Chapter 8

    In Chapter 8 reading about how land-use changes effected rivers was most interesting.  It was explained that forests being cleared for farming or developing causes increased soil erosion and an increase in sediment load supplied to the stream.  This is because without the trees, there is a faster erosion rate.  This will cause more deposition of sediment on the slope which will increase the slope, in turn increasing the velocity of the river.  If you grow trees on open land the reverse will occur and the velocity of water will slow.



Chapter 12

   This chapter gave an excellent explanation on how influent streams can carry polluted water into ground water.  First of all an influent stream is often above the water table and flow in response to precipitation, however, water from these streams move down to the water table, forming a recharge mound which interacts with ground water.  Being able to understand how groundwater works enlightens one to the effects of pollution.  These chemicals on top of soils is carried beneath by water and can pollute water sources for humans and animals everywhere.


Chapter 13

    In this chapter I was surprised to learn how heavy metals deposited in the groundwater can become a part of plants, including food crops and that this can be dangerous to us.
    Another form of pollution I had never thought about was thermal pollution.  Our text explained that heated water by hot water emissions from industrial operations and power plants creates a lower oxygenation in water and promotes the growth of only certain species while killing others.
    I enjoyed Karen Sand's teaching of MMSD.  She was enthusiastic and full of information.  I thought it was very interesting how they created food for golf course grass from waste and that they were all or nearly off the grid by creating their own energy from water.  What a neat company!!!!