Apes quiz 1 Delgado

Ionizing Radiation

Radiation with enough energy to dislodge electrons from atoms, forming ions; capable of causing cancer (examples: gamma rays, X-rays, UV).

High Quality Energy

Energy that is organized and concentrated, capable of performing useful work (examples: fossil fuels and nuclear energy).

Low Quality Energy

Energy that is disorganized and dispersed, such as heat in the ocean or air, wind, or solar energy.

First Law of Thermodynamics

States that energy is neither created nor destroyed, but may be converted from one form to another (Law of Conservation of Energy).

Second Law of Thermodynamics

When energy changes form, some useful energy is always degraded into lower quality energy, usually heat.

Natural Radioactive Decay

The process by which unstable radioactive materials release gamma rays, alpha particles, and beta particles (e.g., radon).

Half-Life

The time required for half the mass of a radioactive isotope to decay.

Nuclear Fission

The process where nuclei of isotopes split apart when struck by neutrons.

Nuclear Fusion

The process in which two isotopes of light elements (e.g., hydrogen) are forced together at high temperatures to form a heavier nucleus (e.g., helium), occurring in stars.

Ore

A rock that contains a sufficient concentration of a mineral making it profitable to mine.

Mineral Reserve

Identified deposits of minerals that are currently profitable to extract.

Organic Fertilizer

Fertilizer that is slow-acting and long-lasting due to organic materials needing time to decompose.

Surface Mining

A mining technique that is cheaper and can remove more minerals, posing less hazard to workers.

Humus

The dark organic material remaining after decomposition by microorganisms.

Leaching

The process of removing dissolved materials from soil as water moves downwards.

Illuviation

The deposit of leached material in lower soil layers (B horizons).

Loam

The ideal agricultural soil containing optimal portions of sand, silt, and clay (40%, 40%, 20%).

Soil Conservation Methods

Techniques for preserving soil, such as conservation tillage, crop rotation, contour plowing, and organic fertilizers.

Soil Salinization

The accumulation of salts in soil, often resulting from the evaporation of water in arid regions.

Conservation

The responsible use of resources to maintain their availability.

Preservation

The protection and setting aside of areas from human activities.

Water Logging

A condition in which soil is fully saturated with water, depriving plant roots of oxygen and causing rot.

Watershed

All the land that drains into a particular body of water.

Aquifer

Underground layers of porous rock that allow water to move slowly.

Cone of Depression

The lowering of the water table around a pumping well.

Saltwater Intrusion

The movement of saltwater into freshwater aquifers, typically near coastal areas, due to overpumping.

ENSO

El Nino Southern Oscillation, the seesawing of air pressure over the South Pacific.

El Nino Effects

Diminished fisheries off South America, drought in the western Pacific, increased precipitation in southwestern North America, and fewer Atlantic hurricanes.

La Nina

A climate pattern characterized by stronger-than-average easterly trade winds and pooling of warm water in the western Pacific, allowing nutrient-rich upwelling.

Nitrogen Fixation

The process of converting atmospheric N2 into ammonia (NH3) by bacteria, making it usable by plants.

Ammonification

The conversion of organic waste into ammonia by decomposers.

Nitrification

The conversion of ammonia into nitrate ions (NO3 -1) in the soil.

Assimilation

The process of converting inorganic nitrogen into organic molecules like DNA, amino acids, and proteins.

Denitrification

The process where bacteria convert nitrate (NO3 -1) and nitrite (NO2 -1) ions back into nitrogen gas (N2).

Phosphorous Cycle

A slower nutrient cycle that does not exist in a gaseous form, primarily released by weathering of phosphate rocks.

Limiting Nutrient (Phosphorous)

Phosphorous is considered a major limiting nutrient in plant growth.

Aquatic Ecosystems (Phosphorous)

Phosphorous is added to aquatic ecosystems through runoff from animal waste, fertilizers, and sewage discharge.

Sustainability

The ability to meet current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants convert carbon dioxide (CO2) into complex carbohydrates (sugars), specifically glucose (C6H12O6).

Aerobic Respiration

A process in which oxygen-consuming producers, consumers, and decomposers break down complex organic compounds and convert carbon back into carbon dioxide (CO2).

Clean Air Act

CAA Sets regulations to limit emissions from stationary and mobile sources, sets limits for release of air pollutants, establishes a “cap & trade” system setting allowable emissions per industry

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation Liability Act (Superfund)

CERCLA Provides a “superfund” designed to identify and clean where no direct party could be held responsible.

Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (1973)

CITES Gives protection to 35000 species of plants and animals that cannot be commercially traded as live specimens or wildlife products.

Kyoto Protocol (1997)

An agreement among nations requiring greenhouse gas reductions, “Convention on Climate Change”

Lacey Act (1900 + revisions)

Prohibits trade in US of wildlife, fish & plants that have been illegally taken, sold. possessed, transported

Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (1975)

HAZMAT Governs transportation of hazardous materials and wastes, Covers containers and labeling standards

General Mining Act (1872)

Authorizes and governs prospecting and mining for economic hard-rock minerals, such as gold, platinum, and silver, on federal public lands. No environmental concerns addressed.

National Environmental Policy Act (1969)

NEPA Environmental Impact Statements must be done before any project affecting federal lands start.

Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (1947 + revisions)

FIFRA Regulates effectiveness of pesticides