Catastrophic Events
What term refers to the sudden, extreme rise in sea level caused by a hurricane's winds pushing water towards the shore?
Storm surge
What is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles by physical or chemical means?
Weathering
What is the term for the settling of eroded material, such as sand or silt, by wind, water, or ice?
Deposition
What is the contamination of groundwater or surface water by substances such as chemicals or waste materials called?
Water pollution
What is the practice of managing resources to meet current needs without harming future generations called?
Sustainability
Describe one short-term consequence of floods on terrestrial ecosystems.
Soil erosion, sediment deposition, or disruption of habitats.
How does erosion contribute to landform formation in Texas ecoregions?
It shapes landforms like canyons, valleys, and river deltas.
What is the term for the settling of eroded material, like sand or silt, by wind or water?
Sedimentation
What term refers to the area of land where surface water drains into a particular river or body of water?
Watershed
What term refers to the reestablishment of trees and vegetation in areas that have been deforested or degraded?
Reforestation
How do hurricanes impact coastal ecosystems?
They cause storm surges, habitat destruction, and flooding.
Describe the role of deposition in shaping river valleys.
Deposition creates floodplains, sand dunes and delta landforms.
Describe the process of delta formation and its significance in coastal ecosystems.
Deltas form when sediment is deposited at the mouth of a river, creating a fan-shaped landform. They are significant in coastal ecosystems as they provide habitat, nutrient-rich sediment, and protection against erosion.
What is the term for the intentional release of pollutants or contaminants into the environment?
Pollution
What term describes the process of using natural resources at a rate that allows them to renew or replenish over time?
Renewable resources
Predict the impact of a severe drought on aquatic ecosystems.
Reduced water levels, habitat loss, and stress on aquatic species.
Explain how the process of deposition contributes to the formation of beaches.
Deposition occurs when waves deposit sand and sediment along the shoreline, building up beaches over time.
Explain how sedimentation in reservoirs can impact water quality and supply.
It reduces storage capacity, traps pollutants, and affects aquatic habitats.
Describe one method to reduce soil erosion in agricultural areas.
Conservation tillage, cover crops, or contour plowing.
How can wetland conservation contribute to water quality improvement?
Wetlands act as natural filters, trapping pollutants and sediment, improving water quality.
Explain how wildfires influence ecosystem dynamics.
They cause habitat destruction, changes in vegetation, and increase nutrients in the soil.
Name one human activity that accelerates soil erosion.
Deforestation, overgrazing, or improper agricultural practices.
Analyze the role of sedimentation in shaping barrier islands along the Texas coast.
It creates and maintains barrier islands, protecting coastlines from erosion.
How does urbanization impact surface water runoff and flooding?
It increases runoff due to impervious surfaces, leading to more flooding.
Explain the concept of sustainable agriculture.
Sustainable agriculture practices aim to minimize environmental impact, conserve resources, and maintain long-term productivity.