Resources
resources that, if used wisely, can be replaced within a human lifespan
renewable
Practice of growing only one type of crop over a large area.
Monoculture
the clearing, removal, or destruction of forests on a massive scale, often resulting in the permanent conversion of forested areas into non-forest land.
Deforestation or ClearCutting
removing salt and other minerals from saline water, such as seawater or brackish water, to produce fresh water suitable for human consumption, irrigation, or industrial use
Desalinization
the uncontrolled expansion of cities into surrounding rural areas, often characterized by low-density residential development. It is the process of cities spreading outward instead of upward, frequently occurring without long-term planning.
Urbanization
Which type of pollution comes from a single, clearly identifiable source?
Point Source Pollution
The 3 soil components
Sand, silt, clay
energy-rich substances formed from ancient organic matter—plants and animals—that were buried and compressed deep within the Earth's crust over millions of years. They are considered non-renewable energy sources because they cannot be replenished on a human timescale.
Fossil Fuels
the movement of water—often from rainfall, irrigation, or snowmelt—that flows over farmland and carries fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals into nearby bodies of water.
Agriculture Runoff
rows of trees or shrubs planted to block wind and protect topsoil from blowing away
windbreak
the long-term decrease in the pH of the ocean caused primarily by the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere
Ocean Acidification
historical period, beginning in Britain in the late 18th century, marked by a significant shift from manual labor to machine-based manufacturing processes.
Industrial Revolution
anything present or introduced into the environment that has harmful effects. It involves the introduction of harmful substances or energy into the surroundings, typically resulting from human activities.
Pollution
process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, overgrazing, or poor agricultural practices.
Desertification
resources that can't be replaced within a human lifespan, so once used up, they are considered gone
nonrenewable
A farming method where crops are planted along the curves of a slope to reduce erosion is called ___________________.
Contour Plowing
large, continuous habitats are divided into smaller, isolated patches due to human activities or natural events
Habit Fragmentation
In wastewater treatment, the ___________________ stage uses bacteria to break down dissolved organic matter.
Secondary
___________________ zoning is the traditional method of separating land use by type (e.g., keeping houses away from factories).
Euclidean
toxic substances become more concentrated at higher trophic levels in a food chain or food web
Biomagnification
type of underground mining where large sections of rock are left to support the ceiling.
Room and Pillars
the benefits obtained from the moderation of natural processes, essential for maintaining a healthy, stable environment
regulating ecosystem service
Does organic farming allows the use of treated sewage (biosolids) as a natural fertilizer?
no
A strip of natural habitat that connects fragmented forest patches
wildlife corridor
is a process where excessive nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus, lead to algal blooms and depleted oxygen
eutrophication
Which type of land use includes a blend of residential, commercial, and sometimes light industrial uses in one area?
mixed-use
A ___________________ factor is a reason why people are forced to leave rural areas, such as climate change or loss of jobs.
push
Which type of mining involves removing the top of a mountain to reach coal underneath?
non-material benefits that people get from ecosystems
cultural services
farming method where farmers disturb the soil as little as possible to prevent erosion.
conservation tillage
How does deforestation lead to an increase in water pollution?
The trees aren’t soaking up CO2 so it is absorbed into the oceans
What is the final step in wastewater treatment before water is discharged back into the environment?
Disinfection (using UV, chlorine, or ozone)
___________________ factors, such as job availability and better infrastructure, draw people into urban centers.
Pull
Mercury accumulates in plankton → small fish → larger fish → humans, with the highest concentrations in top predators.
Biomagnification
The process of breaking rock down into smaller pieces without changing its chemical makeup
physical / mechanical weathering
Which "E" of sustainability focuses on the fair distribution of resources among people?
equity
Living organisms whose genetic material has been deliberately altered using biotechnology to give them specific traits not found naturally
genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
What is one major cause of deforestation?
urbanization
What percentage of Earth’s water is freshwater?
3%
The ______________ effect occurs when cities become warmer due to concrete, asphalt, and buildings
urban heat island
Which type of air pollution is characterized by a brownish-gray haze formed by the reaction of nitrogen oxides and sunlight?
photochemical smog
Which mining technique involves using high-pressure water and chemicals to break rock and release gas?
hydraulic fracturing (fracking)