unit 3 overview Flashcards
environment definition?
the living and non-living elements of the earths surface and atmosphere
land cover change definition?
the changes that have taken place in natural environments due to a variety of natural and/or human induced causes
natural biomes definition?
are biomes which have not had sustained, direct human interactions
anthropogenic biome definition?
- biomes that are the result of sustained direct human interactions with ecosystems
- also referred to as “human biomes”
ecosystem structure?
abiotic and biotic features of the ecosystem, their interactions with a source of energy make up the structure of an ecosystem
biodiversity loss definition?
the decrease in species and ecosystem diversity.
climate change definition?
a long-term change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods of time that range from decades to millions of years
sustainability definition?
meeting the needs of current and future generations through simultaneous environmental, social and economic adaptation and improvement
land use - process of mining
involves the transformation of land into large pits, allowing the gathering of materials. Often results in significant biodiversity loss, and ecosystem disruption.
land use - process of deforestation
is the permanent removal of forests for other uses (agriculture, urban development). Types include logging or burning. Impacts biodiversity, climate change, habitat and oxygen regulation.
land use - process of expansion and intensification of agriculture
the amount of land for agriculture is increasing, therefore the amount of agriculture existing and happening is increasing. Intensification and new efficient farming methods has resulted in environmental consequences.
land use - process of growth of urban settlement
clearing land to build infrastructure, resulting in growth of settlement. As the population increases, urban area size increases. Growth of urban areas has implications for the worlds natural biomes, climate and economically.
what is remote sensing?
- the science of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically from aircraft or satellites
- is important part of identifying and measuring the extent and rate of land cover change
type, location, rate, extent - remote sensing?
type - category of land change occurring
location - where on the world
rate - the speed at which changes have taken place
extent - the size and area of land change occurring
types of data collected from remote sensing?
- photos
- surface temps
- 3D topographic images
- presence of chemicals
- heights of objects on surface
Impacts of population growth on land cover change?
land cover change is fuelled by population growth.
Land is used for agriculture (to feed population) and to develop urban living areas.
As the population grows and becomes more affluent, there’s more demand for resources.
Basically: birth rate growth – land cover change growth.
Impacts of growing affluence and advances in tech in land cover change?
there is an increased rate of land cover change due to new/efficient machinery and technology, in all types of land use.
Advances in tech help paves the way to a more sustainable future.
differences in gov policy in aus and brazil?
aus - strict policies in terms of rehabilitation of mine sites and deforested areas e.g. argyle mine
brazil - lenient policies, encourages economic growth
differences in land ownership in aus and brazil?
aus
- limitations due to indigenous land ownership rights
- governed by several systems
- environment protection act
- owners can sell, lease, mortgage but must comply with planning and environment laws
brazil
- land ownership inequality
- economic growth over conflicts of land ownership
what is mosaic burning and seasonal calendars in land cover change?
- use of controlled fire to manage and encourage vegetation growth and prevent larger wildfires.
- seasonal calendars provide detailed understanding of environmental changes through the year, used to manage land sustainability through certain practises by tracking animals and vegetation growth
biodiversity and habitat loss definition and impacts?
Habitat: the natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other
Biodiversity: the variety of plant and animal life in the world
-Death of animals, endangerment or extinction
-Loss of habitat
-Spread of pests, invasive species (cane toads)
soil erosion and degradation definitions and impacts?
Erosion- the process of soil being removed from its original location, typically by wind or water
Degradation- the decline in soil quality and health, affecting its ability to support plant life
Erosion - soil erosion, soil fertility and structure, water quality
Degradation
-Reducing productivity of land
-Threatens food security affected agricultural land
