Environment Science Unit Test

Greenhouse Gases

Gases in the earth's atmosphere that trap heat.

How does the Earth keep warm?

All EM radiation from sun is absorbed. 

What is the molecular mechanism used by greenhouse gases to warm the earth?

Absorption and re-emission of Infared radiation

Burning _______ at power plants creates emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX),

Fossil fuels

Power-plants effects on human health

 Respiratory and cardiovascular problems, asthma, brain damage, and heart problems

What are the dominant gasses that make up clean, dry air?

Nitrogen, oxygen, argon, and carbon dioxide.

Four layers of the atmosphere.

Troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.

Greenhouse Effect

A term typically used to describe the capture of energy by gasses in the atmosphere.

Troposphere and stratosphere

Closest to the surface of Earth. Air flows both horizontally and vertically in convection currents to redistribute heat and moisture around the globe.

Both layers are similar but is far more dilute and it has little to no water vapor. It also has nearly 1,000 times more ozone.

Mesosphere and thermosphere.

The middle layer, temperature diminishes because of height. 

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Located above the mesosphere, it is known to reach very high temperatures. Highly ionized by electrically charged gasses and heated by steady streams of high-energy solar and cosmic energy.

IPCC, and what is its function?

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. It aims to review scientific research and evidence on the likely causes of human caused climate change.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Biodiversity Importance

Essential for the processes that support all life on Earth, including humans.

Threats to Biodivesity

Habitat loss, pollution, overexploitation, invasive species, and climate change.

Agriculture

The art and science of cultivating the soil, growing crops and raising livestock.

Food Production

The process of transforming raw materials into edible food products.

Land used for agriculture in the United States = _  ( _ of that ifruits and vegetables)

40% and 70%

Soil

Material composed of five ingredients — minerals, soil organic matter, living organisms, gas, and water

Levels of soil

Organic 

Topsoil 

Eluviated Soil

Sub Soil

Erosion

Geological process in which earthen materials are worn away and transported by natural forces such as wind or water

Types of Erosion

Water

Sheet

Rill

Gulley

Stream

Wind