Key Terms Flashcards
1
Q
Abiotic factors
A
Physical factors such as light, temperature and water.
2
Q
Acidification
A
A process in which the pH drops as the conditions become more acidic.
3
Q
Acidophile
A
An organism that thrives under acidic conditions. Many acidophiles are bacteria or archaea.
4
Q
Acoustic deterrent devices
A
A device that deters mammals using sound. They are used to deter small cetaceans from fishing nets, or seals from fish farms, for example.
5
Q
Acoustic fatigue
A
Stress cracking of a material caused by repetitive vibrations induced by sound.
6
Q
Acoustic monitoring
A
Monitoring environmental sounds, eg to detect the presence of dolphins and whales or bats.
7
Q
Activated carbon filter
A
A filter that reduces emissions of pollutants such as complex organic molecules that absorb onto the surface of activated carbon particles.
8
Q
Activation products
A
Atomic nuclei that become radioactive because they have absorbed neutrons that change them into less stable nuclei that emit ionising radiation.
9
Q
Active traffic management (ATM)
A
A method of controlling road lane usage and speed limits to smooth traffic flow and reduce congestion.
10
Q
Acute
A
Exposure to a substance or symptoms that appear very rapidly.
11
Q
Adsorption
A
The process where a substance fixes itself onto a surface.
12
Q
Aerobic process
A
A process that takes place in the presence of oxygen.
13
Q
Aerodynamics
A
The study of airflow over surfaces to allow the design of surfaces that reduce wind resistance, turbulence, friction and noise generation.
14
Q
Afforestation
A
Planting trees to increase the area of a forest.
15
Q
Albedo
A
A measure of the reflectivity of a surface. More reflective surfaces have higher albedo. A surface that reflects all light has an albedo of 100%, whereas a surface that absorbs all light has an albedo of 0%. The albedo of an area can affect the local climate.
16
Q
Anaerobic process
A
A process that occurs in the absence of oxygen.
17
Q
Antarctic Treaty (1959)
A
An international agreement signed by many countries to protect and manage Antarctica. Aspects of the treaty include control of military activities, waste disposal, mineral exploitation, wildlife conservation and tourism.
18
Q
Anthropogenic
A
Adjective describing outcomes caused by human activity.
19
Q
Aphotic zone
A
Deeper layers of water that receive no sunlight because they are absorbed by shallower layers.
20
Q
Aquaculture
A
The artificial production of aquatic organisms, including fish farming.
21
Q
Aquifer
A
A rock which contains water that is abstracted by humans.
22
Q
Archaea
A
Microorganisms that are similar to bacteria, including the first life-forms to develop on Earth. Archaea are the only organisms that produce methane from the decomposition of organic matter.
23
Q
Artificial Insemination
A
A form of selective breeding where semen is collected from a chosen male to be inserted artificially into the chosen female causing her to become pregnant. It also allows semen to be stored for later use or the transport of semen without having to bring the animals together.
24
Q
As low as reasonably achievable (ALARA)
A
An approach to control of pollution, especially ionising radiation, where levels are kept as low as is practically achievable, taking into account economic and technological factors.
25
Atmosphere
The gases surrounding the Earth. Different layers are characterised by their temperature, density, turbulence and composition.
26
Baffle mounds
Embankments that absorb and deflect noise, especially around mines, airports and major roads.
27
Bag filter
A method of reducing atmospheric pollution caused by smoking and particulate matter.
28
Barrage
A dam built across an estuary to generate tidal power.
29
Barrier crops
A crop that is grown around another crop to protect the neighbouring crop, usually by producing a scent that deters the pest.
30
Beating tray
A method of sampling invertebrates on the branches of bushes and small trees.
31
Becquerel (Bq)
The becquerel is the unit of activity of a radioactive source. 1 Bq= 1 nuclear decay per second. It is usually related to a standard mass of material.
32
Best available technology not entailing excessive cost (BATNEEC)
An approach to pollution control where control technology is used that achieves the lowest emission levels, without costing so much that further marginal gains would risk their financial viability.
33
Bioaccumulation
The increase in concentration of a substance in living tissue as it is absorbed and then stored faster than it is broken down and excreted.
34
Biocapacity
A measure of the biological productivity of an area.
35
Biodegradable
A material that can be broken down by living organisms, usually bacteria.
36
Biodiversity
A measure of the variety and abundance of wildlife species. A common quantitative method of measuring biodiversity is Simpson's biodiversity index.
37
Biogeochemical cycle
A series of linked processes that use and re-use elements such as carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and sulphur, as they move between biotic and abiotic reservoirs.
38
Bioleaching
A method of using bacteria to dissolve metals from low grade ores.
39
Biological control
The control of pests using living organisms, usually predators or pathogens.
40
Biological corridor
A habitat that links other habitats so that animals can move between them.
41
Biomagnification
The progressive bioaccumulation of a material along a food chain, eg organochlorine insecticides, PCBs and heavy metals.
42
Biomass
The total mass of living, or recently living material in an area.
43
Biome
A large geographical region with particular climate features, in which a characteristic, unique community of species, lives. Eg Taiga, coral reefs, temperate grassland, tropical rainforest, tundra. Don't confuse the term biome and ecosystem. Biome refers to the total area where the community of species is found, whereas ecosystem refers to a particular community and its interactions. So there are many tropical rainforest ecosystems but only one biome.
44
Biomimetics
The study of living organisms so the knowledge gained can be applied to engineering or other technological developments.
45
Bioremediation
Cleaning up a contaminated site using organisms such as bacteria that chemically degrade the pollutants or plants that absorb the pollutants.
46
Biotic index
A measure of pollution based on the presence, abundance and state of health of selected living organisms, eg lichens for acid rain and aquatic invertebrates from water pollution.
47
Blue baby syndrome/ methaemoglobinaemia
A health problem with several possible causes, where the haemoglobin in a baby's blood doesn't carry enough oxygen. Nitrates in drinking water can be converted into nitrates which reduces the ability of haemoglobin to carry oxygen.
48
Bund Wall
A wall that surrounds a tank which would contain the contents if the tank leaked or burst.
49
Bycatch
The non target organisms that are caught when fishing.
50
Captive breeding and release programmes (CBR)
A method of boosting wild populations by keeping a breeding population in captivity. Some of the offspring produced may be released to join the wild population.
51
Carbon capture and storage (CCS)
A method to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, by removing the gases and storing them in underground geological structures.
52
Carbon footprint
An estimate of the total releases of greenhouse gases caused by the actions of an individual, group of people, an organisation or activity. The amounts of all greenhouse gases are expressed as the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide.
53
Carbon sequestration
Any process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, such as afforestation or underground storage (CCS).
54
Carcinogen
A substance or energy from that that can cause cancer.
55
Carrying capacity
The greatest population that can be supported sustainably in an area.
56
Catalytic converter
A device that reduces emissions of pollutant gases from petrol and diesel engines. Catalysts such as platinum, palladium and rhodium catalyse reactions with oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide and unguents hydrocarbons.
57
Catch quota
A limit on the quantity of fish that can be caught.
58
Centre of diversity
A geographical region with a high plant biodiversity, especially of the wild relatives of crop species.
59
Cetaceans
Marine mammals including whales, dolphins and porpoises.
60
Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL)
An early design of low energy light.
61
Chronic
Exposure to a substance or symptoms that appear over long periods of time.
62
Cirrus Clouds
Thin, wispy clouds, usually found at altitudes above 6000m. They can reflect infrared energy emitted by the Earth's surface and emit infrared produced by absorbed sunlight.
63
Clean air act (1956)
UK legislation to control smoke pollution by the establishment of smoke zones by making control orders in large urban areas.
64
Climax community
The relatively stable community present at the end of ecological succession.
65
Cloning
An artificial form of asexual reproduction.
66
Cnidarian
A Taxon of animals that includes coral and jellyfish.
67
Colonisation media
A method of demonstrating the presence of species by providing places that they can colonise which can then be checked.
68
Combined heat and power station (CHP)
A power station that has a high overall energy efficiency because the heat energy from the condenser cooling water is harnessed and used, often for heating buildings.
69
Community of species
A community of species is made up of the populations of all the species living in a particular area.
70
Companion crops
These are crops that are grown together to benefit one or both crops, by actions such as providing nutrients, controlling pests or attracting beneficial insects.
71
Concentrating solar power (CSP)
A method of increasing the intensity of solar energy by using a parabolic array of mirrors to reflect the light onto a smaller area.
72
Constant descent angle
A method of approaching an airport where the aircraft descends at a constant angle, usually 3 degrees.
73
Contact action (pesticide)
A pesticide that kills pests by coming into contact with them after spraying. Unlike systemic pesticides, they are not absorbed and translocated around the crop.
74
Contamination
Pollution caused by the pollutant staying in contact or mixing with materials such as soil, atmosphere, water or living organisms.
75
Contour ploughing
A soil erosion control measure where land is cultivated by ploughing horizontal furrows along the contours of the land.
76
Convention on international trade in endangered species (CITES)
An international agreement that control the international trade of certain species of plants and animals and their products.
77
Cooling towers
A method of reducing the temperature of effluent water to reduce thermal pollution and deoxygenation.
78
Coppicing
The process of regularly cutting down tree branches close to ground level. The regrow then produces thin straight branches. It was traditionally done on a cycle of six to ten years for making fence and wall panels. Short-rotation willow coppice is now used as a biofuel.
79
Cradle to cradle design (C2C)
The concept of designing items such that all the materials used can be reused or disposed without leaving toxic or harmful wastes. The concept is based on the natural systems that recycle elements without depleting resources or causing harmful wastes to build up.
80
Critical group monitoring
A method of monitoring pollutants, particularly radioactive discharges, if the members of the public that are most at risk are safe, then so is everyone else.
81
Critical pathway analysis (CPA)
The prediction of the routes that an effluent will take in the environment, to assess pollution risk.
82
Crop rotation
The practice of growing a different crop in a field on a cycle of three, four or five years.
83
Crop wild relatives (CWRs)
These are wild plant varieties or species that are closely related to domesticated crops. CWRs may contain characteristics that can be used in crop breeding programs.
84
Cryosphere
All the frozen water on Earth.
85
CSS
Countryside stewardship scheme.
86
Culling
Reducing the population of a species by selective killing.
87
Cut-off ore grade (COOG)
The lowest purity of a mineral that can be exploited economically.
88
Cyclone separator
Equipment used to remove suspended particles from gaseous effluents.
89
DAFOR scale
A qualitative scale that judges the abundance or organisms. Initials stand for: Dominant, Abundant, Frequent, Occasional, Rare.
90
dB scale
A logarithmic scale used to measure sound levels.
91
Debt for nature swaps
These are agreements whereby an organisation agrees to pay part of a country's debt in return for a commitment to a wildlife conservation program.
92
Decomposers
Organisms that break down dead organic matter, releasing nutrients in the process. Many bacteria and fungi are decomposers. They secrete enzymes onto the dead organic matter and absorb the products of digestion.
93
Deflected succession
Natural ecological succession is stopped by human actions. Long-term continuation of the actions that deflect succession will create a plagioclimax.
94
Deforestation
The action of removing trees, resulting in a reduction of forest area.
95
Degradability
The measure of the ease with which a mineral breaks down.
96
Dermersal
Living on the seabed, eg cod, plaice.
97
Dendrochronology
The method of determining the age of a piece of wood using the characteristic sequence of sizes of growth rings in the wood.
98
Desulfurisation
The removal of sulphur or compounds containing sulphur such as sulphur dioxide.
99
Detritivores
These are heterotrophic animals that ingest and digest dead organic matter. Examples include earthworms, millipedes, woodlice, dung beetles and slugs. They often break up the dead organic matter into smaller pieces, providing access to decomposers.
100
Directional drilling
The drilling of wells for oil or gas that are not vertical.
101
Dolphin pingers
A type of acoustic deterrent device used to deter small cetaceans so they don't get caught in fishing nets.
102
Drift net
A net that hangs vertically in the water. The top is held at the surface by floats, with the bottom being held down by weights.
103
Dry flue-gas desulfurisation (dry FGD)
A method of removing sulphur oxides from effluent gases using a slurry of crushed lime (mainly calcium carbonate).
104
Dynamic equilibrium
A balance created by active processes whose impacts cancel each other out.
105
Ecological footprint
A method of assessing the sustainability of lifestyles by estimating the biologically productive area needed to provide the resources and services needed by an individual or group.
106
Ecological niche
The role an organism plays in its habitat, including its use of resources and inter-relationship with other species.
107
Ecological succession
The sequence of changes in a community composition which changes as an area is colonised and devolved until a climax community is eventually produced. The time period in which a species can survive depends upon the ease with which it colonises and the biotic and abiotic conditions that it is able to survive.
108
Ecosystem
The community of organisms living in an area, their inter-relationships and interactions with their abiotic environment eg tropical rainforest, Savannah grassland, coral reef. Don't confuse this term with biome.
109
eDNA
This is DNA that is detected in environmental samples such as water or soil that is used to confirm the presence of a species that produced it.
110
Efficiency
A measure of the amount of products compared with the inputs usually expressed as a percentage.
111
El Niño
The name given to events when the wind and ocean currents across the equatorial Pacific Ocean slow significantly or reverse. It alters heat distribution and weather patterns in the Pacific area and elsewhere in the world. They are caused by natural processes but may be made more frequent by human activities. It is also called ENSO: El Niño Southern Oscillation.
112
Electrostatic precipitator
Equipment used to remove suspended particles from gases effluents by attracting them to electrically charged wires or plates.
113
Embodied energy
The amount of energy that was used to make and install an item.
114
Embryo transfer
The transfer of fertilised eggs or embryos from one female to another., such as from a rare species into a female of a closely related species that is more common. This enables more young to be produced than could be achieved through normal breeding. It is also used in livestock breeding.
115
Encapsulation
The sealing of waste in a solid material such as glass, cement or plastic to prevent its escape.
116
Endemic
An endemic species is indigenous to a particular area and is not naturally found elsewhere. (It is also used is disease epidemiology to mean a disease that is normally present.
117
Energy density
The amount of energy in a particular mass of fuel or that can be harnessed by a particular mass of equipment.
118
Eradication
The reduction of a population of a species by removal or culling.
119
Escape panels
A spring loaded part of a fishing net through which large by-catch organisms can escape. Eg turtles.
120
European Union Common Fisheries Policy (EU CFP)
This is a set of regulations intended to ensure the sustainable management of fish stocks within the EU.
121
Eutrophication
The process by which nutrient levels in a water body increase to excessive levels such that the growth and subsequent die-off of plants and algae cause deoxygenation.
122
Evolutionarily distinct and globally endangered (EDGE) species
These are species that are threatened with extinction and have few relatives that are genetically similar. This genetic uniqueness means they should be a high priority for conservation.
123
Exoskeleton
A skeleton on the outside of an organism, as found in insects and crustaceans.
124
Exposure
In ionising radiation control, this refers to an object or person receiving radiation, but not necessarily coming in contact with the source.
125
Ex-situ conservation
The conservation of a species in an area, which is not its natural habitat.
126
Extensive agriculture/ aquaculture
Agriculture/ aquaculture where the yield is achieved with low levels of inputs, often over a larger area. Productivity is usually low (yield per unit area) but efficiency is usually high (yield per unit input).
127
Feedback mechanisms
A process where an action has consequences that affect the original process. Positive feedback mechanisms increase the rate of the original action while negative feedback mechanisms reduce it.
128
Flagship species
High-profile species that can be used to raise support for the conservation of their habitat and all the other species that live there.
129
Flue Gas Desulfurisation (FGD)
A process that removes oxides of sulphur from gaseous effluents.
130
Food conversion ratios (FCRs)
A measure of the efficiency with which an organism converts its food into its own increasing biomass. FCR = mass of food needed to produce one unit of new tissue.
131
Fuel cell
An electrochemical device that produces electricity from the chemical reaction between two substances, usually hydrogen or an alcohol and oxygen.
132
Genetic engineering/ genetic modification (GM)
The method of altering an organism's genetic make-up by artificially introducing genes from another organism, often of another species.
133
Ghost fishing
The capture and death of organisms that get caught in lost or discarded fishing gear.
134
Gibberelins
A group of plant hormones.
135
Gonadic
Relating to ovaries or testes.
136
Gravimetry
A geological exploration technique that detects changes in the force of gravity.
137
Grays
A unit of energy absorbed by ionising radiation.
138
Greenhouse gas (GHG)
A gas that absorbs infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's surface and causes atmospheric heating. Carbon dioxide and water vapour are the main naturally occurring greenhouse gases. Anthropogenic greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, NOx, CFC's and tropospheric ozone.
139
Haber process
The industrial process that combines nitrogen from the air with hydrogen from natural gas to produce ammonia.
140
Habitat
The place where an organism, species or population lives.
141
Haemoglobin
The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
142
Half life.
The time taken for half of a material to be lost or broken down.
143
Halophyte
An organism that thrives in conditions with a high salt concentration.
144
Hard release
The release of animals from captivity where they are not provided with post-release support such as food.
145
Homeostasis
The maintenance of a state of equilibrium.
146
Horizontal axis wind turbines (HAWT)
Wind turbines where the blades rotate around a generator that has a horizontal axis of rotation.
147
Hydraulic fracturing
A method using high pressure fluids to open cracks in fine-grained shales to allow trapped oil and gas to flow so that it can be extracted.
148
Hydroelectric power
A method of generating electricity using the downhill flow of water to turn turbines and generators.
149
Hydrodynamics
The study of the flow of water, often in relation to ship design to reduce resistance to movement to reduce fuel use.
150
Hydrogen economy
The proposal that hydrogen produced by electrolysing water could be used as the main fuel to meet a country's energy demands.
151
Hydrology
The study and understanding of the movement distribution and properties of water in the environment.
152
Hydrosphere
All the water on Earth, found in solid, liquid or gaseous form in a variety of reservoirs, including the oceans, ice caps, rivers and lakes, groundwater, atmosphere and living organisms.
153
Hydrothermal Deposition
The deposition of mineral deposits from hot mineral-rich solutions.
154
Incineration
The breakdown of waste by burning it.
155
In-situ conservation
The conservation of a species in its natural environment.
156
Insolation
Sunlight that reaches a particular location.
157
In-stream turbines
Tidal turbines that are rotated by marine currents, but without having a barrage to focus the water flow.
158
Intensive agriculture/ aquaculture
Agriculture/ aquaculture where the yield is achieved with high levels of inputs. Productivity is usually high (yield per unit area) but efficiency is usually low (yield per unit input).
159
International tropical timber organisation (ITTO)
An intergovernmental organisation that promotes the conservation and sustainable management, use and trade of tropical forest resources.
160
International union for conservation of nature (IUCN)
This is an organisation of 1300 government and non-governmental organisations that provides information on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it. Meetings every four years drive their global agenda and have produced major agreements such as CITES and the Ramsay convention.
161
International whaling commission (IWC)
An international organisation that aims to ensure the sustainable exploitation of whales.
162
Keystone species
A species that has much more important ecological functions within their ecosystem than their abundance might suggest. Such roles may include the control of the population of other species, the provision of food or species that control structural habitat features, such as beavers creating dams.
163
Kick sampling
A method of sampling aquatic invertebrates by disturbing the substrate.
164
Kinetic energy recovery system (KERS)
A method of slowing a vehicle by using the kinetic energy of the vehicle to turn a flywheel or charge batteries. The stored energy is used for acceleration, which reduces the amount of fuel that needs to be used.
165
K-selected species
Species that have a relatively low breeding capacity: they often mature at a later age and have few young.
166
La Niña
The name given to events where wind and ocean currents in the equatorial Pacific Ocean increase in strength. Also see El Niño.
167
Laser fusion
A developmental nuclear fusion technique that uses a laser beam to cause fusion in beads of frozen hydrogen.
168
Lasky's principle
The theoretical model stating that as the purity of available mineral deposits declines in a linear fashion, there is a logarithmic increase in the amount of the material present.
169
Leachate
Drainage water that carries other substances, either in solution or as suspended solids.
170
LED (light emitting diode)
These are very energy efficient lights.
171
Legumes
Plants with symbiotic nitrogen fixing bacteria in root nodules, such as beans or peas.
172
Light traps
A method of sampling populations of night flying organisms that are attracted to light, especially moths.
173
Limecrete
An alternative to concrete that has a much lower embodied energy because it uses calcium hydroxide rather than cement.
174
Lincoln index
A catch, mark, release and recapture method of estimating animal populations.
175
Liposolubility
A measure of how easily a substance dissolves in fats and oils.
176
Lithosphere
The relatively hard outer layer of the Earth comprising the crust and upper layer of the mantle. It is the source of mineral resources such as metal ores and affects soil formation and properties.
177
Local nature reserve (LNR)
They are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (1949) for their local importance for wildlife, geology, education or public employment. They are controlled or owned by local authorities.
178
Long lining
A fishing method with many hooks attached to a main fishing line that is trailed behind the fishing boat. They can be used to catch pelagic or demersal fish.
179
Magnetometry
A method of detecting mineral deposits based on their magnetism.
180
Magnetosphere of Earth
The magnetic field around Earth, which deflects charged particles travelling from the sun.
181
Marine conservation zone (MCZ)
MCZ's are designated under UK law to protect a range of nationally important marine wildlife, habitats, geology and geomorphology, and can be designated anywhere in English or Welsh territorial and offshore waters.
182
Marine nature reserve (MNR)
MNR's were designated under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) by Natural England (or CCW). Lundy island and Skomer island were MNR's. They have been re-designated as Marine Conservation Zones.
183
Marine protected area (MPA)
A general name for marine areas that are protected for their wildlife, historical and cultural features. The legal protection is provided by the laws of the country involved.
184
Maximum sustainable yield (MSY)
The greatest amount that can be harvested sustainably.
185
Metamorphic processes
Geological processes that change the form of a rock with heat and/or pressure, but without melting it.
186
Methane hydrate
A solid compound of methane trapped in ice crystals, often found in marine sediments.
187
Monoculture
The growth of a single type of crop, usually over a large area.
188
Montreal protocol
The international agreement that controlled the manufactured and use of CFC's and other ozone depleting substances.
189
Mulch
Material placed on the soil surface to reduce evaporation losses and reduce weed growth.
190
Multicropping
A form of polyculture where two or more crops are grown in an area at the same time.
191
Mutagen
A material that can cause changes in DNA structure.
192
National nature reserve (NNR)
They are designated under UK law by the National Parks and Access Countryside Act (1949). They include important habitats with complete communities of species. They are designated by Natural England or (CCW).
193
Natura 2000
A network of protected sites in the EU that combine the SPA's and SAC's set up under the EU birds and habitats directives.
194
Neonicotinoids
A widely used group of insecticides. They have been linked with the deaths of bees, especially when they act Synergistically with some fungicides.
195
Neurotoxin
A poison that affects the nervous system.
196
No take zone
An area in which harvesting or fishing is prohibited.
197
Nuclear fission
Nuclear power that involves the splitting of the nuclei of large atoms such as uranium 235 and plutonium 239.
198
Nuclear fusion
Nuclear power that involves the joining of the nuclei of two small atoms such as hydrogen 2 (deuterium) and hydrogen 3 (tritium).
199
Nuclear power
An energy resource that releases large amount of energy by the destruction of very small amounts of matter from atomic nuclei.
200
ODS
Ozone depleting substance.
201
Oil shales
Fine sedimentary rock that contains kerogen, a solid form of crude oil.
202
Organochlorines
Hydrocarbon- based compounds that include chlorine. They include pesticides such as DDT and industrial chemicals such as PCBs. Their use is now banned or restricted.
203
Organophosphate pesticide
Insecticide group eg parathion, malathion. They are not persistent but have high mammalian toxicity.
204
Overburden
The soil and rock above a mineral deposit that must be removed to provide access.
205
Overfishing
Fishing above the maximum sustainable yield of the population.
206
Ozone layer
The region of the stratosphere with higher concentrations of ozone.
207
Pantograph
The electricity pick-up on the roof of a locomotive that allows the use of electricity from overhead cables.
208
Pathogens
Organisms that cause disease.
209
Peak shaving
The process of storing surplus energy to satisfy later peaks in demand.
210
Peat bog
A wetland area with an accumulation of dead plant material, especially moss.
211
Pelagic
Living near the water surface, e.g herring and Tuna.
212
Permaculture
An agricultural system that incorporates the principles of natural ecosystems.
213
Permafrost
A layer of soil in which the water is permanently frozen, often trapping bubbles of gases such as methane.
214
Persistence
A measure of the rate at which a material breaks down and therefore the length of time it remains.
215
Pheromone trap
A trap that attracts organisms using the scent of pheromones. They can be used to try and catch all the members of one gender of a species to stop breeding, but are usually used to show the presence of a pest species.
216
Pheromone
A chemical released by an organism that changes the behaviour of other members of the same species, especially to attract a mate.
217
Photic layer
The water layer into which light can penetrate.
218
Photoautotroph
An organism that produces high-energy food substances using sunlight in photosynthesis.
219
Photochemical smogs
Atmospheric pollution events in which pollutants such as hydrocarbons, NOx and tropospheric ozone interact to produce more toxic pollutants such as PANs (Peroxy Acetyl Nitrates).
220
Photothermal
A systems that converts light into heat.
221
Photovoltaic (PV)
A system that converts light into electricity.
222
Phytomining
A method used to extract metals that have been absorbed and concentrated by plants. It can be used to exploit low purity metal deposits or decontaminate polluted areas.
223
Phytoremediation
A method of decontaminating a polluted site by growing plants that absorb toxic materials.
224
Pioneer species
One of the first species to colonise an area at the start of ecological succession. They are usually well adapted to extreme abiotic factors.
225
Pitfall trap
A method of sampling mobile animals that live on the soil surface, by collecting individuals that fall into traps set in the ground.
226
Plagioclimax
A community of species that does not develop a natural climatic climax community, but is maintained by external influences which prevent this, including human activities such as burning, grazing or ploughing.
227
Ploughing
The cultivation of the soil by turning over the surface layer.
228
Plutonium reactors
Nuclear fission reactors that use plutonium as the fissile fuel.
229
Polar vortex winds
Winds that blow around the north and south poles in a circular manner which reduce the mixing of polar air masses with the rest of the atmosphere.
230
Pollarding
The process of regularly cutting down tree branches above ground level, usually to prevent the regrowth being eaten by animals such as livestock and deer. It is usually done on a cycle of 5 to 30 years.
231
Pollen analysis
The use of pollen present in environmental samples. This can be used to deduce the climate when historical sediments were deposited.
232
Polyculture
An agriculture/aquaculture system involving the growth of more than one species in the same area at the same time.
233
Population
All the individuals of a species living in a particular area.
234
Power to gas systems (P2G)
A method of using surplus electricity which would be wasted to produce methane gas.
235
Primary oil recovery
The extraction of crude oil where the oil is forced to the surface by the pressure of water beneath the oil or natural gas above or dissolved in the oil.
236
Productivity
A measure of the yield of a system, often expressed as the yield per unit area, time or input.
237
Proterozoic marine sediments
These include the iron oxide deposits produced by the reaction of dissolved iron minerals with the oxygen produced by photosynthesis. This occurred in the early Proterozoic era and delayed the build up of oxygen in the atmosphere.
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Proxy data
The use of data that can be collected to predict the values of a related factor that can not be measured, eg data from tree rings, pollen, coral growth and plankton in marine sediments can be used to determine historical climates.
239
Pumped storage HEP
An energy storage system where surplus electricity is used to pump water from a low reservoir to a higher one. The energy stored as gravitational potential energy is allowed to flow downhill to generate electricity during periods of high electricity demand.
240
Purse seining
A fishing method where a net is used to encircle a shoal of pelagic fish.
241
Pyrethroids
Synthetic insecticide pesticides, based on the natural chemicals originally extracted from chrysanthemum flowers (pyrethrins). They are not persistent and have low mammalian toxicity.
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Quadrat
An area, usually square or circular, in which samples are taken. The size of the Quadrat depends on the organism being studied.
243
Rammed earth
A wall construction method where materials such as clay, soil, straw and sand are compacted. Because no cement is used it has a low embodied energy.
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Ramsar site
A wetland site designated to protect its biodiversity under an international agreement: The Ramsar convention in wetlands (1971), especially as a habitat for water birds. They are designated in the UK by DEFRA.
245
Range of tolerance
The range of conditions within which a species can survive.
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Relative biological effectiveness (RBE)
This is a measure based on the amount of energy absorbed from ionising radiation which takes into account the damaging effects of the type of radiation.
247
Remote sensing
Any method of monitoring the features of a location from another location, normally used to describe surveys from satellites or high-flying aircraft.
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Resistivity
A method of predicting the mineral composition of mineral deposits underground using the ease with which they conduct electricity.
249
Reverse thrusters
A method used on most aircraft to slow down after landing.
250
Re-wilding
The process of creating habitats that are similar to the conditions present before the natural habitat was changed by hipuman activities.
251
Risk:benefit analysis
A method to inform decision making by comparing the risks of carrying out an activity and benefits of doing so.
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r-selected species
Species that have a relatively high breeding capacity. They often mature at a young age and have large numbers of young.
253
Salinity
A measure of the salt concentration of the solution.
254
Satellite imagery
The collection of images using satellites: visible light, infrared, microwaves etc.
255
Secondary fuel
An energy source that is produced by the conversion of a primary fuel.
256
Secondary oil recovery
The extraction of crude oil where pressure is maintained by pumping water or natural gas into the oil reservoir.
257
Secondary succession
Ecological succession that takes place in an area where the existing climax community has been disturbed or destroyed.
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Seismic surveys
These use sound waves produced at the surface that reflect off underground geological structures to determine the depth and shape of the rock structures. The reflected sound waves are detected by geophones at the surface.
259
Sere
A stage in ecological succession in the changes that occur, eventually producing the climax community.
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Shellfish
All the aquatic animals that are caught or grown to be eaten that have shells or an exoskeleton eg, crustaceans and molluscs.
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Sievert
A unit of absorption of ionising radiation that takes into account the amount of energy absorbed and the Relative Biological Effectiveness of the type of radiation.
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Simpson's index of biodiversity
A quantitative measure of the number of species and the abundance of each in an area.
263
Site of special scientific interest (SSSI)
SSSI's are designated by Natural England (or CCW) under UK law by the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) because of their importance for plants, animals, geological features or land forms.
264
Smart motorways
A method of relieving traffic congestion which allows driving on the hard shoulder and reduces the speed limit during heavy traffic flows.
265
Smog
Atmospheric pollution event involving smoke and fog.
266
Soft release
The release of animals from captivity where they are provided with post release support such as food.
267
Somatic
An issue related to general body cells, but not the gonads (overies and testes).
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Sonograms
A graph showing the volume of sounds at different frequencies.
269
Special area of conservation (SAC)
SAC's are designated by Natural England (or CCW) under the EU habitats directive to protect internationally important habitats for rare and vulnerable species.
270
Special protection area (SPA)
SPA's are designated by Natural England (or CCW) under the EU birds directive to protect areas for rare or vulnerable bird species.
271
Species
A group of organisms that resemble each other more than other organisms and naturally interbreed to produce fertile offspring.
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Sterile male techniques
A method of insect pest control that uses the release of males that have been sterilised. If they mate, then no offspring will be produced.
273
Strip cropping
The growth of more than one crop in alternating narrow strips, so that different sowing and harvesting times reduce soil erosion because the whole field is never all bare at the same time.
274
Surber sampler
A method of sampling aquatic invertebrates by disturbing the substrate that produces more reliable quantitative data than kick sampling.
275
Sweep nets
A method of sampling populations of flying insects and invertebrates among vegetation.
276
Synergism
The process where the presence of two materials produces a greater effect than the sum of their individual effects.
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Systemic
A substance that is absorbed and transported throughout an organism eg by sap in plants.
278
Tar sands
Very viscous crude oil found in sand.
279
Taxon
A group of organisms based on their biological similarities, eg domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.
280
Temperature inversion
A situation in the troposphere where the temperature is lower than normal so that relatively warm air lies above cold air.
281
Teratogen
A substance that interferes with gene function in a growing embryo so that a non-inherited birth abnormality is produced.
282
Terracing
The replacement of a sloping landscape by the creation of a series of narrow horizontal stepped strips, often used to reduce soil erosion.
283
Tertiary oil recovery
The extraction of crude oil where the viscosity of the oil is reduced using methods such as the injection of steam, solvents or bacteria.
284
Thermal mass
A measure of the ability of a material or structure to absorb and store heat.
285
Thermal stratification
The changing temperatures in different layers of the atmosphere.
286
Thermohaline circulation
The movement of ocean currents caused by changes in temperature, salinity and density.
287
Thorium reactor
A reactor that uses thorium 232 as a fertile fuel. Neutron bombardment converts thorium 232 into uranium 233, which is fissile and releases energy.
288
Tidal barrage
A tidal power scheme where a dam-like barrage is built across a bay or an estuary so that all flowing water flows through the sluice tunnels in the barrage causing the turbines and generators to turn.
289
Tidal lagoon
A tidal power scheme where a section of a bay or estuary is impounded by a seawall, which has sluice tunnels and turbines like a tidal barrage. The environmental impacts are lower than those of a barrage as it only covers part of the bay or estuary.
290
Tidal power
A method of generating electricity using the tidal water flow caused by the gravitational forces between the moon and Earth.
291
Tied ridging
A method of reducing soil erosion by creating a grid of raised ridges that cause rainfall to collecting, increasing infiltration and reducing run off.
292
Tillage
The cultivation by turning the soil, eg by ploughing.
293
Tipping point
A tipping point is reached when the changes caused by human activities cause further changes such that the human activities are no longe needed to maintain the changes.
294
Topography
The 3D shape of the land surface.
295
Toroidal reactor
A nuclear fusion reactor in which hydrogen plasma is held in a torus: a ring-shaped tube.
296
Toxicity
A measure of how poisonous a substance is, usually caused by its ability to cause enzyme inhibition.
297
Transect
A line or belt of sampling sites across an area.
298
Transgenics
The process of artificially transferring genetic material from one organism into an individual of another species.
299
Tüllgren funnel
A piece of equipment used to extract invertebrates from soil or leaf litter.
300
Turbidity
A measure of the level of suspended solids in water, which affects the ability of light to penetrate the water.
301
Universal soil loss equation (USLE)
A formula that can be used to calculate rates of soil erosion.
302
Urea spray
A method of reducing NOx emissions, eg from coal-fired power stations.
303
Vavilov centre
An area of the world, identified by the Russian zoologist Nikolai Vavilov, where crop plants ere first domesticated and where wild varieties are still found.
304
Vegetative propagation
Asexual reproduction.
305
Vehicle to grid systems (V2G)
An energy storage method in which batteries in vehicles are connected to the local electricity grid. If there is a shortage of electricity from other sources, a proportion of the energy from the batteries can be used to maintain supplies.
306
Vertical axis wind turbines (VAWT)
Wind turbines where the blades rotate around a generator that has a vertical axis of rotation.
307
Wave power
A method of generating electricity using the movement of water caused by winds blowing over the water surface.
308
Wet FGD
A method of removing sulphur oxides from effluent gases by dissolving them in a solution such as a spray of sodium sulphite solution.
309
Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981)
A UK law that provides protection for many wildlife species and designated protected areas such as SSSI's. Most birds and many mammals are protected.
310
Windbreaks
Hedgerows and rows of trees that reduce wind velocity to reduce soil erosion.
