Environmental Science | Spring Flashcards
(132 cards)
1
Q
Assimilation
A
The process by which plants absorb and incorporate nitrogen (as nitrates or ammonium) into their tissues.
2
Q
Barometer
A
An instrument that measures atmospheric pressure, used in weather forecasting.
3
Q
Bedrock
A
The solid rock layer beneath soil layers, part of the parent material from which soil forms.
4
Q
Biomass
A
Organic material from plants or animals used as a renewable energy source.
5
Q
Carbon (C)
A
An element essential for life, cycled through the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms.
6
Q
Chemical Weathering
A
The breakdown of rocks through chemical reactions (e.g., acid rain dissolving limestone).
7
Q
Cleavage
A
A mineral’s tendency to break along flat, smooth planes due to its atomic structure.
8
Q
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
A
A greenhouse gas released by burning fossil fuels and respiration; absorbed by plants during photosynthesis.
9
Q
Coal
A
A fossil fuel formed from ancient plant remains, used for electricity generation.
10
Q
Conservation Buffer
A
Vegetated areas (e.g., riparian buffers) that protect soil and water from erosion and pollution.
11
Q
Conservation Tillage
A
Farming method that minimizes soil disturbance to reduce erosion.
12
Q
Contour Plowing
A
Plowing along the curves of a slope to slow water runoff and prevent soil loss.
13
Q
Convergent Boundary
A
A plate boundary where tectonic plates collide, causing subduction or mountain formation.
14
Q
Coriolis Effect
A
The deflection of moving air or water due to Earth’s rotation, influencing wind and ocean currents.
15
Q
Creep
A
Slow, downhill movement of soil particles due to gravity.
16
Q
Crop Rotation
A
Alternating crops in a field to maintain soil fertility and reduce pests.
17
Q
Deforestation
A
The large-scale removal of trees, leading to habitat loss and increased CO₂ levels.
18
Q
Denitrification
A
The process by which bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas (N₂), releasing it into the atmosphere.
19
Q
Denitrifying Bacteria
A
Microbes that convert nitrates (NO₃⁻) into nitrogen gas (N₂) during denitrification.
20
Q
Divergent Boundary
A
A plate boundary where tectonic plates move apart, creating new crust (e.g., mid-ocean ridges).
21
Q
Elastic Rebound
A
The sudden release of stored energy along a fault, causing earthquakes.
22
Q
Eluviation Layer
A
A soil horizon (E horizon) where minerals and nutrients are leached by water.
23
Q
Energy
A
The capacity to do work; exists in forms like kinetic, potential, and thermal energy.
24
Q
Ephemeral
A
Short-lived water erosion channels that form in the same place annually.
25
Epicenter
The point on Earth's surface directly above an earthquake's focus (origin).
26
Euclidean Zoning
Land-use planning that separates residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
27
Eutrophication
Excess nutrients (e.g., nitrogen/phosphorus) causing algal blooms and ecosystem damage.
28
Exosphere
The outermost atmospheric layer, merging with space; satellites orbit here.
29
Faults
Fractures in Earth's crust where tectonic plates move, causing earthquakes.
30
Ferrell Cells
Mid-latitude atmospheric circulation cells driving weather patterns.
31
Focus
The underground point where an earthquake originates.
32
Fossil Fuel
Nonrenewable energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas) formed from ancient organic matter.
33
Fracture
A mineral's tendency to break unevenly (not along cleavage planes).
34
Geosmin
A compound produced by soil bacteria, giving soil its earthy smell.
35
Gravity
The force that pulls objects toward Earth's center, influencing atmospheric pressure.
36
Gully
Large erosion channels caused by heavy water flow, irreversible by tilling.
37
Hadley Cells
Tropical atmospheric circulation cells driving trade winds and rainforest climates.
38
Hydroelectric Energy
Renewable energy generated by flowing water turning turbines.
39
Hydrothermal Energy
Energy harnessed from heated groundwater or steam.
40
Igneous Rock
Rock formed from cooled magma (e.g., granite, basalt).
41
Inorganic
Not derived from living organisms; a characteristic of minerals.
42
Land Won Ore
Minerals extracted from underground mines.
43
Law of Conservation of Energy
Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
44
Luster
How a mineral reflects light (e.g., metallic, glassy).
45
Marine Won Ore
Minerals mined from ocean floors.
46
Mesosphere
The middle atmospheric layer where meteors burn up; temperature decreases with altitude.
47
Metamorphic Rock
Rock transformed by heat/pressure (e.g., marble, slate).
48
Mine
A site for extracting underground minerals (e.g., gold, copper).
49
Mineral
A naturally occurring, inorganic solid with a defined chemical composition and crystal structure.
50
N₂
(Nitrogen Gas)
The inert atmospheric form of nitrogen (78% of air).
51
Natural Gas
A fossil fuel (methane) used for heating and electricity.
52
NH₃
(Ammonia)
A nitrogen compound produced by nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
53
NH₄⁺
(Ammonium)
Ammonia combined with water; absorbable by plants.
54
Nitrification
The conversion of ammonia (NH₃) to nitrites (NO₂⁻) and nitrates (NO₃⁻) by bacteria.
55
Nitrifying Bacteria
Microbes that convert ammonia into nitrates for plant uptake.
56
N
Nitrogen
An essential element for DNA and proteins; cycled through fixation, nitrification, and denitrification.
57
Nitrogenase
An enzyme used by bacteria to break N₂'s triple bond during nitrogen fixation.
58
NO₂⁻
Nitrite
An intermediate in nitrification, converted to nitrate (NO₃⁻).
59
NO₃⁻
Nitrate
A plant-usable form of nitrogen.
60
Nonrenewable Energy
Finite resources (e.g., fossil fuels) that cannot be replenished quickly.
61
Organic Matter
Decomposing plant/animal material in soil (e.g., humus).
62
Overburden
Soil/rock removed to access mineral deposits.
63
Parent Rock
The bedrock that weathers to form soil.
64
Petroleum
A fossil fuel (crude oil) refined into gasoline, plastics, etc.
65
Phosphorus (P)
An element vital for DNA and ATP; cycles through rocks, soil, and water.
66
Physical Weathering
Mechanical breakdown of rocks (e.g., freeze-thaw, wind abrasion).
67
Polar Cells
High-latitude atmospheric circulation cells driving polar climates.
68
Pressure
Force per unit area; atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude.
69
Quarry
An open-pit mine for sand, gravel, or stone.
70
Reforestation
Replanting trees to restore forests and combat deforestation.
71
Renewable Energy
Sustainable sources (e.g., solar, wind) replenished naturally.
72
Rill
Small erosion channels formed by runoff.
73
Ring of Fire
A Pacific Ocean zone with frequent earthquakes/volcanoes due to subduction.
74
Saltation
Wind erosion where soil particles bounce along the ground.
75
Sedimentary Rock
Rock formed from compressed sediments (e.g., sandstone, limestone).
76
Sheet
Uniform erosion of thin soil layers across a field.
77
Soil
A mix of minerals, organic matter, air, and water supporting plant growth.
78
Soil Horizon
Distinct layers (O, A, B, C, R) in a soil profile.
79
Solar Energy
Renewable energy from sunlight, captured via panels.
80
Stratosphere
The atmospheric layer containing the ozone layer; temperature increases with altitude.
81
Streambank
Erosion along river edges due to water flow.
82
Subsoil
The B horizon, rich in minerals leached from topsoil.
83
Suspension
Wind erosion where fine particles are carried long distances (e.g., dust storms).
84
Sustainability
Meeting present needs without compromising future generations' resources.
85
Tectonic Plates
Segments of Earth's lithosphere that move, causing earthquakes/volcanoes.
86
Terracing
Creating stepped fields on slopes to reduce erosion.
87
Thermosphere
The atmospheric layer where auroras occur; temperature increases with altitude.
88
Thrust
A type of fault where one plate is forced over another.
89
Topsoil
The nutrient-rich A horizon, vital for agriculture.
90
Transform Boundary
A plate boundary where plates slide past each other (e.g., San Andreas Fault).
91
Troposphere
The lowest atmospheric layer where weather occurs; temperature decreases with altitude.
92
Uniformitarianism
The principle that geologic processes today operated similarly in the past.
93
Urbanization
Population concentration in cities, leading to land-use changes.
94
Weathering
The breakdown of rocks into smaller particles (physical or chemical).
95
Wetland
Ecosystems that filter water and reduce flooding.
96
Wind Energy
Renewable energy from turbines converting wind motion to electricity.
97
Windbreak
Rows of trees/shrubs planted to reduce wind erosion.
98
Explain why atmospheric pressure decreases at higher elevations.
Less air mass above → fewer molecules exerting pressure.
99
Describe how the Coriolis effect influences wind patterns in the Northern Hemisphere.
Deflects winds right (N. Hemisphere) due to Earth’s rotation.
100
Predict the weather conditions near a low-pressure system and justify your answer.
Stormy weather; rising air cools and condenses into clouds.
101
Compare the temperature trends of the stratosphere and mesosphere.
Stratosphere warms (ozone absorption); mesosphere cools.
102
Analyze how the ozone layer’s absorption of UV radiation affects stratospheric temperatures.
UV absorption heats the stratosphere, reversing the cooling trend.
103
Identify the layer of Earth responsible for tectonic plate movement and explain its properties.
Asthenosphere; semi-fluid rock allows plate movement.
104
Contrast the composition of oceanic vs. continental crust.
Oceanic: dense basalt; Continental: less dense granite.
105
Describe how subduction zones contribute to volcanic activity.
Subducted plate melts → magma rises → volcanoes.
106
Explain why the inner core remains solid despite extreme heat.
Immense pressure compresses iron into a solid.
107
Predict the landform created at a divergent boundary in the ocean.
Mid-ocean ridge (e.g., Mid-Atlantic Ridge).
108
Explain why nitrogen gas (N₂) is inaccessible to most organisms without bacteria.
Triple bond in N₂ requires bacteria to break it.
109
Describe the role of nitrifying bacteria in the nitrogen cycle.
Converts ammonia (NH₄⁺) to nitrates (NO₃⁻) for plants.
110
Analyze how deforestation disrupts the carbon cycle.
Reduces CO₂ absorption → increases atmospheric CO₂.
111
Compare the pathways of phosphorus and carbon in their respective cycles.
Phosphorus: no gas phase; Carbon: cycles via atmosphere.
112
Justify why synthetic fertilizers can harm aquatic ecosystems.
Excess nutrients → algal blooms → dead zones.
113
Explain how burning fossil fuels alters the carbon cycle.
Releases stored carbon rapidly → CO₂ ↑.
114
Describe one advantage and one limitation of solar energy.
Advantage: Renewable; Limitation: Intermittent supply.
115
Analyze how vertical farming reduces agriculture’s environmental impact.
Less land/water use; no pesticides; local production.
116
Compare Euclidean zoning and mixed-use urban planning.
Euclidean: Separated zones; Mixed-use: Integrated functions.
117
Propose a solution to reduce urban heat island effects.
Plant trees (shade) or use reflective roofing.
118
Identify the five characteristics all minerals share.
Naturally occurring, inorganic, solid, definite composition, crystalline.
119
Explain how the Mohs scale determines mineral hardness.
Scratch test: Talc (1) to diamond (10).
120
Describe the process of chemical weathering.
Chemical reactions (e.g., acid rain) dissolve rock.
121
Analyze why topsoil conservation is critical for agriculture.
Slow formation rate; erosion depletes fertile soil.
122
Compare the properties of sand, silt, and clay.
Sand: large/drains fast; Clay: tiny/retains water.
123
Hypothesize how increased atmospheric CO₂ could affect ocean pH.
CO₂ dissolves → carbonic acid → ocean acidification.
124
Design a city layout that minimizes environmental impact (describe 2 features).
Green roofs; public transit; mixed-use zoning.
125
Evaluate whether organic farming could feed the global population sustainably.
Lower yields require more land; may not scale.
126
Connect plate tectonics to the distribution of mineral resources.
Plate collisions concentrate metals (e.g., Andes).
127
Debate the trade-offs of using biofuels vs. fossil fuels.
Biofuels: Carbon-neutral but compete with food crops.
128
A farmer notices algal blooms in nearby lakes after applying fertilizer. Explain the cause and suggest a solution.
Fertilizer runoff → eutrophication. Solution: Buffer strips.
129
A city near a transform boundary frequently experiences earthquakes. Propose two safety measures.
Earthquake-resistant buildings; public drills.
130
Explain why hurricanes spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere.
Coriolis effect deflects winds into rotating systems.
131
A town wants to switch to renewable energy. Recommend one source and justify your choice.
Solar: Abundant in sunny regions; low maintenance.
132
Analyze how the Green Revolution increased crop yields but also caused environmental issues.
High-yield crops ↑ food but caused soil depletion/pollution.
