Exam 3 :)

Pollution

The contamination of the environment, affecting air, water, and soil, often a result of human activities.

Soil Erosion

Loss of topsoil affecting agricultural productivity.

Dust Bowl

Severe soil erosion leading to agricultural failure.

Contour Plowing

Plowing along land contours to reduce erosion.

Great Migration

Mass movement of families due to farming practices.

Sustainable Farming

Methods that preserve soil health and productivity.

Rainfall Variability

Fluctuating rainfall impacting agricultural sustainability.

Soil Management Practices

Techniques ensuring food security and ecological balance.

Hydroelectric Power

Energy generation reliant on continuous river flow.

Groundwater Depletion

Overuse of aquifers leading to water shortages.

Salinization

Accumulation of salts making soil toxic for crops.

Ground Subsidence

Land sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction.

Irrigation Needs

Water supply required for crop production.

Water Transportation Systems

Infrastructure for moving water to arid regions.

Wetlands

Ecosystems crucial for biodiversity and water filtration.

Wetland Loss

Dramatic reduction of wetlands due to human activity.

Biodiversity

Variety of life essential for ecosystem stability.

Deforestation

Destruction of forests impacting biodiversity.

Urbanization

Expansion of urban areas affecting natural habitats.

Overharvesting

Unsustainable extraction of resources depleting species.

Climate Change

Environmental shifts affecting species adaptation.

Invasive Species

Non-native species disrupting local ecosystems.

Conservation Efforts

Strategies to combat biodiversity loss.

Biodiesel

Fuel produced from vegetable oils.

Ethanol

Alcohol made from sugar-rich crops.

Yeast Metabolism

Process converting sugar into CO2 and alcohol.

Biofuel Impact

Effects of biofuels on carbon emissions.

Reservoir Management

Strategies to maintain water supply during droughts.

Ecological Balance

Maintaining healthy ecosystems for sustainability.

Biofuels

Liquid fuels made from living organisms, replacing fossil fuels.

Corn-based biofuel

Biofuel produced primarily from corn, a sugar-rich crop.

Sugar cane biofuel

Biofuel made from sugar cane, more sustainable than corn.

Deforestation

Clearing forests for agriculture, impacting biodiversity.

Seawater intrusion

Saltwater contaminating freshwater aquifers due to over-pumping.

Groundwater management

Strategies to maintain and protect groundwater resources.

Urbanization

Expansion of urban areas, impacting natural resources.

Endangered Species Act (ESA)

Law protecting species at risk of extinction.

California condor

Endangered vulture species, crucial for ecosystem balance.

Aqueducts

Structures transporting water from distant sources to cities.

Alamitos Barrier Project

Injects water to prevent seawater intrusion in aquifers.

Groundwater overdraft

Excessive groundwater extraction leading to resource depletion.

Salinization

Buildup of salt in soil, reducing agricultural productivity.

Corporate agriculture

Large-scale farming practices driving deforestation.

Cash crops

Crops grown for sale rather than subsistence.

Urban development

Expansion of cities, leading to habitat loss.

Biodiversity

Variety of life in ecosystems, essential for stability.

Green infrastructure

Design incorporating natural processes for urban sustainability.

Recycled water

Treated wastewater reused for irrigation and other purposes.

Tertiary treatment

Final purification stage of wastewater treatment.

Fossil fuel input

Energy consumed during biofuel production processes.

Ethical implications

Moral considerations regarding resource use and sustainability.

Environmental consequences

Negative impacts on ecosystems due to human activities.

Habitat loss

Destruction of natural environments, threatening species survival.

Groundwater depletion

Reduction of groundwater levels due to excessive use.

Urban planning

Strategies to manage urban growth sustainably.

Sustainable practices

Methods that maintain ecological balance and resource health.

Overharvesting

Unsustainable extraction of resources, leading to depletion.

Pollution

Contamination of natural resources, harming ecosystems.

Conservation strategies

Plans to protect and restore natural habitats.

Bengal tiger

Top predator species, crucial for ecological balance.

Aquifer pressure

Water pressure in underground layers, vital for water supply.

Groundwater wells

Structures for extracting groundwater for use.

Food vs. fuel debate

Ethical concerns over using food crops for biofuel.

Urban expansion

Growth of cities into surrounding natural areas.

Environmental justice

Fair treatment of all people regarding environmental policies.

Water scarcity

Lack of sufficient water resources to meet demands.

Renewable energy

Energy sources that replenish naturally, like solar and wind.

Carbon footprint

Total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual or organization.

Eutrophication

Excessive nutrient enrichment in water bodies, causing algae blooms.

Xeriscaping

Landscaping using drought-resistant plants to conserve water.

Composting

Decomposing organic matter

Sustainable agriculture

Practices that maintain ecological balance and resource health.

Water conservation

Efficient use of water resources to minimize waste.

Smart growth

Managing urban growth to minimize environmental impact.

No-till farming

Agricultural methods that minimize soil disturbance and erosion.

Crop rotation

Alternating crops to improve soil health and reduce pest pressure.

Cover cropping

Planting crops to protect and improve the soil between main crops.

Agroforestry

Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems for environmental benefits.

Permaculture

Designing sustainable human settlements and agricultural systems.

Integrated pest management (IPM)

Using a combination of methods to control pests while minimizing environmental impact.

Monoculture

The cultivation of a single crop in a given area.

Polyculture

The cultivation of multiple crops together.

Alley Cropping

Planting crops in rows between trees or shrubs.

Windbreaks

Planting trees or shrubs to protect crops from wind.