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APES Overview
A list of 120+ flash cards which can be used to study for Environmental Science which cover the entire year.
140
Environmental Studies
12th Grade
04/06/2009

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Cards

Term
High Quality Energy
Definition
organized & concentrated, can perform useful work (fossil fuel & nuclear)
Term
Ionizing radiation
Definition
enough energy to knock electrons from atoms forming ions, capable of causing cancer (gamma-Xrays-UV)
Term
Low Quality Energy
Definition
disorganized, dispersed (heat in ocean or air wind, solar)
Term
First Law of Thermodynamics
Definition
energy is neither created nor destroyed, but may be converted from one form to another
Term
Second Law of Thermodynamics
Definition
when energy is changed from one form to another, some useful energy is always degraded into lower quality energy (usually heat)
Term
Natural radioactive decay
Definition
unstable radioisotopes decay releasing gamma rays, alpha & beta particles
Term
Half life
Definition
the time it takes for ½ the mass of a radioisotope to decay
Term
Estimate of how long a radioactive isotope must be stored until it decays to a safe level
Definition
approximately 10 half-lives
Term
Nuclear Fission
Definition
nuclei of isotopes split apart when struck by neutrons
Term
Nuclear Fusion
Definition
2 isotopes of light elements (H) forced together at high temperatures till they fuse to form a heavier nucleus. Expensive, break even point not reached yet
Term
Ore
Definition
a rock that contains a large enough concentration of a mineral making it profitable to mine
Term
Organic fertilizer
Definition
slow acting & long lasting because the organic remains need time to be decomposed
Term
Best solution to Energy shortage
Definition
conservation and increase efficiency
Term
Surface mining
Definition
cheaper & can remove more mineral, less hazardous to workers
Term
Humus
Definition
organic, dark material remaining after decomposition by microorganisms
Term
Leaching
Definition
removal of dissolved materials from soil by water moving downwards
Term
Illuviation
Definition
deposit of leached material in lower soil layers (B
Term
Loam
Definition
perfect agricultural soil with equal portions of sand, silt, clay
Term
Conservation
Definition
allows the use of resources in a responsible manner
Term
Preservation
Definition
setting aside areas & protecting them from human activities
Term
Parts of the hydrologic cycle
Definition
evaporation, transpiration, runoff, condensation, precipitation, infiltration
Term
Aquifer
Definition
any water bearing layer in the ground
Term
Cone of depression
Definition
lowering of the water table around a pumping well
Term
Salt water intrusion
Definition
near the coast, overpumping of groundwater causes saltwater to move into the acquifer
Term
ENSO
Definition
El Nino Southern Oscillation, see-sawing of air pressure over the S. Pacific
Term
During an El Nino year
Definition
trade winds weaken & warm water sloshed back to SA
Term
During a Non El Nino year
Definition
Easterly trade winds and ocean currents pool warm water in the western Pacific, allowing upwelling of nutrient rich water off the West coast of South America
Term
Effects of El Nino
Definition
upwelling decreases disrupting food chains, N US has mild winters, SW US has increased rainfall, less Atlantic Hurricanes
Term
Nitrogen fixing
Definition
because atmospheric N cannot be used directly by plants it must first be converted into ammonia by bacteria (rhizobium)
Term
Ammonification
Definition
decomposers covert organic waste into ammonia
Term
Nitrification
Definition
ammonia is converted to nitrate ions (NO-3)
Term
Assimilation
Definition
inorganic N is converted into organic molecules such as DNA/amino acids & proteins
Term
Denitrification
Definition
bacteria convert ammonia back into N
Term
Phosphorus does not circulate as easily as N because
Definition
it does not exist as a gas, but is released by weathering of phosphate rocks
Term
Sustainability
Definition
the ability to meet humanities current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
Term
Excess phosphorus is added to aquatic ecosystems by
Definition
runoff of animal wastes, fertilizer, discharge of sewage
Term
Photosynthesis
Definition
: plants convert atmospheric C (CO2) into complex carbohydrates (glucose C6H12O6)
Term
Aerobic respiration
Definition
oxygen consuming producers, consumers & decomposers break down complex organic compounds & convert C back into CO2
Term
Largest reservoirs of C
Definition
carbonate rocks first, oceans second
Term
Biotic/abiotic
Definition
: living & nonliving components of an ecosystem
Term
Producer/Autotroph
Definition
photosynthetic life
Term
Fecal coliform/Enterococcus
Definition
indicator of sewage contamination
Term
Energy flow in food webs
Definition
only 10% of the usable energy is transferred because usable energy lost as heat (2nd law), not all biomass is digested & absorbed, predators expend energy to catch prey
Term
Chlorine
Definition
(good>disinfection of water)( bad>forms trihalomethanes)
Term
Primary succession
Definition
development of communities in a lifeless area not previously inhabited by life (lava)
Term
Secondary succession
Definition
life progresses where soil remains (clear cut forest, fire)
Term
Cogeneration
Definition
using waste heat to make electricity
Term
Mutualism
Definition
symbiotic relationship where both partners benefit
Term
Commensalism
Definition
symbiotic relationship where one partner benefits & the other is unaffected
Term
Parasitism
Definition
relationship in which one partner obtains nutrients at the expense of the host
Term
Biome
Definition
large distinct terrestrial region having similar climate, soil, plants & animals
Term
Carrying capacity
Definition
the number of individuals that can be sustained in an area
Term
R strategist
Definition
reproduce early, many small unprotected offspring
Term
K strategist
Definition
reproduce late, few, cared for offspring
Term
Positive feedback
Definition
when a change in some condition triggers a response that intensifies the changing condition (EX: warmer Earth - snow melts - less sunlight is reflected & more is absorbed, therefore warmer earth)
Term
Natural selection
Definition
organisms that possess favorable adaptations pass them onto the next generation
Term
Malthus
Definition
said human population cannot continue to increase..consequences will be war, famine & disease
Term
Doubling time
Definition
rule of 70 70 divided by the percent growth rate
Term
Replacement level fertility
Definition
the number of children a couple must have to replace themselves (2.1 developed, 2.7 developing)
Term
World Population is
Definition
6 1/2 billion
Term
US Population
Definition
300 million
Term
Preindustrial stage
Definition
birth & death rates high, population grows slowly, infant mortality high
Term
Transitional stage
Definition
death rate lower, better health care, population grows fast
Term
Industrial stage
Definition
decline in birth rate, population growth slows
Term
Postindustrial stage
Definition
low birth & death rates
Term
Age structure diagrams
Definition
(broad base, rapid growth)(narrow base, negative growth)(uniform shape, zero growth)
Term
1st & 2nd most populated countries
Definition
China & India
Term
Most important thing affecting population growth
Definition
low status of women
Term
Ways to decrease birth rate
Definition
family planning, contraception, economic rewards & penalties
Term
Percent water on earth by type
Definition
97.5% seawater, 2.5% freshwater
Term
Salinazation of soil
Definition
in arid regions, water evaporates leaving salts behind
Term
Ways to conserve water
Definition
(agriculture, drip/trickle irrigation)(industry,recyling)(home, use gray water, repair leaks, low flow fixtures)
Term
Point vs non point sources
Definition
(Point, from specific location such as pipe)(Non-point, from over an area such as runoff)
Term
BOD
Definition
biological oxygen demand, amount of dissolved oxygen needed by aerobic decomposers to break down organic materials
Term
Eutrophication
Definition
rapid algal growth caused by an excess of N & P
Term
Hypoxia
Definition
when aquatic plants die, the BOD rises as aerobic decomposers break down the plants, the DO drops & the water cannot support life
Term
Minamata Disease
Definition
mental impairments caused by mercury
Term
Primary air pollutants
Definition
produced by humans & nature (CO,CO2,SO2,NO,hydrocarbons, particulates)
Term
Negative feedback
Definition
when a changing in some condition triggers a response that counteracts the changed condition (EX: warmer earth - more ocean evaporation - more stratus clouds - less sunlight reaches the ground - therefore cooler Earth)
Term
Particulate matter (source,effect,reduction)
Definition
(burning fossil fuels & diesel exhaust) (reduces visibility & respiratory irritation) (filtering, electrostatic precipitators, alternative energy)
Term
Nitrogen Oxides
Definition
(Source: auto exhaust) (Effects: acidification of lakes, respiratory irritation, leads to smog & ozone) ( Equation for acid formation: NO + O2 = NO2 + H2O = HNO3) (Reduction: catalytic converter)
Term
Sulfur oxides
Definition
(Source: coal burning) (Effects: acid deposition, respiratory irritation, damages plants) (Equation for acid formation: SO2 + O2 = SO3 + H2O = H2SO4) (Reduction: scrubbers, burn low sulfur fuel)
Term
Carbon oxides
Definition
(Source: auto exhaust, incomplete combustion) (Effects: CO binds to hemoglobin reducing bloods ability to carry O, CO2 contributes to global warming) (Reduction: catalytic converter, emission testing, oxygenated fuel, mass transit)
Term
Ozone
Definition
(Formation: secondary pollutant, NO2+UV=NO+O O+O2=O3, with VOC’s) (Effects: respiratory irritant, plant damage) (Reduction: reduce NO emissions & VOCs)
Term
Radon
Definition
radioactive gas, formed from the decay of Uranium, causes lung cancer and is a problem in the Reading Prong
Term
Photochemical smog
Definition
formed by chemical reactions involving sunlight (NO, VOC,O)
Term
Acid deposition
Definition
caused by sulfuric and nitric acids resulting in lowered pH of surface waters
Term
Greenhouse gases
Definition
(Examples: H2O, CO2, O3, methane (CH4), CFC’s) (EFFECT: they trap outgoing infrared (heat) energy causing earth to warm
Term
Effects of global warming
Definition
Effects of global warming: rising sea level (thermal expansion), extreme weather, droughts (famine), extinctions
Term
Ozone depletion caused by
Definition
CFC’s, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, halon, methyl bromide all of which attack stratospheric ozone
Term
Effects of ozone depletion
Definition
increased UV, skin cancer, cataracts, decreased plant growth
Term
Love Canal, NY
Definition
chemicals buried in old canal and school & homes built over it causing birth defects & cancer
Term
Municpal solid waste is mostly
Definition
paper and most is landfilled
Term
True cost / External costs
Definition
harmful environmental side effects that are not reflected in a products price
Term
Sanitary landfill problems and solutions
Definition
(leachate, liner with collection system) (methane gas, collect gas and burn) (volume of garbage, compact & reduce)
Term
Incineration advantages
Definition
volume of waste reduced by 90% & waste heat can be used
Term
Incineration disadvantages
Definition
toxic emissions (polyvinyl chloride—dioxin), scrubbers & electrostatic precipitators needed, ash disposal (contains heavy metals)
Term
Best way to solve waste problem
Definition
reduce the amounts of waste at the source
Term
Keystone species
Definition
species whose role in an ecosystem are more important than others, ex sea otter
Term
Indicator species
Definition
species that serve as early warnings that an ecosystem is being damaged ex trout
Term
Most endangered species
Definition
have a small range, require large territory or live on an island
Term
In natural ecosystems, 50-90% of pest species are kept under control by
Definition
predators, diseases, parasites
Term
Major insecticide groups and examples
Definition
(chlorinated hydrocarbons, DDT) (organophosphates, malathion) (carbamates, aldicarb)
Term
Pesticide pros
Definition
saves lives from insect transmitted disease, increases food supply, increases profits for farmers
Term
Pesticide cons
Definition
genetic resistance, ecosystem imbalance, pesticide treadmill, persistence, bioaccumulation, biological magnification
Term
Natural pest control
Definition
better agricultural practices, genetically resistant plants, natural enemies, biopesticides, sex attractants
Term
Electricity is generated by
Definition
using steam (from water boiled by fossils fuels or nuclear) or falling water to turn a generator
Term
Petroleum forms from
Definition
microscopic aquatic organisms in sediments converted by heat & pressure into a mixture of hydrocarbons
Term
Pros of petroleum
Definition
cheap, easily transported, high quality energy
Term
Cons of petroleum
Definition
reserves depleted soon, pollution during drilling, transport and refining, burning makes CO2
Term
Steps in coal formation
Definition
peat, lignite, bituminous, anthracite
Term
Major parts of a nuclear reactor
Definition
core, control rods, steam generator, turbine, containment building
Term
Two most serious nuclear accidents
Definition
(Chernobyl,Ukraine) (Three Mile Island, PA)
Term
Alternate energy sources
Definition
wind, solar, waves, biomass, geothermal, fuel cells
Term
LD50
Definition
the amount of a chemical that kills 50% of the animals in a test population
Term
Mutagen, Teratogen, Carcinogen
Definition
causes hereditary changes, Fetus deformities, cancer
Term
Endangered species
Definition
North spotted Owl (loss of old growth forest), Bald Eagle (thinning of eggs caused by DDT), Piping Plover (nesting areas threatened by development)
Term
LI Exotic species
Definition
gypsy moth, Asian Long Horned Beetle
Term
Garret Hardin & The Tragedy of the Commons
Definition
Freedom to breed is bringing ruin to all.
Term
Global commons such as atmosphere & oceans are used by all and owned by none
Volcanoes and Earthquakes occ
Definition
at plate boundaries (divergent, spreading, mid-ocean ridges) (convergent, trenches) (transform, sliding, San Andreas)
Term
Sources of mercury
Definition
burning coal, Compact Fluorescent bulbs
Term
Major source of sulfur
Definition
burning coal
Term
Threshold dose
Definition
the maximum dose that has no measurable effect
Term
Surface Mining Control & Reclamation Act
Definition
requires coal strip mines to reclaim the land
Term
Madrid Protocol
Definition
Moratorium on mineral exploration for 50 years in Antarctica
Term
Safe Drinking Water Act
Definition
set maximum contaminant levels for pollutants in drinking water that may have adverse effects on human health
Term
Clean Water Act
Definition
set maximum permissible amounts of water pollutants that can be discharged into waterways..aim to make surface waters swimmable and fishable
Term
Ocean Dumping Ban Act
Definition
bans ocean dumping of sewage sludge & industrial waste in the ocean
Term
Clean Air Act
Definition
Set emission standards for cars, and limits for release of air pollutants
Term
Kyoto Protocol
Definition
controlling global warming by setting greenhouse gas emissions targets for developed countries
Term
Montreal Protocol
Definition
phaseout of ozone depleting substances
Term
Resource Conservation & Recovery Act
Definition
controls hazardous waste with a cradle to grave system
Term
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation & Liability Act
Definition
Superfund, designed to identify and clean up abandoned hazardous waste dump sites
Term
Nuclear Waste Policy Act
Definition
US government must develop a high level nuclear waste site (Yucca Mtn)
Term
Endangered Species Act
Definition
identifies threatened and endangered species in the US, and puts their protection ahead of economic considerations
Term
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species
Definition
lists species that cannot be commercially traded as live specimens or wildlife products
Term
Magnuson- Stevens Act
Definition
Mangaement of marine fisheries
Term
Food Quality Protection Act
Definition
set pesticide limits in food, & all active and inactive ingredients must be screened for estrogenic/endocrine effects
Term
National Environmental Policy Act
Definition
Environmental Impact Statements must be done before any project affecting federal lands can be started
Term
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants
Definition
Seeks to protect human health from the 12 most toxic chemicals (includes 8 chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides / DDT can be used for malaria control)
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