The Hoover Dam and Colorado River Discussion

There are several dams along the Colorado River that are a major source of hydroelectric power. One dam that is also known to have negative effect on the environment since it was built is the Hoover Dam. Created in 1931, the building of this dam created many jobs for people during the Great Depression. While the dam created work for the American people and a new source of power, the construction of the dam lowered the Colorado River bed and lowered the groundwater table. This had effects on the local plants, whose roots could not reach the deeper water table. This also affects animals because they depend upon the local plants for food. The erosion of the riverbanks and the change in watershed also affects the delicately balanced ecosystem of the area. Temperatures were altered because of the dam, which effect plant and animal life in Lake Mead, the reservoir that are adapted to the natural temperatures of the water. Additionally, the Hoover Dam regulated natural flooding of the area. Changing the natural flooding cycle of the ecosystem endangered many plants and animals that were adapted to this flooding already.

While the dams along the river are affecting the river and local ecosystems, hydroelectric power is effective source of power. The Hoover Dam shows that while this source of power is effective, environmental effects must be considered before creating any dam.

Class Discussion 4/10/12

In class today we discussed the major ways of producing electricity. These include:

1. Hydro
2. Nuclear
3. Coal
4. Wind
5. Geothermal
6. Tidal
7. Solar

On the Northeast trip, students will be visiting many of these facilities and discussing their processes more in depth. We discussed the difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. While it was once believed that nuclear fission could produce the cheapest electricity the world has ever seen, nuclear power plants can only use fusion, which is extremely expensive.

There are many risks to nuclear power plants, but there are also many benefits that make nuclear power a beneficial choice. For instance, nuclear power plants emit few toxins into the air, keeping the environment cleaner. Nuclear power is also known as one of the most efficient methods for producing energy. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Nuclear Energy is becoming more popular and at the end of 2006 it accounted for about 15% of the world’s electricity. Also, new advances in its safely make its use for widely accepted. Overall, the use of Nuclear Energy, while it has its risks, is beneficial in the long run.

While I believe that nuclear energy is a good source of energy to use because of its environmental factors (besides the radioactive waste) and its efficiency, I do believe that it is necessary to calculate the risk factors involved before building a nuclear plant. There should be certain regulations that prevent plants to be built in areas where risks of natural disasters are great, and in areas where people live. We need to be more cautious because the risk factors of cancer and other problems from radiation are too great to be ignored. We should be building nuclear reactors in places that are many miles away from any human life and limit the number of people working at the plant. Additionally, risk factors for natural disasters that could have an affect on the plant should be calculated before building begins.

Summary of Documentary “Swim for the River”

This documentary on Chris Swain’s swim from the source of the Hudson River in upstate New York to its end in NYC harbor not only provides informationon the river itself but also brings awareness to how polluted this water system is. This 315 mile long river actually begins as small streams and pools of water. The problems and pollution of the river that Swain ran into along the way are indescribable. One small town along the river was fighting against putting in a trash incinerator where trash from NYC and other areas in the state would be sent. This facility would be placed along the river and have the possibility of polluting that area of the waterway. One representative claimed that this possible pollution was a “tradeoff for economic benefits.” This line represents the attitude of our nation. We need the environment for survival and yet its protection and importance never seem to come first.

The problem in Glenns Falls, NY is even more mind-boggling. An old paper company that allowed the city to prosper in the past is also the reason why the river is closed off to the public and highly polluted. After finding ways to go around the barriers around the river set up by the paper mill plant, Swain was shocked to find four or five pipes dumping toxins from the paper mill directly into the river. This “out of sight, out of mind” attitude, as Swain refers to it, is another reason why the public is so unaware of the real problems of the Hudson River. Pollutants such as PCB’s are causing cancers and deaths in the state of NY. These pollutants cause commercial fishing to be banned and put all of the citizens at risk and are caused by the dumping of chemicals such as these into the waterways. Although many of these PCB hot spots were ordered to be dredged, these hot spots still remain in many parts of the river due to lack of action.

Sewage treatment plants along the river also cause major pollution to the river. When it rains, these plants overflow directly into the river, making the river very unhealthy to swim in. Additionally, these plants, other factories, and dams cause the temperature of the river to increase, causing many other ecological problems including the destruction of plankton, a main producer in the river. One shocking element of this documentary was how many times the police were called and Swain got in trouble for swimming in areas of the river. Some areas were so polluted that he was legally not allowed to swim in the water due to health risks. There are so many things that the public is unaware of due to the lack of information and lack of knowledge about the state of the river at this time. Chris Swain’s efforts in making the public more aware are remarkable and inspiring. The importance of this issue is growing and Swain defiantly gets this point across by his extraordinary journey.

Summary of The National Parks: America’s Best Idea

A Film by Ken Burns – Part 3, “The Empire of Grandeur” (1915-1919)

This documentary recounts the history of the National Parks during the time of Steven Mather and the creation of the National Parks Service. Before 1915, the creation and management of the national parks in the United States was disorganized. Any place that was beautiful and seemed to be in danger was named a National Park. Even if a place named a designated park its protected was not guaranteed because of the lack of organization in the system.

Steven Mather was a wealthy man who was inspired by Innus Mills. He began working in Washington by helping run the National Parks because he believed in the cause. He, along with his assistant Albright, worked to bring national attention to the Parks around the country. He created shows with Native Americans, allowed railroads to be built throughout the parks with the tag line “See America First,” and gained the support of many of his wealthy friends by bringing them out to see the parks and all of the magic they hold. Through the use of his own money, donations from his friends, and associating a sense of patriotism with the National Parks, Mather managed to create the National Park Service and have it recognized by the United States government in 1916.

After struggling with depression and attempted suicide, Mather was forced to leave his job to Albright. However, with the help of Albright and the beauty and spirit of the National Parks, Mather was able to return to his job at full speed ahead displaying the tremendous power, inspiration, and faith that the parks evoke in the people that visit them. Mather and Albright succeeded in creating many parks including Grand Canyon National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and many more.

Other major influences on the National Park system include the Washburn’s who made a documentary of their expedition to the top of Mt. McKinley, making it well known around the US and a National Park. The Kolb brothers were the first to photograph and make a video of the waters of the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. With the efforts of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and George Dorr, Mt. Desert Island became Acadia National Park in 1919, the first National Park in the East and also the first national park to be made up of donated land. Because of the work of Mather, Albright, and many more influential people the National Park Service is running today to help protect and manage the US’s natural wonders.

Movie Trailer

Notes on Yellowstone: How the Earth Was Made

      While many of us are aware of the natural marvels of Yellowstone above ground such as the waterfalls, forests, and geysers, many are unaware of what is really occurring beneath the grounds of this famous national park.  The famous sights above ground often are key to indicating what is really going on underneath the earth’s surface, for example, the famous Old Faithful. Rainwater fills the underground chamber and rocks underneath the surface heat this water. When the heat is too much, the water bursts out causing a change in pressure and steam. Old Faithful shows us above ground just how hot the rocks underneath are. In Yellowstone Lake, geysers explode underwater. These geysers indicate a volcano underground, one that that has erupted in the past.

      Evidence of ash found all over the US and obsidian rock in Meadow Creek indicate that previous eruptions were extremely large. More frequent earthquakes, raises in ground level, and historical timing indicate that Yellowstone could erupt very soon, but the side or magnitude of this eruption is unknown. I believe that it is incredible that things occurring above ground can provide evidence for scientists looking to understand what is occurring above ground. It is said that Yellowstone is a National Park because of it geology. Based on the information provided in this documentary, I would have to agree that it is a very defining element of the park.

Below are notes taken on the video:

Earth is 4.5 billion years old

· Yellowstone one of the most active places

o 5000 earthquakes per year

· one of the most dangerous but amazing places

· 1^st national park because of geology

· Old Faithful

o Clue to what is underneath

o SW of park

o Display every 90 mins

o Rainwater fills underground chamber

o Hot rocks heat water

o Water bursts out, change in pressure

o Steam blasts

o Shows that the rocks are extremely hot

· Indian Ponds

o Boulder built from individual grains of sand

o Chemicals and pressure hold it together

o Believed to have come from a geyser

· Yellowstone lake

o Geysers exploding underwater

o Underwater vents – pump out heat and gases

o Gases the same that come out of the volcano

o Quarts crystals found her are evidence that there is a volcano underneath

· Study geological past to try and determine when the volcano will erupt underground

o NA used to live in this area

o Historical accounts and stories told of geysers and hot springs

· Where is the volcano?

o Lodge Poll Pines – thrive on soil from lava – Rhyolite

o Mosquitoes – indicate presence of Rhyolite

§ Creates water filled with craters

§ Good from mosquito breeding

· Meadow Creek

o Thin layer of black rock

o Obsidians

o Rocks came out of volcano

· Must have been a “Super-Eruption”

o So big it blew volcano to pieces

o Ash spread for miles

o Park located inside on of the larges volcano craters on Earth

o Only found this out in the late 60s

o In California – ash found underneath soil that matched Yellowstone ash

o Ash found all over US

o Confirms the large size of this volcano

o “Super Volcano”

· Lava flow

o Some covered by soil and trees

o Other lava created countryside

· Earthquakes

o Seismic waves go through rock and detect hot rock

o Size of magma pot changes

o More advanced equipment

§ Shows large volcanic pipe

§ 400 mi or more

§ 2x distance WA to NY

· Similar large eruptions happened many times before

o Other chains of craters from other eruptions

o Hot spot traveled hundreds of miles

o Plotting earthquakes wraps around hot spot locations in a V-shape

o American continent moving and pushing new land over hot spot

o Only hot spot on continent

· When will Yellowstone erupt again?

o Ash spread over all of US

o Thousands will die because they will be covered in debris

o Look at previous eruptions to determine when it will again

o Normally occur every 600,000 years

o Last one was 640,000 years ago

o Warning signs

§ Usually 12 tremors a day -> since 2009 4x as many s

§ Ground seems to be rising

· While it may have another catastrophic eruption, we do know its magnitude

Notes on Yellowstone Documentary

   Yellowstone National Park is one of the greatest wonders of the world being one of the largest ecosystems known. It’s over 2 million acres of land have a range of habitats created by rivers, mountains, valleys, geysers, waterfalls, forests, wetlands, and more. These habitats house a large range of animals such as elk, bison, grizzly bears and wolves.  Many wonders are still being discovered today. For example, researchers are still in the process of mapping out waterfalls throughout the park. They look at the topography of regions and search the areas out either by foot or by plane.  Over 300 waterfalls have been found recently.

One of Yellowstone’s most famous wonders is Old Faithful. This huge geyser is evidence of a large volcano holding over 3 times the amount of magma as Lake Michigan holds water beneath the grounds of Yellowstone that is creating hotspots throughout the park. This volcano is causing the ground to lift, something that researchers have been observing for years. This volcano underground is also having effects on animal populations throughout the park. When five bison were found dead in one area, scientists found the cause to be high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in the geothermal gases from the volcano.

Below are some notes on the video. Yellowstone is so large that it is hard to capture its essence through one video. However, through this video it is clear to see that these discovered and undiscovered aspects of the area are what make Yellowstone such an amazing park.

  Yellowstone is within the largest ecosystem of its type in the world

· Over 4000 bison

· Contains 17 rivers, plains, grasslands, wetlands, the largest high altitude lake, canyons, the worlds largest volcano and more

· Over 2 million acres of land

o Bigger than DE and RI combined

· Old Faithful

o There is a volcano below Yellowstone

o Earthquake tremors

o Below Yellowstone is 3 Lake Michigan’s worth of magma

o Hot spots – heat source hasn’t moved by continent has moved

· A lot of rain and snow – creates diverse habitat for wildlife

· Many rivers and streams

· Waterfalls found by looking at topography

o High relief means water is falling

o Topographical drops

o Found over 300 unknown waterfalls

o One is 308 ft tall

o Can find on foot or by air with the help of maps

· Glaciers carved valleys of Yellowstone

· 2/3 of geysers in the world are in YNP

· Lightning/Fires

o Soil quality is poor because of volcano below

o Plants are less variable and flammable

§ Don’t burn far

o Fires-> specific temperatures and timing let out seeds of trees and plants

§ Resin inside the pine cone burns in 25 seconds and drops seeds

o Small fires help to limit the big outbreaks

§ Must let fires burn

§ Except if people are involved

§ Must find a balance between people and what’s natural

o Moisture on ground affects how far the fire will spread

§ Moisture 12% or higher – ground wont burn

§ Scientists take samples from surrounding down trees to determine moisture content

o Putting out fires

§ Planes bring in water from the air

§ Big effort to keep fires within the park

§ Rain helps put out fires

§ Fire brings sapling growth

· Animals

o Fires regenerate growth -> more for animals to eat

o Elk die young in volcanic area

§ Plants have silica that wear down their teeth

o Bison are the most dangerous animals in the park because of their aggression

o Grizzly bear – 2 hikers came across one

§ Has alert sene of hearing, smelling, and their sight is good

§ 35 mi/hr – fastest grizzly speed

§ Huffing signals that they are on high alert

§ will guard their food and ward off all other animals

§ Pepper spray got the bear to back off

§ Grizzlies caught on tape sharing food

o Wolves

§ Wiped out in the ‘40s

§ Reintroduced in 1995

§ Elk- prey

§ 1 particular pack prefer bison – kill more bison than any other pack

§ one instance they killed one bicen in 12 min

· rare

· bison had poor bone marrow

· was weaker and easier to kill

§ bison have greater chances of survival if they stand their ground than if they run

§ Wolves are caught and tagged in winter because it’s harder to run in the snow

· Tracking of wolves reveals how they shape Yellowstone

o 5 bison found dead in one area led to thorough study of the grounds

§ high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide in their air were toxic

§ geothermal gases due to volcano

· Volcano is causing ground to lift

· Geology is what made Yellowstone the first national park