Climate Change

Natural Climate Change over Earth’s History
M. Cavanagh

Over the last 4.6 billion years, Earth has gone through a great number of geological and atmospheric changes that impacted the organic life that inhabited it. Earth’s geological record gives clues to the environment of Earth’s surface throughout the years, and provides insight on the type of wildlife that could be found at any given time. The atmospheric changes that our planet has gone through can also be studied through the geological record. The first atmosphere that developed was inhabitable for modern day plants and animals.  It was made up of methane, carbon dioxide, and other gases, but did not contain any free oxygen. This can be supported by the discovery of stromatolites in 3.5 billion year old limestone. These carbonate sediments indicate that carbon dioxide was present, and that there was a lot of it. All of these gases in the atmosphere would have resulted in a greenhouse earth, with a hot climate due to heat being trapped by the atmosphere. About 2.5 billion years ago oxygen became sufficient enough in the atmosphere to form red beds, which are beds of sandstone that has been turned red due to oxidation. The earliest signs of free oxygen can be found in iron deposits from 4.6 billion years ago to 541 million years ago. These iron deposits would absorb the oxygen released by anaerobes present at the time. A decrease in the number of iron deposits resulted in an increase of oxygen in the atmosphere, ultimately killing off any organisms that cannot survive with oxygen, and making way for other organisms to thrive. This transition can be marked by fossils of eukaryotes, which require an oxygen content of 0.02 PAL (present atmospheric level), from around 1.4 billion years ago. All of these changes in Earth’s atmosphere and climate can be evidenced by changes in the geologic record and can be used to study our present and future climate.

Earth’s geological record also includes sea bed sedimentation, which can be studied for clues on that period’s marine life, global climate, arrangements of continents, and so forth. The ocean currents are largely responsible for the transfer of heat throughout the globe, and therefore can have an effect on the global climate. Ocean currents can be changed over long periods of time by tectonic activity in the Earth’s crust. Around 250 million years ago, the supercontinent Pangea was beginning to break up, and form the continents we see today. This occurred over millions of years, creating continents, mountains, and new oceans as it happened. Eventually what is now Antarctica drifted to the south pole, where it formed a circumpolar ocean all the way around it. This ocean formed a clockwise current around the continent that blocked heat from reaching the landmass. This ocean current caused a large sheet of ice to form over Antarctica. As the ice sheet grew and spread, more and more sunlight was reflected away from Earth, this could be what caused a period of cooling of Earth’s global climate, which includes the present. Today’s global temperatures are around 10°C lower than they were during the Mesozoic Era. Changes in Earth’s climate occur over millions of years, and can be affected by many different things, including ocean currents and continental drift.

Earth’s history is full of drastic changes, some of which are mass extinctions of primary species at the time. There are five major extinction events known as the “big five”.  The second of these events occurred over 2-4 million years during the Devonian period. This extinction event has been debated as it takes place over a much longer time period than the other four. It has been separated into different events by many different people, and it is still unknown exactly what caused it, as it is difficult to discern a specific reason for such an extended period. The Kellwasser event was responsible for the extinction of the great coral reefs, jawless fish, and trilobites. The Hangeberg event was responsible for killing off the placoderms, and most of the early ammonites. Overall marine life took the brunt of the mass extinction and  great coral reefs would not reappear until 145 million years after. An estimated 75% of all marine fish families were killed during this period. One proposed theory for this extinction event is cooling of the planet due to an increased amount of trees and plant life that absorbed CO2 from the atmosphere. This would have switched the Earth from a greenhouse climate to an icehouse climate. Although marine life was heavily impacted by this change, terrestrial life was almost unaffected by it. The mass extinction at the end of the Devonian period marks the beginning of the Carboniferous period. As with all extinctions, the Devonian extinction event made way for other species to become the dominant life form, and for new species to form and evolve. Changes in the Earth’s atmosphere and climate can change more than just the geological record, it can cause mass extinctions like that of the Devonian period.

In the past 100-200 years humans have been increasingly growing and consuming earth’s materials. Some of these materials are coal and fossil fuels such as petroleum. The use of these fuels results in an enormous amount of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases to be released into the atmosphere. Earth has gone through and will continue to go through natural fluctuations in global temperature, from greenhouse to icehouse and back to greenhouse. However, humans have heavily disrupted this natural cycle by polluting the atmosphere, ocean, soil, and air. We have caused a greenhouse effect to occur in a very short period of time, causing ice caps to melt rapidly, and species to go extinct abruptly. The past four years were the hottest on record, winter temperatures in the Arctic have risen by 3 °C since 1990. By continuing to overuse fossil fuels we risk the destruction of ice caps, coastal cities, species, entire ecosystems, and even ourselves. In recent years there has been a huge push from environmental groups, schools, and now the UN for industries to change their policies to be more eco friendly. It is possible for us to stop further damage by reducing our carbon footprint in the way we live our everyday life. A lot of the burden to change is falling on individuals rather than companies that pump metric tons of carbon into the atmosphere and create enormous amounts of waste. Individuals can influence large companies to change by being mindful of the products they are purchasing, choosing local produce, cruelty free products, and sustainably made products.

Earth has an incredibly long and violent history, with extreme changes in climate, species, atmosphere, landmass locations, and ocean currents. The tectonic plates play a large role in the changes that occur on the surface, but other factors such as the sun, earth’s orbit, plant life at the time, as well as other factors  can drastically change the environment.




References

“Antarctic Circumpolar Current.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 Oct. 2019,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antarctic_Circumpolar_Current.
Bagley, Mary. “Devonian Period: Climate, Animals & Plants.” LiveScience, Purch, 22 Feb. 2014,
www.livescience.com/43596-devonian-period.html.
“Continental Drift.” Continental Drift, Enviropedia,
www.enviropedia.org.uk/Climate_Change/Continental_Drift.php.
“Geologic Time Scale.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 23 Oct. 2019,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geologic_time_scale.
Green, Hank, director. A History of Earth's Climate. YouTube, SciShow, 27 May 2013,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dC_2WXyORGA.
Manger, Walter L. “Carboniferous Period.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 29
Mar. 2019, www.britannica.com/science/Carboniferous-Period.
Murphy, Dennis. “Late Devonian Mass Extinctions.” Devonian Times - Mass Extinction, 9 July 2009,
www.devoniantimes.org/opportunity/massExtinction.html.
Pappas, Stephanie. “Paleozoic Era: Facts & Information.” LiveScience, Purch, 20 June 2013,
www.livescience.com/37584-paleozoic-era.html.
Sage-animation.ca. “The Late Devonian Extinction Event.” Miguasha, Le Parc National De Miguasha,
www.miguasha.ca/mig-en/the_late_devonian_extinction_event.php.
Windley, Brian Frederick. “Geologic History of Earth.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia
Britannica, Inc., 23 Sept. 2016, www.britannica.com/science/geologic-history-of-Earth.
“Human Impact on the Environment.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 25 Nov. 2019,
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_impact_on_the_environment.
“UNITED NATIONS Climate Change - Summit 2019.” United Nations, United Nations,
www.un.org/en/climatechange/un-climate-summit-2019.shtml.

Space Mining

Space Mining: is it Feasible or Worth it?
By M. Cavanagh

As we deplete Earth’s natural resources, researchers are studying the feasibility of supplementing those resources through space mining. Asteroids and other bodies in the solar system are potentially rich with minerals, but their exploitation raises a range of legal, economic, environmental, and technological questions.

While Earth’s population grows, the consumption rate of non-renewable resources does as well. Some studies predict that we will run out of key elements used in modern industry and food production in 50-60 years. Climate change, over-population, and pollution, are all problems that directly correlate with our depletion of Earth’s resources. Things like mining, manufacturing, and power generation are huge contributors to the destruction of habitats, and the ever looming threat of climate change.

A possible solution to all of these problems is the extraction of resources from celestial bodies such as asteroids, which float around in our Solar System. Asteroids are material leftover from the formation of the solar system.  They contain valuable elements such as gold, platinum, nickel, silver, and a variety of other metals. Other comets and asteroids are composed of ice and other volatiles, these bodies could be harvested to supply freshwater to Earth, or to nearby space stations. Asteroid mining could prove a practically inexhaustible supply of essential resources and freshwater.

Finding one solution for all 4 steps of asteroid mining, (prospecting, mining, processing, and transportation) has proven to be difficult, and incredibly expensive. Thus the argument arises if it is even worth the time and money required to make space mining achievable. All of the methods proposed require space stations and platforms which would be the place of manufacturing for space “robots” that would go out into space to retrieve the materials from NEOs (Near-Earth Objects). Arguments against asteroid mining include the point that we should leave outer space untouched by humanity. Our negative effects on earth and its beauty, would be spread to our solar system, and our overconsumption of resources would not be solved but simply extended to a larger ecosystem. Another argument against space mining is the effect it would have on Earth’s economy, a large influx of valuable materials would have a huge impact on the value and price of these resources, and could have potentially negative results in terms of the economy.

 In conclusion, the idea of asteroid mining seems futuristic and impractical, however as we continue to exhaust Earth’s limited supply of resources, the concept will begin to seem more and more reasonable, and even necessary. Unless Earth’s population suddenly and drastically changes it’s usage of energy, materials, and land, asteroid mining will likely be in our very near future.














References

Abrahamian, Atossa Araxia. “How the Asteroid-Mining Bubble Burst.” MIT Technology Review, MIT
Technology Review, 28 June 2019,
www.technologyreview.com/s/613758/asteroid-mining-bubble-burst-history/.
Scharping, Nathaniel. “We're Getting Serious about Mining Asteroids.” Astronomy.com, 7 June 2016,
www.astronomy.com/news/2016/06/were-getting-serious-about-mining-asteroids.
Williams, Matthew S. “Asteroid Mining Could Become a Reality in the Next Coming Years.” Interesting
Engineering, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2019,
interestingengineering.com/asteroid-mining-what-will-it-involve-and-is-this-the-future-of-wealth.

Recycling and Composting - why this is a good idea and what you can do about it! By A. Leafloor

Here is a document  I made about the importance of recycling and composting. Recycling and composting  is a big deal and needs to be taken care of. Here at Banting we are all very good recyclers and composters due to our science teacher Janet who has really encouraged us all! In the document there are some good links with the City of Ottawa to help you get started as well as a link to Banting students making compost liners. Help make a difference to our Planet!
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRVOI838BRlhT7_eL3ZPPZyWeP2xwSJvLPAM8jaAObcpKJKZMt36FFJ8_MZnS1U6fJtviS_izWZ1U6l/pub?start=true&loop=true&delayms=15000

Tower Garden Maintenance

Vegetable Tower Garden Maintenance

Written by Alex R and Ashley L

          When we came back from the holiday break our vegetable Tower Garden needed some maintenance. The water level in the water tank was low and the pH needed adjustment. This is how we do it so that we continue to get vegetables and herbs from our garden.  

To start off with filling or refilling and checking the pH level of the Tower Garden, we needed to make sure that we had all the materials which include a 4L water jug, stir stick, 150ml measure, Tonic A, Tonic B, Acid solution, Base solution, and pH tester kit. 

After gathering the materials, we started by filling the 4-litre empty jug with water. Once it was filled then we measured out 25ml Tonic A and 25ml B which is good for 4L of water. In our case we needed to fill the Garden multiple times which added up to 200 ml of Tonic A and B. When we put Tonic A and B into the 4-liter jug we then added the water to the Tower Garden and stirred it around to make sure that the nutrient solutions were evenly distributed in the water tank.  

          To check the pH of the tank water  we took out 5ml of water out of the tank and added five drops of the pH solution. The pH level should be between 5.5 and 6.5, ideally 6. If it is not between those numbers then you can add more of either the base or acid to the tower garden depending on what your level of pH is. Our first test showed the pH to below at 4.5.  Every time you need to add more of either the base or acid to bring the pH to the correct level, you will need to check the pH level again until it is at the ideal pH. It took us a few times to get the pH level right, but after a few tries, we got it to where we wanted which was pH 6. 

   Now our tower garden is restored so it can continue to support the vegetable growth. Soon we will be replanting some more vegetables. Our latest edible vegetable is a cucumber that is almost ready for harvest! We also have kale and basil which we are still harvesting. 

• 
• 
• 

Cystic fibrosis

Haley Hummerston

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system, and other organs in the body. Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. At present, there is no cure. The degree of CF severity differs from person to person, however, the persistence and ongoing infection in the lungs, and loss of lung function will eventually lead to fatality in the majority of people with CF. It is estimated that one in every 3600 children born in Canada has CF. Cystic fibrosis affects cells that produce sweat, mucus, and digestive enzymes. Normally these secreted fluids are thin and smooth like olive oil. They lubricate various organs and tissues, preventing them from getting too dry or infected. In people with CF however, a faulty gene causes fluids to become thick and sticky. Instead as acting as a lubricant, the fluid clog the ducks, tubes, and passageways in the body. Although people with the condition require daily care, they can still lead a relatively normal life and work or attend school. Screening tests and treatment methods have improved the recent years, so many people with cystic fibrosis can live into their 40s and 50s. 

Symptoms of cystic fibrosis can vary depending on the person and the severity of their condition. The age at which symptoms develop can also differ. Symptoms may appear at infancy but for other children, symptoms may not begin until after puberty or even later in life. Symptoms of CF are: persistent cough with productive thick mucus, wheezing and shortness of breath, frequent chest infections, which may include pneumonia, bowel disturbances, such as intestinal obstruction, and weight loss or failure to gain weight. One of the first signs of CF is a strong salty taste of the skin. Parents of children with CF have mentioned tasting saltiness when kissing their children. 

 Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that occurs when a child inherits to defective copies of the gene responsible for CF, one from each parent. Approximately 1 out of 25 Canadians carry one defective copy of the CF gene. Carriers do not have CF, and do not exhibit any of the related symptoms. When two CF carriers have a child, there is a 25% chance that the child will be born with CF. There’s also a 50% chance that the child will be a carrier, and a 25% chance that the child will not be a carrier. 

There is no cure for Cystic fibrosis, but treatment can ease symptoms and reduce complications. The goals of treatment include preventing and controlling infections that occur in the lungs, removing and loosening mucus from the lungs, and treating and preventing intestinal blockage. Some methods of treatment are: medications such as anti-inflammatory medications, chest therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, oxygen therapy, feeding tube, bowel surgery, and a lung transplant. Cystic fibrosis does not recur in transplanted lungs. However, other complications associated with CF such as sinus infections, diabetes, pancreas problems, and osteoporosis - can still occur after a lung transplant. 

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystic-fibrosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353700

https://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/about-cf/what-is-cystic-fibrosis

https://www.healthline.com/health/cystic-fibrosis

Can Virtual Reality be used to reduce pain

Haley Hummerston

Virtual Reality (VR) has been used to manage pain and distress associated with a wide variety of known painful medical procedures. In clinical settings and experimental studies, participants immersed in VR experience reduced levels of pain, general distress/unpleasantness and report a desire to use VR again during painful medical procedures. 

Investigators hypothesize that VR acts as a non-pharmacologic form of analgesia by exerting an array of emotional affective, emotion-based cognitive and attentional processes on the body’s intricate pain modulation system. 

Researchers began to explore virtual reality as a therapy for pain in the late 1990s, but the expensive and bulky equipment prevented it from gaining popularity. Today’s VR systems are more affordable, lightweight, smaller and more comfortable. Many use a smartphone for the display and hardware, which can cut costs. A number of recent studies have attempted to provide evidence that VR distraction therapy works. In 2017, the director of health services research at Cedars-Sinai and colleagues published a controlled trial testing the effects on pain of a 3D VR experience versus a  2D nature video on a TV screen in 100 hospitalized patients. Although both methods lowered perceived pain levels, patients in the VR group reported a greater reduction in pain, on average than the TV group. 

References:

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.washingtonpost.com

https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/about/news

Local Artist Indigenous Artist

Hi again, Banting! Want to learn about local Indigenous artist, Anne Marie Bourgeois? Click the link below to read about her painting Grandfather Spirit!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1k23PJamMD-jWY5w63YXKMLdOLko7mVHlVTmVi8m-yVU/edit?usp=sharing