Solar energy conversion: an analysis of impacts on desert ecosystems. Progress report, June 1, 1977--December 31, 1977
Some of the important potential ecological impacts that might occur when solar collector arrays are constructed and maintained in the desert Southwest are discussed. These impacts are categorized under major environmental consequences of solar collector development, that is, shading, wind deflection and site destruction and soil disturbance. Under these major categories secondary impacts are developed to show the significance of altering desert ecosystems with solar conversion systems. Some of the secondary impacts which include abiotic changes in radiation, temperature, heat flux, soil moisture and erosion, and biotic changes such as increased plant productivity and species diversity are discussed as to their short and long term significance in the desert system. A brief description of the solar collector simulator array being constructed in the desert to test many of the concepts developed during the early part of Phase I of this project is presented.
- Research Organization:
- Arizona State Univ., Tempe, AZ (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- EC-77-S-02-4339
- OSTI ID:
- 5200620
- Report Number(s):
- COO/4339-1
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
DESERTS
SOLAR COLLECTORS
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
EROSION
HUMIDITY
MOISTURE
SHADING
SOILS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
WILD ANIMALS
WIND
ANIMALS
ARID LANDS
ECOSYSTEMS
POWER PLANTS
140400* - Solar Energy- Environmental Aspects
140700 - Solar Thermal Power Systems
140600 - Solar Energy- Photovoltaic Power Systems