science

1. Define: CAFE,

an acronym for Corporate Average Fuel Economy, which refers to

define climate

the long-term average of weather patterns in a given area, including temperature, humidity, and precipitation.

define : paleoclimatologist

a scientist who studies past climates using data from ice cores, tree rings, and sediment.

albedo

the measure of reflectivity of a surface, indicating how much sunlight is reflected back into space.

Coriolis effect

The Coriolis effect is an apparent force that deflects moving objects (like air or projectiles) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere

the different atmospheric layers.

These layers include the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, each with distinct characteristics and functions.

List the greenhouse gases. Describe the greenhouse effect and explain its role in keeping the Earth's surface warm.

Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and water vapor.methane The greenhouse effect is the process by which these gases absorb and emit infrared radiation, trapping heat in the Earth's atmosphere and maintaining a temperature conducive to life.

Describe the main air patterns and movements on Earth that contribute to weather and climate.

The main air patterns and movements on Earth include the trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies, which drive weather systems and influence climate by distributing heat and moisture across the planet. %%

List the emission sources of human made greenhouse gases.

Emission sources of human-made greenhouse gases include fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, agriculture, and industrial processes, all contributing to increased atmospheric concentrations.

List and identify the natural sources and human activities that cause global warming and climate change.

Natural sources include volcanic eruptions, wildfires, and natural decay, while human activities encompass fossil fuel burning, land-use changes, and industrial emissions.

Describe the effects global warming and climate change have on the natural environment and human health.

Global warming and climate change lead to rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and habitat loss, impacting biodiversity and ecosystems. They also contribute to health issues like heat-related illnesses, respiratory problems, and food security threats.

Describe solutions to climate change.

Solutions to climate change include reducing greenhouse gas emissions through renewable energy adoption, enhancing energy efficiency, reforestation, and sustainable agricultural practices, alongside policy measures and international cooperation.

define smog

Smog is a type of air pollution that is a mixture of smoke and fog, typically created by industrial emissions and vehicle exhaust. It can cause respiratory problems and reduce visibility.

define air pollution

Air pollution refers to the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, such as gases, particulates, and biological molecules, which can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

global warming

the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

List the major air pollutants and their emission sources.

Major air pollutants include particulate matter nitrogen oxides sulfur dioxide carbon monoxide volatile organic compounds and ozone Their sources include industrial processes, vehicle emissions, power plants, and burning of fossil fuels.

List and identify the effects of air pollutants on the environment and human health.

It leads to respiratory illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and cancers, while also contributing to climate change, harming ecosystems, and reducing biodiversity. 

Describe the purpose of AQI.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a system used to communicate how polluted the air currently is or how polluted it is forecast to become. It helps to inform the public about the potential health effects associated with local air quality conditions.

Explain the importance of stratospheric ozone to life on Earth. Explain how human activities have depleted the ozone layer.

Stratospheric ozone protects life on Earth by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, preventing skin cancer and cataracts in humans, as well as damage to other organisms. Human activities, particularly the release of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other ozone-depleting substances, have led to significant thinning of the ozone layer.

Describe thermal-inversion and heat island effects in urban areas.

Thermal inversion is a meteorological phenomenon where a layer of warm air traps cooler air at the surface, leading to increased pollution and smog. Heat island effects occur in urban areas where built environments absorb and retain heat, resulting in higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas.

1. List indoor air pollutants and their sources.

dust, mold, pet dander, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). household cleaning products and paints to combustion appliances and building materials.

Identify laws and international agreements that regulate air pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Key regulations include the Clean Air Act, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement, which aim to limit air pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions globally.

Define: hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up entirely of hydrogen and carbon, occurring in various forms such as alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, often found in fossil fuels and industrial pollutants.

Define: OPEC,

OPEC, or the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, is a coalition of oil-producing nations that coordinates and unifies petroleum policies to stabilize oil markets and secure a steady supply of oil to consumers.

define Btu

Btu, or British thermal unit, is a measure of heat energy defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. It is commonly used in energy calculations and heating applications.

define net energy

The total usable energy produced from a resource after subtracting the energy expended to extract, process, and deliver it. Net energy accounts for the energy input versus output, indicating the efficiency of energy production.

define half-life

Half-life is the time required for half of a given quantity of a radioactive substance to decay or for a half of a substance to be reduced by half in a chemical reaction. It is a key concept in nuclear physics and pharmacokinetics.

fossil fuels

Energy sources derived from decomposed organic matter, including coal, oil, and natural gas. They are used extensively for electricity generation and heating.

define fission

Fission is a nuclear reaction where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing energy and other particles

Describe the various nonrenewable energy sources: oil, coal, natural gas, and nuclear.

Nonrenewable energy sources are those that exist in finite amounts and cannot be replenished in a human timescale. These include fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas, as well as nuclear energy produced from fission in uranium or other elements.

Explain how each nonrenewable energy source is used to create energy or electricity.

Each nonrenewable energy source is utilized by converting its chemical or nuclear energy into electricity through various methods. Oil and natural gas are burned in power plants to create steam that drives turbines, coal is combusted to produce heat that generates steam, and nuclear energy is harnessed from fission reactions to generate heat, which also produces steam for turbines.

List the pros and cons of each nonrenewable energy source.

Pros and cons can vary: Oil is highly efficient but contributes to air pollution; Coal is abundant but emits significant greenhouse gases; Natural gas is cleaner than coal but still a fossil fuel; Nuclear energy produces low emissions but has risks associated with waste disposal and potential accidents.

Explain how each nonrenewable energy can be made more environmentally friendly.

Various nonrenewable energy sources can be enhanced for better environmental performance through carbon capture and storage, improved efficiency in burning fuels, transitioning to natural gas to reduce emissions, and investing in safer nuclear technologies.

Explain the consumption of nonrenewable energy using an energy flowchart.

An energy flowchart visually represents how nonrenewable energy sources are extracted, processed, and converted into electricity, detailing each step from raw materials to end-use energy.

Explain how nonrenewable energy sources are used in a power plant to create electricity.

Nonrenewable energy sources in a power plant are used by undergoing combustion or fission processes to generate heat, which then converts water to steam. This steam drives turbines that produce electricity as part of the energy conversion process.

laws that regulate nonrenewable energy.

Laws regulating nonrenewable energy sources are established to limit environmental impact, ensure safety, and promote efficient energy use. These can include regulations on emissions, land use, and compliance with environmental standards.

Define: renewable energy,

energy obtained from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydro power, which contrast with nonrenewable energy sources.

define tidal power

Energy harnessed from ocean tides, utilizing the rise and fall of sea levels to generate electricity.

 photovoltaic cell

A device that converts sunlight directly into electricity using the photovoltaic effect, commonly used in solar panels.

define capacity factor,

the ratio of actual output of a power plant to its potential output over a period of time, indicating the efficiency and reliability of the energy production.

biofuels

Renewable fuels derived from biological materials, including plants and animal waste, used as alternatives to fossil fuels.

solar insulation,

the amount of solar radiation energy received on a given surface area during a specific time, often used to assess the potential for solar energy generation.

reservoir

a natural or artificial lake used to store water for hydroelectric power generation, irrigation, or drinking water supply.

seismicity

the frequency and intensity of earthquakes in a specific area, reflecting tectonic activity and geological stability.

wind farms

arrays of wind turbines that convert wind energy into electricity, typically located in areas with consistent wind patterns.

List and describe the various renewable energy sources: biomass, solar, hydro, geothermal, and wind.

Renewable energy sources are natural resources that replenish themselves and can be used to generate energy without depleting the planet's resources. These include biomass, which is organic material used for fuel; solar energy, harnessed from sunlight using solar panels; hydro energy from flowing water; geothermal energy derived from the Earth's internal heat; and wind energy captured by wind turbines.

1. Explain how each renewable energy source is used to create energy or electricity.

Biomass is burned or converted into biofuels, solar energy is captured through photovoltaic cells or solar thermal systems, hydro energy is generated by the movement of water through turbines, geothermal energy is extracted through steam or hot water from the Earth, and wind energy is produced by turbines that convert wind motion into electricity.

1. List the pros and cons of each renewable energy source.

Pros include sustainability and low emissions; cons may involve land usage and resource availability.

1. Explain how renewable energy is more environmentally friendly than nonrenewable energy.

Renewable energy sources produce little to no greenhouse gas emissions during operation, reducing air pollution and its impacts on climate change. In contrast, nonrenewable energy sources release significant carbon dioxide and other pollutants, contributing to global warming and environmental degradation.

Describe the consumption of renewable energy using an energy flowchart.

An energy flowchart illustrates how renewable energy sources are produced, converted into usable forms, and consumed, highlighting the cycle from energy generation to consumption.

1. Explain how renewable energy sources are used in a power plant to create electricity.

Renewable energy sources in a power plant, such as solar panels, wind turbines, or biomass, are harnessed to generate electricity through conversion processes. These sources convert natural energy into electrical power while minimizing emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

1. Identify laws that regulate renewable energy.

Renewable energy is regulated by a combination of federal and state laws, aiming to promote its use and ensure environmental protection. Key examples include the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS), which require utilities to source a certain percentage of their energy from renewable sources. Additionally, laws like the Clean Energy, Jobs, and Affordability Act of 2022 in California set targets for zero-carbon electricity generation. 

Define: municipal solid waste,

Municipal solid waste refers to the everyday garbage or trash produced by households, businesses, and institutions, including items like food waste, packaging, and other materials that are discarded.

industrial waste,

refers to the waste generated from industrial activities, including manufacturing, production processes, and construction sites. This type of waste can include hazardous substances, chemicals, and non-hazardous materials.

composting

is the process of breaking down organic waste, such as food scraps and yard debris, into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. This natural recycling method helps reduce landfill waste and enhances soil health.

recycling

is the process of collecting, processing, and transforming materials that would otherwise be discarded into new products, thus conserving resources and reducing waste.

leachate

is the liquid that drains or leaches from a landfill, which can contain harmful pollutants and contaminants, posing risks to the environment and groundwater.

1. superfund sites, landfill

contaminated areas requiring cleanup due to hazardous waste.

1. List the major types of municipal solid waste, industrial waste, and hazardous waste.

These include organic waste, plastics, metals, glass, and paper for municipal solid waste; construction debris, manufacturing waste, and chemical waste for industrial waste; and toxic substances, pollutants, and radioactive materials for hazardous waste.

1. Describe the four major end points of municipal solid waste: landfills, recycling, composting, and energy recovery. Identify the amount and type of waste that goes to each endpoint.

The four major end points of municipal solid waste are: 1) landfills, which receive approximately 50% of waste; 2) recycling, where around 34% of materials are processed for reuse; 3) composting, handling about 14% of organic waste; and 4) energy recovery, which accounts for about 4% of waste converted into energy.

1. List the strategies used in a sustainable management hierarchy. Explain how each strategy contributes to reducing waste in landfills.

Strategies include source reduction, which minimizes waste generation; recycling and composting, which divert materials from landfills; and energy recovery, which converts waste to energy, thereby reducing the volume of waste being landfilled.

1. Describe how industrial and hazardous waste is managed.

Management involves minimizing waste generation, using proper treatment methods to reduce toxicity, and ensuring safe disposal through regulated landfills or specialized treatment facilities to protect human health and the environment.

1. Describe how the EPA manages hazardous sites through the Superfund Program.

The EPA manages hazardous sites through the Superfund Program by identifying and cleaning up contaminated sites, regulating hazardous waste, and ensuring the responsible parties either clean up the sites or fund the necessary remedial actions to protect public health and the environment.

1. Identify laws that regulate the different types of waste.

Regulatory frameworks include the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), which governs hazardous waste management; the Clean Water Act, which addresses water pollution from waste; and the Clean Air Act, which regulates air emissions from waste management processes.

1. Define: urbanization, suburbs,

and exurban areas are key components of population growth and expansion of cities, influencing land use, infrastructure development, and social dynamics.

 urban sprawl

is the uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into the surrounding rural land, often characterized by low-density development and increased reliance on automobiles.

zoning

is a system of land-use regulation that designates how land in specific geographic areas can be used, helping to manage urban development and maintain community standards.

wildlife overpass

is a bridge or structure that allows wildlife to cross over roads or other human-made barriers safely, reducing animal collisions and promoting ecological connectivity.

new urbanism

is an urban design movement that promotes walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use development, and the integration of community spaces to reduce dependence on cars and enhance environmental sustainability.

1. Describe the drivers of urban growth.

2. Explain the causes of urban sprawl.

Drivers of urban growth include population increase, economic opportunities, and migration from rural areas. Urban sprawl is caused by factors such as suburbanization, increased car dependency, and the desire for larger living spaces.

1. Describe the environmental and human health impacts of urbanization and urban sprawl.

Urbanization and urban sprawl can lead to habitat destruction, increased air and water pollution, and loss of biodiversity, while negatively impacting human health through greater exposure to pollutants and reduced access to green spaces.

1. Explain how urban planning is used in meeting the future needs of a growing or new urban area.

Urban planning involves creating comprehensive strategies that address land use, transportation, and infrastructure to accommodate growth, enhance livability, and ensure sustainable development.

1. Describe the regulatory, planning, and zoning solutions to urban sprawl.

Regulatory, planning, and zoning solutions to urban sprawl include implementing growth boundaries, promoting mixed-use developments, and enhancing public transportation to create more compact urban forms and protect surrounding natural areas.

1. Describe sustainable urban development strategies: smart growth, green design, and well-planned transportation infrastructure.

Sustainable urban development strategies aim to create environmentally friendly, efficient urban areas through practices like smart growth, which focuses on compact communities, green design that incorporates eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency, and well-planned transportation infrastructure to promote public transit and reduce reliance on cars.