Untitled Flashcards Set

Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Carbon Sink

A natural system that absorbs and stores more carbon than it releases.

Carbon Reservoir

A storage location for carbon in the Earth’s system.

Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)

A greenhouse gas produced by respiration and burning fossil fuels.

Decomposition

The breakdown of organic material by bacteria and fungi.

Fossil Fuels

Natural fuels formed from ancient organic matter.

Nitrates (NO₃⁻)

A form of nitrogen that plants absorb from the soil.

Nitrites (NO₂⁻)

A less stable form of nitrogen in the nitrogen cycle.

Nitrification

The conversion of ammonia (NH₃) into nitrites and then into nitrates.

Nitrogen Fixing Bacteria

Microorganisms that convert atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into a usable form.

Ammonification

The process of converting organic nitrogen into ammonia.

Assimilation

The process where plants absorb nitrates and ammonia to build proteins.

Denitrification

The process where bacteria convert nitrates back into nitrogen gas.

Ammonia (NH₃)

A nitrogen compound produced by decomposition.

Ammonium (NH₄⁺)

A form of nitrogen used by plants for growth.

Weathering

The breaking down of rocks into smaller particles.

Erosion

The movement of soil and rock by wind, water, or gravity.

Runoff

Water that flows over the land instead of soaking into the ground.

Geological Uplift

The process of rocks being lifted to the Earth's surface.

Leaching

The removal of nutrients from the soil by water movement.

Decomposers

Organisms that break down dead matter.

Phosphates (PO₄³⁻)

Essential nutrients in the phosphorus cycle.

Phosphorus

A key nutrient for plant growth that does not exist as a gas.

Degradation

The decline in soil quality due to overuse.

Texture

The feel of soil based on particle size (sand, silt, clay).

Density

The mass of soil per unit volume.

Permeability

The ability of water to flow through soil.

Nutrients (NPK: Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium)

Essential elements for plant growth.

pH

The acidity or alkalinity of soil.

Soil Horizons (O, A, E, B, C, R)

Layers of soil with different compositions.

Soil Erosion

The removal of topsoil by wind or water.

Eutrophication

Excess nutrients causing algae blooms in water.

GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)

Organisms altered for desired traits.

Tilling

The process of plowing soil before planting crops.

Irrigation

The artificial application of water to crops.

Pesticides

Chemicals used to kill pests.

Herbicides

Chemicals that kill weeds.

Salinization

The buildup of salts in soil due to irrigation.

Evaporation

The process of water turning into vapor.

Pesticide Treadmill

The cycle where pests become resistant to pesticides.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Combining biological, physical, and chemical pest controls.

CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation)

Large-scale livestock farms.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.

Overgrazing

When livestock eat too much vegetation, degrading land.

Desertification

Land degradation turning fertile areas into deserts.

Endocrine Disruptors

Chemicals that interfere with hormones.

Bioaccumulation

The buildup of toxins in an organism.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxins up the food chain.