Answer to Question 1
It all depends on the mean rainfall in the region. Roughly east of the Mississippi
River, there is more rainfall than needed for normal (unirrigated) agriculture. This is also
generally true along the Pacific coast, though more so the farther north one goes and less so
the farther south.
The region from west of the Mississippi River to the Pacific Cordillera normally has lower
rainfall than is needed for normal agriculture. In the nineteenth century, rainfall was above
the longterm average, and settlement was possible. People believed that rainfall follows the
plow. However, the region's rainfall levels returned to average in the twentieth century, and
irrigation grew apace in this region of the country. The buffalo commons idea suggests
returning the land to bison in this region and having human habitation thinned out as
farming is phased out.
Answer to Question 2
In essence, all are thermal systems and share similar means of dealing with waste
heat. Water from the condenser can be dealt with by dumping into a local body of water, or
by evaporative or forced cooling irrespective of the thermal system employed.
The major difference is in the lack of airborne effluent in the case of the nuclear generators,
and the lack of longterm storage needed by the coal fired plants. Additionally, PWRs use an
additional heat exchanger compared to BWRs and fossil fuel generators.
water molecules
Turn on water
Whale in water
Using a water-based cleaning system helps reduce the hazards from using strong chemicals.
The Importance of Water
Regions of the brain