APES Final Exam Vocabulary Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from the AP Environmental Science Final Exam Study Guide.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

Primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion and deforestation.

Methane (CH4)

A major greenhouse gas produced from agriculture (livestock), landfills, and natural gas extraction.

Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

A major greenhouse gas emitted from fertilizers and fossil fuel combustion.

Fluorinated Gases

Greenhouse gases from industrial processes and refrigeration.

Anthropogenic Sources

Human activities contributing 75% of greenhouse gas emissions.

Natural Sources (of Greenhouse Gases)

Volcanic eruptions and natural decomposition.

Ice-Albedo Effect

Melting ice leading to darker surfaces, more heat absorption, and further melting.

Permafrost Melting

Warming leading to permafrost thaw, methane/CO2 release, and more warming.

Water Vapor Feedback Loop

Warming leading to more evaporation, more water vapor (a greenhouse gas), and more warming.

Increased Plant Growth

More CO2 leading to enhanced photosynthesis and more CO2 absorption.

Cloud Formation Feedback Loop

Warming leading to more evaporation, more clouds, and increased reflection.

Eutrophication

Nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers applied to crops, leading to runoff carrying excess nutrients to water bodies.

Buffer strips

Strips of vegetation planted along waterways to filter runoff.

Precision agriculture

Application of nutrients to crops with exact calculations .

Cover crops

Crops that prevent nutrient loss.

Integrated nutrient management

The application of nutrients to crops following an all encompassing plan or strategy.

Primary Pollutants (in photochemical smog)

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds

Sunlight Catalyst

UV radiation that drives chemical reactions in photochemical smog formation.

Secondary Pollutant (in photochemical smog)

Ground-level ozone (O3)

PM2.5

Fine particles less than 2.5 micrometers that can penetrate deep into lungs.

PM10

Coarse particles between 2.5 and 10 micrometers.

Clean Air Act (1970)

Set National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).

Acid Rain Program

Cap-and-trade system for SO2 emissions.

Catalytic Converters

Convert NOx, CO, and hydrocarbons to less harmful compounds.

Electrostatic Precipitators

Remove particulates from smokestack emissions.

Solar Energy

Photovoltaic cells convert sunlight to electricity.

Geothermal Energy

Earth's internal heat generates steam.

Coal

Highest carbon content fossil fuel, used for electricity.

Natural Gas

Cleanest fossil fuel, increasing use for electricity.

Petroleum

Primary transportation fuel, petrochemical feedstock.

Surface Mining Environmental Impacts

Habitat destruction.

Hydraulic Fracturing (Fracking)

High-pressure fluid injection leading to groundwater contamination and induced seismicity.

Oil Drilling Environmental Impacts

Offshore platforms leading to spill risks and marine ecosystem disruption.

Geothermal Energy

Underground hot water/steam drives turbines.

Primary Pollutants

Direct emissions

Secondary Pollutants

Formed through atmospheric reactions

Radon

Radioactive gas from soil/rock decay.

Carbon Monoxide (Indoor)

Incomplete combustion from furnaces, vehicles.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Paints, adhesives, cleaning products.

Biological Contaminants

Mold, dust mites, pet dander.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with hormone systems.

Examples of Endocrine Disruptors

BPA (plastics), phthalates (cosmetics), pesticides (atrazine).

Nutrient Sources (Eutrophication)

Agricultural runoff (nitrogen, phosphorus), sewage, urban stormwater.

Bioaccumulation

Toxins accumulate in individual organisms over time.

Biomagnification

Toxin concentration increases up food chain levels.

Waste Management Hierarchy

Reduce → Reuse → Recycle → Recovery → Disposal.

Landfills

Engineered containment, methane capture.

Incineration

Energy recovery, ash disposal.

Composting

Organic waste decomposition.

Source Reduction

Design for durability, minimize packaging.

Extended Producer Responsibility

Manufacturers responsible for product lifecycle.

Flood Irrigation

Least efficient irrigation method (50-60%), high water loss.

Drip Irrigation

Most efficient irrigation method (90-95%), targeted water delivery.

Advantages of CAFOs

Efficient production, lower costs.

Consequences of Overfishing

Population collapse, ecosystem disruption, economic losses.

Environmental Effects of Urbanization

Increased stormwater runoff, heat island effect, air quality degradation, habitat fragmentation.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Combine biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls.

Goals of Sustainable Agriculture

Maintain productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Greenhouse Effect

Solar radiation absorbed, Earth emits longwave radiation, greenhouse gases trap heat.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Increased atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations intensify warming.

Impacts of Ocean Warming

Thermal expansion (sea level rise), coral bleaching, altered ocean currents.

Major Threats to Biodiversity

Habitat loss, climate change, pollution, invasive species, overexploitation.

Conservation Strategies

Protected areas, species recovery programs, habitat restoration.