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Chapter 2: Plate Tectonics, Geology, Basics of AP Enviro
This is part of the foundation of the APES course and will serve as a solid background for the rest of the course!
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Chp 2- Physical Systems: Matter, Energy, GeologyBasic
1. Central Case Study
a) Summarize
This Central Case Study discusses the challenges to nuclear power plants and highlights the underlying
vulnerability of surrounding populations, and the global community when nuclear accidents occur.
Fukushima’s 1-2-3 incident (Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant incident) (earthquake, tsunami,
nuclear meltdown) led to much destruction and displacement. It even eventually led to a nuclear
meltdown causing explosions to contaminate surrounding areas with radioactive material having
long-term effects on the population.
b) Importance
This Central Case Study is important in that it highlights the importance of public opinion in
environmental policy and how important safety precautions are for nuclear power plants considering
their high-stakes energy output. It is important to note that the probability of these incidents increases
as natural disasters become more common with human-induced global climate change. Thus it shows
the significance of being prepared for accidents with nuclear power, safety precautions, and the need to
address climate concerns effectively.
2a. The Science Behind the Story- Tracking Fukushima’s Nuclear
Legacy
a) Summarize
This case study followed Dr. Ken Buesseler and how he studied the toxic plume of radioactive blowouts
like Chornobyl and Fukushima’s meltdown. He tested water currents and noticed how most
concentrations got swept out but how some currents concentrated the water near the shore. This along
with deeper ocean testing of organisms showed that the impact of the radioactive disaster was so much
greater on the ocean than the general consequence. This level of concentration led to a longer-term
conclusion of the long-term potential radioactive material buildup.
b) Importance
This is an important study because it shows how impacted water is by radioactive material. Specifically, it
highlighted that despite Fukushima being 5x smaller than Chernobyl, the water experienced 100x the
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