Themes of the Day:

• Nuclear Energy
• Geothermal Energy
• Renewable Energy Sources
• The Future of Energy Use
• Soil Resources

Nuclear Energy

• Energy from Fission
  • Geologic Occurrence of Uranium
  • Fission Process, Chain Reactions
  • Reactor Design
  • Risks Associated with Nuclear Power: Meltdown, Radioactivity
  • Radioactive Waste Disposal
    • New Mexico
    • Yucca Mtn., NV
    • France
• Energy from Fusion

Geothermal Energy

• Geothermal Gradients
  • USA
  • Western US detail
• Vapor Dominated System - e.g., Geysers, CA
• Hot Water System
• Environmental Impacts - minimal
• Limited Geographical Potential

Renewable Energy Sources

• Solar Energy (broadly defined)
  • Solar Powerplant Schematic
• Hydropower: Sierra Nevada, CA, Three Gorges, China
• Wind Power

The Future of Energy Use

• Conservation, Efficiency, and Cogeneration
• Future Energy Policy
  • Fuel Cell Technology

Clerical:

Soil Resources Discussion - Spring '06 Podcast

• Soil is not the same as dirt. (Insult a soil scientist by telling him/her that he/she works with dirt)
• Soils develop as the result of weathering over hundreds or thousands of years
• Soil Profiles
  • Idealized
  • Actual
  • Pedalfer - temperate, moist climate
  • Pedocal - arid climate
  • Laterite - tropical climate
• Soil Classification
  • Classification Triangle
  • Soil Structures
  • Engineers' Classification
• Soil Moisture
  • Partial Saturation
  • Role of Roots
  • Expansive Soils
• Soil Erosion
  • Downcutting by Streams
  • Sediment Pollution
  • Sediment Control Basins
• Effects of Land Use
• Soil Management Techniques
  • Contour Plowing
  • Terracing
  • Multiple Crops
  • Urban Vegetation - Before and After
• Effects of Off-Road Vehicles
• Bioremediation of Soils

Themes of the Day:

• Exam #4