Global Environmental Change - Geography Unit 3 Exam Review

These flashcards cover key concepts and terms related to global environmental change, particularly focusing on land cover change, its impacts, and factors influencing it.

What is the definition of 'land cover change'?

The alteration of the physical surface of the Earth caused by natural events or human actions, including changes to vegetation, soils, water bodies, and built environments.

How does environmental change relate to the Amazon Rainforest?

The Amazon Rainforest exemplifies connected systems of living and non-living elements, showcasing significant land cover changes due to human activities and deforestation.

What factors contribute to biodiversity loss?

Deforestation, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overuse of resources lead to declines in species richness and ecosystem stability.

How has remote sensing been used to measure land cover change?

Remote sensing images identify and measure the location, type, rate, and extent of land cover change.

Explain the impact of world population growth on land cover change.

Growing populations increase demand for land for food, housing, and resources, leading to deforestation and urban expansion.

What role does technology play in land cover change?

Advancements such as mechanization and remote sensing can either accelerate or mitigate the impacts of land cover change.

Define 'sustainability' in environmental context.

The ability to meet the needs of current and future generations through social, economic, and environmental adaptation.

What are anthropogenic biomes?

Biomes that are formed through sustained, direct human interaction with ecosystems, such as urban areas and agricultural lands.

List two impacts of land cover change on aquatic environments.

1) Increased nutrient runoff leading to algal blooms; 2) Sedimentation smothering aquatic vegetation.

What constitutes ecosystem structure?

The arrangement of biotic elements (producers, consumers, decomposers) and abiotic components (climate, soils, water, sunlight) within an ecosystem.

What are urban heat islands?

Areas in cities that become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and land cover modifications.

Describe the concept of ecosystem dynamics.

Interactions and processes within an ecosystem involving energy flows and nutrient cycling.

What historical practices did Aboriginal peoples use for land management?

Fire-stick farming, which involved low-intensity burning to promote fresh plant growth and maintain biodiversity.

How do government policies affect land cover change?

Government policies can accelerate or limit land cover change by promoting development or conservation efforts.

What percentage of the original Amazon forest remains today?

Approximately 79% of the original forest remains after significant deforestation.

How does climate change influence land cover change?

Climate change alters weather patterns, impacting vegetation types, agricultural practices, and increasing vulnerability to natural disasters.

What is 'biodiversity'?

The variety of living species on Earth, including genetic diversity and ecosystem variety.

How does urban growth affect land cover?

Urban growth transforms natural landscapes into built environments, replacing vegetation with roads and buildings.

What is deforestation?

The removal of natural forest cover through clearing, burning, or logging, often for agricultural or urban development.

What are the consequences of land cover change on climate?

It can lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, altering local and global climate systems.

Explain the significance of ecosystem recovery processes.

Natural recovery processes in ecosystems can restore balance and function if disturbances are minor and infrequent.

What does 'anthropogenic' mean?

Referring to environmental changes caused or influenced by human activities.

Give an example of how ideology affects land cover change.

In Brazil, the ideology of viewing the Amazon as an economic resource has historically led to high deforestation rates.

What are some technological advancements that impact land use?

Remote sensing technology, GPS-guided machinery, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) can significantly alter land use practices.

Describe a positive impact of traditional land management practices.

Indigenous practices often enhance biodiversity and maintain ecosystem health without causing significant land cover change.

What is the overall trend of global climate change?

The global climate is warming, with increasing temperatures and shifting weather patterns affecting ecosystems.

What method can be employed to track deforestation?

Satellite monitoring systems, such as those used by Brazil's National Institute for Space Research, can track changes in forest cover.

What are the current rates of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest?

Deforestation in the Amazon rainforest occurs at a rate of approximately 13,000 square kilometers per year.

What impact has agriculture had on land cover change?

Agricultural expansion contributes significantly to land cover change, leading to habitat loss and increased greenhouse gas emissions.

How much of the world's biodiversity is found in the Amazon Rainforest?

The Amazon Rainforest is home to about 10% of the world’s known biodiversity.

What is the role of land cover change in climate change?

Land cover change contributes to climate change by altering the Earth's albedo, affecting temperature and precipitation patterns.

What percentage of terrestrial biodiversity is affected by land cover change?

Land cover change affects up to 40% of terrestrial biodiversity.

What are the estimated economic costs of biodiversity loss?

The economic costs of biodiversity loss are estimated to reach several trillion dollars annually.

How does urbanization impact local water cycles?

Urbanization disrupts local water cycles, leading to increased runoff, reduced infiltration, and altered evaporation rates.

What are the projected impacts of climate change on agriculture by 2050?

Climate change is projected to reduce agricultural yields by up to 10% globally by 2050.

How does land cover change affect carbon storage capacity?

Land cover change, particularly deforestation, significantly reduces ecosystems' carbon storage capacity, contributing to increased atmospheric CO2.

What are the potential consequences of continued land cover changes on ocean health?

Continued land cover changes can lead to increased sedimentation and nutrient runoff, adversely affecting ocean health and marine ecosystems.