Envi Sci lecture midterm 1

What are the components of an ecosystem?

Primary Producers, Primary Consumers, Secondary Consumers, Tertiary Consumers, and Decomposers.

What are the layers of the atmosphere in order?

Troposphere, Tropopause, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Mesopause, Thermosphere.

What are the major causes of species loss?

Habitat alteration, invasive species, pollution, population growth, and overexploitation.

What are the three major approaches to environmental policy?

Command and control, green tax, and subsidies.

What are the three methods of transmitting solar radiation?

Conduction, Convection, and Radiation.

What are the three states of water?

Solid (ice), Liquid (water), Gas (water vapor).

What are the three ways to study the environment?

Lab studies, field studies, and computer models.

What are the two main types of natural resources?

Renewable natural resources and nonrenewable natural resources.

What are the two types of ecological succession?

Primary succession, which occurs from scratch after events like glacial retreat, and secondary succession, which occurs after disturbances like wildfires.

What are the two types of fieldwork in environmental studies?

Manipulation and natural monitoring.

What does the scientific method involve?

Testing of ideas through observation, based on stable natural laws, cause and effect relationships, and is repeatable.

What does the term 'globalization' refer to in environmental context?

The process by which the world has become more interconnected, impacting environmental policies and practices.

What factors affect the basic biospheric processes?

Factors include atmosphere, soil nutrients, ambient heat, air temperature, wind speed, and atmospheric humidity.

What is a biome?

A biome is a large ecological unit recognized by its dominant plant type and vegetation structure.

What is a drainage basin?

A drainage basin, or watershed, is the area drained by a river or stream system, serving as a fundamental surface hydrology unit.

What is a limitation of computer models in environmental studies?

Models are only as good as the inputs and assume the researcher knows the system.

What is an ecotone?

An ecotone is a drifting boundary between two particular ecosystems or habitats.

What is bioaccumulation?

The accumulation of substances, such as pesticides or other chemicals, in an organism.

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity refers to the variation of all organisms within a given ecosystem, biome, or the entire Earth, often used as a measure of the health of the biosphere.

What is ecology?

Ecology is the study of interactions between life forms and their environment.

What is emissions trading?

A government-created market in permits for the emission of pollutants, allowing for buying and selling of permits.

What is environmental policy?

A formal set of plans and principles intended to address environmental problems and guide decision-making.

What is Environmental Science?

The scientific study of how the natural world works, how the environment affects us, and how we affect our environment.

What is net photosynthesis?

Net photosynthesis is the amount of carbohydrates remaining after respiration has broken down sufficient carbohydrates to power a plant.

What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the production of carbohydrates by combining water with CO2 while absorbing sunlight.

What is relative humidity?

Relative humidity is the amount of water vapor at a temperature divided by the capacity of air at that temperature, expressed as a percentage.

What is the albedo reflectivity of the Earth?

Total reflection of the sun's radiation is 32%, with 5% reflected and scattered, 21% by clouds, and 6% by the ground.

What is the biosphere?

The biosphere is composed of all living organisms on Earth.

What is the concept of cap and trade?

A system where the government caps the total level of emissions and allows industries with low emissions to sell their extra allowances.

What is the definition of porosity?

Porosity refers to the pore space between grains, indicating how much water can be stored.

What is the definition of residency time in hydrology?

Residency time is how long water stays in storage, which varies greatly with the type of storage.

What is the difference between an aquifer and an aquiclude?

An aquifer is any water-transmitting material, while an aquiclude is any material that obstructs the flow of water.

What is the difference between customary law and conventional law?

Customary law arises from long-standing practices, while conventional law arises from treaties agreed upon by nations.

What is the heat of vaporization?

The heat of vaporization is the amount of energy required to change water from liquid to vapor, approximately +600 cal.

What is the ideal sequence of steps in the policy process?

Identify the problem, identify the cause, envision solutions, get organized, cultivate access, and manage policy development.

What is the process of evaporation?

Evaporation is the phase change from liquid water to water vapor, requiring energy.

What is the purpose of the Clean Air and Water Act?

To regulate air and water quality in the United States.

What is the purpose of the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA)?

To ensure that federal agencies consider the environment before making decisions.

What is the relationship between energy and phase changes of water?

Phase changes of water, such as evaporation and condensation, are mechanisms to store and use energy.

What is the role of the atmosphere in the Earth's system?

The atmosphere controls the total amount of radiation Earth receives, selectively filters radiation types, and helps redistribute energy and matter.

What is the role of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)?

To enforce regulations and ensure compliance with environmental laws.

What is the role of the World Bank in environmental policy?

It is the biggest force of funding for large-scale development ventures, including environmental projects.

What is the significance of greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases trap outgoing long-wave radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.

What is the significance of humidity in the atmosphere?

Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, which is temperature-dependent and affects weather patterns.

What is the significance of Silent Spring?

A book that raised awareness about the dangers of pesticide use and its impact on the environment.

What is the significance of the Green New Deal?

A proposal for public policy to address climate change and promote sustainable development.

What is Wien's Law?

Wien's Law relates the wavelength of light to the sun's intensity, stating that at higher temperatures, wavelength decreases and intensity increases.

What role does risk assessment play in environmental policy?

It helps identify issues, determine their severity, and track the path of the problem.

What was the main goal of the Kyoto Protocol?

To reduce emissions of six greenhouse gases to levels below those of 1990.

What was the Montreal Protocol?

An international agreement signed in 1987 to address ozone depletion, which took effect in 1989.