Key Things I Keep Getting Wrong For Test Flashcards
(29 cards)
Describe the process of ammonification and their role within the nitrogen cycle
Ammonification - Bacteria convert nitrogen from dead organisms into ammonia or ammonium
Describe the process of Nitrification and its role within the nitrogen cycle?
Nitrification - Nitrifying bacteria convert ammonium ions into nitrites then nitrates for plants to be absorbed
Describe the process of denitrification and its role within the nitrogen cycle?
Conversion of nitrates back into nitrogen gas by anaerobic denitrifying bacteria
Explain how infrared radiation and atmospheric gases interact to maintain earths temperature?
- Earths surface absorbs sunlight and re-emits energy as infrared radiation
- Greenhouse gases in atmosphere absorb IR radiation
- Then re-radiate heat in all directions, including back towards the Earth, which helps maintain the planet’s temperature
Describe how he role of the magnetic field in reducing atmospheric loss?
Earths magnetic field deflects charged solar wind particles away from atmosphere
This prevents these particles from stripping away atmospheric gases into space
Explain one role of the earths orbital stability in maintaining life-supporting conditions?
Earths orbital stability means its distance from sun stays relatively constant
This prevents extreme temperature fluctuations, maintaining conditions suitable for life
Describe how fossil fuel impacts the carbon cycle
Burning fossil fuels releases high amounts of carbon dioxide
This enhances greenhouse effect which contributes to climate change
Increased carbon dioxide can lead to increased photosynthesis but is limited by other factors
What is the function of the humus in soil?
Humus is decaying organic matter. The primary function is to release nutrients into the soil
What rock formation is when magma cools and solidifies?
Igneous
What is the formation process of Igneous rocks?
When magma cools and solidifies
What is it when magma cools and solidifies slowly underground?
Intrusive
Intrusive rocks form slowly underground. What crystals do they create?
Large crystals
What is it called if magma cools and solidifies quickly on the surface?
Extrusive
What crystals form with extrusive rocks?
Small crystals
What properties are metamorphic rocks usually? How does this affect mining?
Dense and hard. This makes mining difficult but they can contain high purity minerals
How are metamorphic rocks formed?
When existing rocks are subjected to high heat and pressure, DO NOT melt but cause physical and chemical changes
What rocks are formed when they experience high heat and pressure but no not melt?
Metamorphic rocks
What does the O horizon contain and do?
Leaf litter that supplies nutrients to the soil
What is in the A horizon and what does it do?
Humus and soil organisms which release nutrients for plant growth through decomposition
What is in the B horizon and what does it do?
A subsoil layer where minerals (EG.CLAY AND IRON) leach down and accumulate
This effects water retention and soil aeration
Explain how leaching and salinisation affect soil fertility?
Leaching: Water percolates through soil, dissolving and washing away nutrients which reduces nutrient availability for plants
Salinisation: Evaporation of water leaves salts behind. This increases soil salinity which damages roots and reduces plants water uptake
Explain what phytmoning?
Plants absorb metals from soil
Plants harvested + burnt
Metals extracted from ash by dissolving in electrolysis
What are the environmental benefits of phytomining?
Less energy intensive that smelting
Decontaminates polluted ground
What is bio leaching?
Microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi produce acids to dissolve metals
Metals are then extracted uses electrolysis
