THE CHANGING ENVIRONMENT Change is Natural It can be Physical or Chemical Change can occur instantly or gradually i.e. lightning, weathering Frames of Reference used to Describe Change Time – “The rain will end later tonight.” Space – “Today it will be cloudy in the Northeast.” Rate of Change How quickly or slowly is the change occuring? Rate = amount of change time time

GRAPHING CHANGE  X-axis is for the independent or known data.  Y-axis is for the dependent or unknown data.  Extrapolate – to extend a graph beyond its range of data to make a prediction.  Interpreting Graphs  Direct Relationship – both axis increase together.

 Interpreting Graphs (continued)  Inverse Relationships – one axis increases while the other decreases.  No Relationship – one axis changes while the other remains the same.

Graphing Change (cont.)  Cyclic Change – A series of events that repeat at a regular interval.  Most change in nature is cyclic.  Phases of the Moon  Tides  Day & Night  Seasons

ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE  Dynamic Equilibrium  A situation when change occurs, but it is in balance (overall conditions remain the same).  The environment is normally in Dynamic Equilibrium  It can be altered in small amounts with little impact.  Wolves inc. Deer & mice dec.  Weathering & erosion inc. decrease in elevation

ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE  When the dynamic equilibrium (balance) is upset.  Logging without replanting.  Strip mining without land restoring.  Hurricanes  Volcanic eruptions  Earthquakes

POLLUTION  When a substance or form of energy begins to adversely affect people, their property, or plant or animal.  NATURAL POLLUTANTS  Forest fires  Volcanic ash  Pollen  Sunlight  MAN MADE POLLUTANTS  Carbon emissions or Greenhouse gases  Noise