Global Impacts on Human Activity (HS-ESS3-1): Construct an explanation based on evidence for how the availability of natural resources, occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have influenced human activity.
Constructing an explanation based on evidence shows how the availability of natural resources, the occurrence of natural hazards, and changes in climate have significantly influenced human activity. The distribution of resources like water, minerals, and fossil fuels affects where and how societies develop. Natural hazards, such as earthquakes and hurricanes, shape infrastructure and emergency planning. Climate changes impact agriculture, settlement patterns, and economic activities. Understanding these factors helps explain how human societies adapt to and manage their environments.
Main Concepts:
- Natural resources are materials or substances that occur naturally in the environment and are used by humans to fulfill their needs. The availability and access to natural resources have played a significant role in human development, economic growth, and societal well-being. Examples of natural resources include minerals, fossil fuels, timber, fresh water, fertile soils, and wildlife. Understanding the location, abundance, and quality of natural resources is essential for planning and managing their use sustainably.
- Natural hazards are naturally occurring phenomena or processes that pose a threat to human life or property. They can be caused by geological or atmospheric events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, and droughts. The impact of natural hazards on human societies can be devastating, leading to loss of life, displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, and economic losses. Understanding the mechanisms and impacts of natural hazards is crucial for developing effective strategies for hazard mitigation, preparedness, and response.
- Changes in climate refer to long-term alterations in temperature, precipitation, and other weather patterns that occur over decades or centuries. Climate change can have significant impacts on human societies, including alterations in the distribution and productivity of ecosystems, changes in water availability, and increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Understanding the causes and consequences of climate change is essential for developing effective policies and strategies to mitigate its impacts and adapt to its effects. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing resilience to climate impacts, and promoting sustainable land use and resource management practices.
NGSS Aligned Testing Question
The La Rance Tidal Barrage in western France is a dam-like structure built to take advantage of the periodic cycling of tidal waters. The model below shows the position of a turbine and the movement of tidal water.
| The La Rance Tidal Barrage was built in northwest France because of the availability of access to (A) . This structure creates (B) energy that decreases emissions of (C) that would otherwise be generated from (D) resources. Which set of terms constructs a correct explanation that describes why humans have built the La Rance Tidal Barrage across the La Rance River? |
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General Question and Answer Section:
- What are some key natural resources that have influenced human development?
Answer: Access to fresh water, regions of fertile soils, and high concentrations of minerals and fossil fuels are some key natural resources that have influenced human development. - What are some examples of natural hazards?
Answer: Natural hazards can be from interior processes such as volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, surface processes such as tsunamis, mass wasting and soil erosion, and severe weather such as blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts. - How have changes in climate affected human activity?
Answer: Changes in climate can affect populations and drive mass migrations. For example, changes in sea level, regional patterns of temperature and precipitation, and the types of crops and livestock that can be raised can have significant impacts on human activity. - What is the importance of access to fresh water for human development?
Answer: Access to fresh water is critical for human development, as it is necessary for drinking, sanitation, and agriculture. - How can natural hazards affect human populations?
Answer: Natural hazards can cause significant damage to human infrastructure and populations, as well as affect agricultural productivity and access to resources. - What is the significance of fertile soils for agriculture?
Answer: Fertile soils are essential for agriculture, as they provide the nutrients necessary for plant growth and high crop yields. - What are some examples of severe weather events?
Answer: Examples of severe weather events include blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and droughts. - How do changes in sea level affect human populations?
Answer: Changes in sea level can lead to flooding of coastal areas, displacement of populations, and loss of infrastructure. - What are some examples of minerals and fossil fuels?
Answer: Examples of minerals include iron, copper, and gold. Examples of fossil fuels include coal, oil, and natural gas. - How can humans prepare for and mitigate the impacts of natural hazards?
Answer: Humans can prepare for and mitigate the impacts of natural hazards by implementing early warning systems, building resilient infrastructure, and developing emergency response plans.
*continue your studies by accessing another review sheet below*
Space Systems: HS-ESS1-1 : HS-ESS1-2 : HS-ESS1-3 : HS-ESS1-4 : HS-ESS1-7
History of the Earth: HS-ESS1-5 : HS-ESS1-6 : HS-ESS2-1
Earth's Systems: HS-ESS2-2 : HS-ESS2-3 : HS-ESS2-5 : HS-ESS2-6 : HS-ESS2-7
Weather and Climate: HS-ESS2-4 : HS-ESS3-5 : HS-ESS2-8
Human Sustainability: HS-ESS3-1 : HS-ESS3-2 : HS-ESS3-3 : HS-ESS3-4 : HS.ESS3-6
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended to serve as a study guide based on a contextual analysis of the NGSS standards for the Earth and Space Science assessment. These study guides should be used as a supplement to your overall study strategy, and their alignment to the actual test format is not guaranteed. We recommend that you consult with your instructor for additional guidance on exam preparation.