce mining, conserve resources, and minimize environmental pollution.

SECTION – B

(Attempt any five – 5 × 10 = 50 Marks)

(a) Classification of Natural Resources

Natural resources are classified as renewable (solar energy, wind, forests, water), non-renewable (coal, petroleum, minerals), biotic (plants, animals), and abiotic (land, air, water).

(b) Ecological impacts of modern agriculture

Modern agriculture leads to soil degradation, water pollution due to fertilizers and pesticides, loss of biodiversity, groundwater depletion, and health hazards due to chemical residues.

(c) Effect of population increase on environment

Rapid population growth increases demand for food, water, land, and energy. This results in deforestation, pollution, waste generation, climate change, and depletion of natural resources.

(d) Air, water, and soil pollution

Air pollution occurs due to harmful gases and particulates.
Water pollution is caused by industrial waste, sewage, and chemicals.
Soil pollution results from pesticides, solid waste, and industrial dumping.

(e) Local environmental problem (example)

Urban areas often face solid waste management problems. Improper disposal causes water contamination, spread of diseases, foul smell, and land degradation.

(f) Earth’s energy budget

The Earth’s energy budget represents the balance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing terrestrial radiation. Disturbance in this balance leads to climate change and global warming.

(g) Climate and climate change

Climate refers to long-term weather patterns of a region. Climate change is the long-term alteration in temperature and rainfall patterns due to natural causes and human activities like fossil fuel burning.

(h) Wildlife conservation / management

Wildlife conservation involves protecting animal species and habitats through national parks, sanctuaries, and laws. Wildlife management ensures sustainable use and ecological balance.

SECTION – C

(Attempt any two – 2 × 15 = 30 Marks)

(3) Mineral resources and environmental impacts of extraction

Mineral resources are naturally occurring substances extracted from the Earth for industrial and economic use.
Environmental impacts include land degradation, deforestation, air and water pollution, noise, loss of biodiversity, and health hazards to local communities.

(4) Dams and environment

Dams provide irrigation, electricity, and flood control but also cause environmental issues like submergence of forests, displacement of people, loss of aquatic biodiversity, sedimentation, and changes in river ecosystems.

(5) Causes of global warming

Global warming is caused by increased greenhouse gases due to burning fossil fuels, deforestation, industrial emissions, agricultural activities, and excessive use of vehicles, leading to rising global temperatures.