🌱 AP Environmental Science Unit 9 Notes (copy)

Stratospheric Ozone

The region of Earth's atmosphere where ozone (O3) absorbs UV-B and UV-C radiation, protecting life on Earth.

UV-B Radiation

A type of ultraviolet radiation harmful to living organisms, which is absorbed by the ozone layer.

CFCs

Chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals that contribute to ozone layer depletion, used in refrigeration and aerosols.

Montreal Protocol

An international treaty aimed at phasing out the production of substances that deplete the ozone layer.

HCFCs

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, replacement for CFCs that are less harmful to ozone but still contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)

A significant pollutant that can lead to smog and respiratory problems, also involved in ozone formation.

Greenhouse Effect

The process by which certain gases in the Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm enough to sustain life.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas produced by burning fossil fuels, significant for climate change.

Methane (CH4)

A potent greenhouse gas emitted during production and transport of coal, oil, and natural gas, and by livestock.

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

A measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps in the atmosphere over a specific time compared to CO2.

Thermal Expansion

The increase in volume of water as it is heated, contributing to rising sea levels.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH of the ocean due to the uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere.

Invasive Species

Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources.

Endangered Species

Species at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, poaching, or competition.

Biodiversity

The variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat, crucial for ecosystem stability.

Poaching

Illegal hunting or capturing of wild animals, often for profit.

Climate Change

Long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns in a place, driven by human activities.

Overexploitation

Excessive use of species or resources leading to decline or extinction.

Eutrophication

The process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, causing excessive growth of plants and algae.

Habitat Fragmentation

The process where large habitats are broken into smaller, isolated patches, affecting species survival.

Albedo Effect

The measure of how much sunlight is reflected by a surface, influencing Earth's climate.

Ocean Warming

The increase in ocean temperatures, impacting marine life and ecosystems.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities.

Sustainable Development

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

Habitat Restoration

The process of assisting the recovery of an ecosystem that has been degraded or destroyed.

Species Richness

The number of different species represented in a particular ecological community.

Trophic Levels

The hierarchical levels in an ecosystem, comprising producers, consumers, and decomposers.

Bans on CFCs

Legislation and agreements aimed at halting the production and use of substances harmful to the ozone layer.

Photochemical Smog

Air pollution that results from the reaction between sunlight and chemicals such as volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides.

Wildlife Corridors

Protected land connections that allow wildlife to move between habitats, facilitating genetic diversity.

Biomagnification

The increasing concentration of toxins in organisms higher up the food chain.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with CO2 and H2O.

Ecosystem Services

The benefits provided by ecosystems, including air and water purification, pollination, and climate regulation.

Wildlife Conservation

Efforts aimed at protecting endangered species and their habitats.

Speciation

The formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

Resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances.

Threshold Effects

Points beyond which a system cannot return to its previous state after experiencing change.

Green Technology

Technologies that have a minimal impact on the environment and promote sustainability.

Ecological Footprint

A measure of how much land and water area a human population requires to produce the resources it consumes and absorb its wastes.

Biological Control

The use of natural predators to manage invasive species or pests.

Anthropogenic Effects

Environmental changes caused or influenced by humans, such as pollution and habitat destruction.

Carbon Sequestration

The process of capturing and storing atmospheric CO2 to mitigate climate change.

Conservation Biology

The study and practice of protecting biodiversity, focusing on preserving species and their habitats.

Genetic Diversity

The total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species.

Ecosystem Diversity

The variety of ecosystems within a given region.