Final Exam Study Guide for Environmental Science

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to environmental science concepts for the final exam.

Deforestation

The clearing or thinning of forests by humans.

E-waste

Electronic waste that includes discarded electrical or electronic devices.

Atmosphere

The layer of gases surrounding Earth, divided into several layers including troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases produced to directly and indirectly support human activities, usually expressed in equivalent tons of CO2.

Prescribed Burns

A fire that is intentionally set to manage land and reduce the risk of uncontrolled wildfires.

Hydraulic Fracking

A method of extracting natural gas or oil by injecting high-pressure fluid into underground rock formations.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.

Wetlands Services

The benefits provided by wetlands, such as water filtration, flood protection, and habitat for wildlife.

Commercial Bottled Water

Water sold in bottles that is often marketed as a convenient or premium product.

Sustainability

The ability to maintain or preserve resources for future generations while avoiding the depletion of natural resources.

New Urbanism

An urban design movement promoting walkable neighborhoods with a diverse range of housing and jobs.

Ocean Acidification

The decrease in pH levels of the ocean caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

NIMBY

An acronym for 'Not In My Back Yard,' often used to express opposition to development projects in one's local area.