Bibliographic

French, J.R., & Burningham, H. (2009). Coastal geomorphology: trends and challenges. Progress in Physical Geography 33(1) (2009) pp. 117–129, 33(1), 117-129p, 13p.

Link; http://proxy.consortiumlibrary.org/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=aph&AN=40208636&site=ehost-live

This article talks about recent work done on coastal geomorphology. New studies talked about in this report question and dispute some preexisting concepts about coastal processes. This article talks about hydrology and sediment transport specific to coasts. It focuses on past sedimentation processes, recent large-scale natural events and human activity that is effecting coasts lines. It also points out that there is a problem with the lack of communication between specialized geomorphologists. The article states that coastal geomrphology is leading the way for using new technology to do research. Like using video imagery.

The Use of Energy

Wendell Berry’s essay is an objective look into the use of energy. His philosophy is that there are two types of energy use, energy done by living things like labor from plants and animals, and energy done by tools or machines. He also says that energy that comes from living things can’t be preserved, and is not available in long-term supply. This energy last only as long as the things life cycle. Machines consume the type of energy that can be preserved.

He holds the freedom of machines responsible for the change from agriculture to “agribusiness”. In Berry’s view agriculture is sustainable because it uses the circle of life to renew energy, which is a natural check. Agribusiness is only affordable in the short term, because of its wasteful practices. I agree with Berry that with new technology comes responsibly to use it thoughtful. Yes, “agribusiness” it is highly energy consuming, and extremely wasteful. Most large farms are fertilized crops with chemicals from fossils fuels, instead of compost. Also, the equipment used to farm consumes fossil fuels, which do not return nutrients to the soil.

Tidal Energy

Renewable energy is a hot topic in today’s world. One source of alternative energy is the hydraulic power from tides. Earth’s tides are caused by the gravitational pull of the sun and moon. The attraction of the sun and moon pulls on the entire planet. We only see the effect on the ocean because it is a loose mass. Tidal power works with the same concepts as with any power plant. One method of harnessing tidal power is to build a dam across an inlet. During high tide valves in the dam are opened and ocean water is allowed to flow in. During slack tide the valves are closed, and tunnels with turbines in them are opened. As water is released out of the reservoir, the turbine spins and is generates electricity. Another method is to place towers with turbines in the inlet. The current of the incoming and outgoing tides turn the turbines and generate power.

BP Energy Calculator

My energy estimate from the BP energy calculator was 16624 kWh/yr. The BP calculator said that 42% of my energy consumption goes to my car, 27% goes to heating and cooling, and 31% of my total energy consumption goes to lighting and appliances. I expected that most of my energy use would go to transportation. I was surprised that a little under a third of my energy goes towards lighting and appliances. The BP said that my carbon footprint is approximately 8.9 tonnes CO2 per year.