Just as in transportation, energy is discovered and transformed in response to the needs of society and the innovative technology of the time. Energy is the source through which movement actually works.

Similar to transportation, energy also impacts the physical environment. Take a look at the wind turbines below; they generate wind energy that uses mechanical energy to make electricity.

Watch the following video clip to see how wind energy is produced.

→ Consider this: In the creation of wind energy, wind turbines (pictured above), or windmills, are used to make electricity. The physical environment must be transformed by the installation of windmills.

Take a look at the two images below. They illustrate the location of an area before and after windmills were installed to produce wind energy. Analyze the images carefully, and in answer the questions that follow in your notes.

Before and after wind energy development at the Alta Wind Energy Center in California.

1. Describe the physical environment that existed at the location before the windmills were installed.
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   The location was dry and desert-like with a few shrubs and cacti.
2. Why do you believe the location was chosen as a suitable location for processing wind energy?
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   This location has low shrubs and very little rainfall which allows the wind to flow freely through the area.
3. What impact do the windmills have on the physical environment? Do you think the impact is positive or negative? Support your answer with details and/or examples.
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   Answers may vary.