Environmental Science Lecture Review

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to environmental science topics from the lecture.

Phase 1: Pre-industrial Stage

Characterized by high birth rates (CBR) and high death rates (CDR), resulting in stable population.

Phase 2: Transitional Stage

High birth rates (CBR) with decreasing death rates (CDR), leading to rapid population growth.

Phase 3: Industrial Stage

Low death rates (CDR) and decreasing birth rates (CBR), where population growth slows and heads toward stabilization.

Phase 4: Post-industrial Stage

Low birth rates (CBR) and low death rates (CDR), resulting in a stabilized or declining population.

Indoor Air Pollution

More severe and deadly than outdoor air pollution, often occurring in rural areas or modern buildings.

Primary Pollutant

Pollutants discharged into the troposphere, such as CO₂, NO, SO₂.

Secondary Pollutant

Pollutants formed from reactions between primary pollutants and other chemicals.

Thermal Inversion

Lack of mixing due to density differences, causing warmer air to trap cooler air below.

Nitrogen Oxides (NOx)

Includes nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), which are harmful air pollutants.

Ozone

Stratospheric ozone is beneficial, blocking UVA and UVB; tropospheric ozone is harmful and an irritant.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Colorless and odorless gas, major greenhouse gas emitted through burning fossil fuels.

Lead (Pb)

Previously a major pollutant from gasoline combustion, now regulated due to health risks.

Aquifer

Water storage formations underground, which can be confined or unconfined; largest is the Ogallala.

Biomagnification

Amplification of toxic concentrations as they move up the food chain.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Toxins that bioaccumulate and biomagnify; include substances like DDT and PCBs.

LD50

The dose of a toxin required to kill 50% of a population.

Threshold Level

The dosage level at which negative effects start to show.

Carcinogens

Chemicals that can cause cancer, including nicotine and asbestos.

Toxicity

The degree to which a substance can harm humans or animals.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, such as CO2 and CH4.

Albedo

Reflectivity of an object, affecting heat absorption and climate.

Climate Change

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns, primarily caused by human activities.

Montreal Protocol

International treaty that phased out substances that deplete the ozone layer.

Kyoto Protocol

International treaty setting binding obligations on industrialized countries to reduce emissions.