Human Geography: Environment and Resources

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the environment and resources discussed in Chapter 13 of Human Geography.

Wind

Natural movement of air that can be harnessed for energy.

Recycling

The process of converting waste materials into reusable materials.

Conservation

The sustainable management and use of natural resources.

Natural Gas

A fossil fuel consisting primarily of methane, used for energy production.

Fossil Fuel

Energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas, derived from ancient organic materials.

Pollution

The presence of harmful substances in the environment.

Petroleum

Liquid fossil fuel used primarily for transportation and energy.

Renewable Resource

A resource that can be replenished naturally over time.

Coal

A combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock used primarily for electricity generation.

Geothermal

Energy derived from the Earth’s internal heat.

Nuclear

Energy produced by nuclear reactions, typically fission.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Proven Reserve

The supply of energy resources that is known to exist and can be extracted economically.

Hazardous Waste

Waste materials that can pose a threat to health or the environment.

Solar Energy

Energy harnessed from the sun's rays.

Sanitary Landfill

A site for the disposal of waste, designed to protect the environment.

Sustainable Development

Development that meets present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs.

Nonrenewable Resource

A resource that cannot be replenished at the same rate it is consumed.

Climate Change

Long-term alterations in temperature and typical weather patterns in a place.

Remanufacturing

The process of restoring products to like-new condition.

Preservation

The maintenance of resources in their present condition with minimal human impact.

Quad BTU

A unit of measure representing quadrillions of British thermal units.

Energy Efficiency

The goal of reducing the amount of energy required to provide products and services.

Air Pollution

The presence of substances in the air that are harmful to human health and the environment.

Water Pollution

The contamination of water bodies due to harmful pollutants.

Greenhouse Effect

The warming of Earth's surface due to trapped heat from greenhouse gases.

Sustainable Use

Using resources in a way that meets current needs without depleting them for future generations.