Discussion Board

1.What alternative energy sources the country in which you live is developing.
Azerbaijan is working on the development of alternative energy sources to provide

diversification of the economy and decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Major efforts are:
 Solar Energy: Significant potential with 2,400 to 3,200 sunshine hours annually.
 Wind Energy: 3,000 MW technical potential, especially along the Caspian Sea coast.
 Hydropower: 520 MW potential for small hydro projects.
 Geothermal Energy: Up to 800 MW potential from 11 geothermal zones.
 Biomass Energy: 380 MW potential from industrial and agricultural waste.
 Waste-to-Energy: Processing over 2 million tons of solid waste annually.
The increase of energy efficiency and improvement of energy intensity with new laws and
policies aiming to reduce GHG emissions by 35% from 1990 levels by 2030. The development
of new energy technologies and research support these efforts (IEA 2021).
https://www.iea.org/reports/azerbaijan-energy-profile/energy-system-transformation#
2.Describe the temperate grassland biome (location, precipitation, temperature, structure,

biodiversity, productivity et cet.).
Temperate grasslands are found in North America, South America, Eurasia, and Africa.
They experience cold winters and hot summers, with annual precipitation ranging from 10 to 35
inches. The soil is nutrient-rich, supporting grasses and various plants, but few trees due to
droughts and wildfires. These grasslands host diverse wildlife, including prairie dogs, bison,
gazelles, and zebras. Covering about 25% of the Earth's surface, temperate grasslands are highly
productive and serve as a transitional biome between forests and deserts. However, only about
2% of the original North American prairies remain intact.
https://www.toppr.com/guides/science/nature/ecosystem/temperate-grassland-definition-features-
facts/
3.Explain the formation of soil salinization due to overirrigation and management ways.
Soil salinization occurs when the soil is over-irrigated because the excessive application
of water leaves large amounts of soluble salts in the soil. Soil salinization comes with poor
drainage where the salts are not flushed and thus, through capillary action, are taken to the top
layers of the soil. Over time, the concentration of salt was reported to have made it impossible
for plants to take up water and has since reduced agricultural productivity and degraded the land.
Therefore, the optimum way to manage and prevent soil salinization includes proper irrigation
practices; that is, through the drip irrigation systems, applying desalinated or rain-harvested
water and not overwatering. The drainage system of the soil can be enhanced in such a way that
salts will easily be washed away. Organic matter and manure retain moisture, lessening the
frequency of irrigation. Salt-tolerant crops can also be planted, and this is also another key way
as these plants can survive and thrive under saline conditions. The mechanical removal of salt
crystals from the surface of the soil and the application of chemicals such as gypsum or sulfuric
acid help in restoring the soil balance. Addition of mulch can also be used to reduce evaporation
from the soil and maintain the moisture content of the soil. EOSDA Crop Monitoring, which is
used to monitor the moisture of the soil, is carried out such that, with this technology, soil
conditions will be tracked, hence irrigation practices adjusted to ensure no further salinization of
the soils. (EOS 2021). https://eos.com/blog/soil-salinization/
4.Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of tidal energy.
One advantage of tidal energy is its reliability. Unlike solar and wind energy, which are
dependent on weather conditions, tidal energy is highly predictable because tides are influenced
by the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun. Once tidal energy systems are built, they are
also relatively cheap to run and maintain, providing a consistent and clean energy source without
releasing nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, or greenhouse gases.
However, a significant disadvantage of tidal energy is the high capital cost involved in
constructing the necessary infrastructure. Building tidal power plants requires substantial
investment due to the complexity of the technology and the need to withstand harsh marine
environments. Additionally, suitable locations for tidal energy are limited by the tidal range and
the specific shape of the coastline, which restricts where these systems can be effectively
implemented.
5.Explain water scarcity and outline methods to increase water supply.
Water scarcity is a global issue where many people lack access to sufficient or clean
water. It arises due to arid climates, dense populations, overuse, pollution, and climate change,
which alters precipitation patterns and causes earlier snowmelt and rising sea levels. To increase
water supply, several methods are used. Dams and reservoirs store water for use during dry
periods, while rainwater harvesting captures and stores rainwater. Aqueducts transport water
from abundant areas to those in need. Desalination converts seawater to freshwater, though it is
expensive and energy-intensive. Water recycling treats and reuses wastewater for various
purposes. Water conservation involves using less water and using it more efficiently, both at
home and in agriculture.
https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Ecology/Environmental_Science_(Ha_and_Schleiger)/
04%3A_Humans_and_the_Environment/4.02%3A_Water_Resources/
4.2.03%3A_Water_Scarcity_and_Solutions
6.Explain primary succession and give one example.
Primary succession is the process of ecosystem development on barren landscapes where

no soil initially exists. It begins with the colonization of pioneer species, such as lichens and
mosses, which can survive in harsh conditions and help break down rocks into soil. As soil
forms, grasses and small plants start to grow, followed by shrubs and eventually trees, leading to
a mature ecosystem.
An example of primary succession is the ecological development on a newly formed

volcanic island. Initially, the barren rock is colonized by lichens and mosses. Over time, as these
organisms break down the rock and organic material accumulates, soil forms, allowing grasses
and small plants to grow. This process continues with the arrival of larger plants and trees,
gradually leading to a diverse and stable ecosystem.

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1.What alternative energy sources the country in which you live is developing.

Azerbaijan is working on the development of alternative energy sources to provide

2.Describe the temperate grassland biome (location, precipitation, temperature, structure,

4.Describe one advantage and one disadvantage of tidal energy.

5.Explain water scarcity and outline methods to increase water supply.

6.Explain primary succession and give one example.

Primary succession is the process of ecosystem development on barren landscapes where

An example of primary succession is the ecological development on a newly formed

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