March Exam Vocab

In-situ leaching

Method of extracting minerals from ore deposits by dissolving them underground and pumping the solution to the surface for processing.

Benthic zone

The bottom region of an aquatic ecosystem, including the sediment surface and sub-surface layers. It is home to diverse organisms adapted to low light levels and high pressure.

Littoral zone

Area near a body of water where sunlight reaches the lake or ocean floor, supporting diverse plant and animal life.

Limnetic zone

The open water area where light does not generally penetrate all the way to the bottom

Estuary

A partially enclosed coastal body of water where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

Upwelling Area

Oceanic region where cold, nutrient-rich water rises to the surface, supporting diverse marine life due to increased productivity.

Unconfined aquifer

An aquifer where the water table is at atmospheric pressure and is not confined by impermeable layers above, allowing water to flow in and out easily.

Eutrophication

Excessive nutrients in water lead to algal blooms, decreasing oxygen levels and harming aquatic life.

Biological mangification

The process where toxins accumulate in organisms as they move up the food chain, becoming more concentrated at higher trophic levels.

Cultural eutrophication

Excessive nutrients from human activities cause rapid algae growth, depleting oxygen levels and harming aquatic ecosystems.

Nonpoint-source pollution

Diffuse pollution from various sources, making it challenging to pinpoint a single origin. Examples include runoff from urban areas, agricultural lands, and construction sites.

Dredging streambeds

Process of removing sediment and debris from the bottom of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water to improve water quality, navigation, and flood control.

Properties of a mineral

Physical properties of a mineral include color, streak, luster, hardness, cleavage, fracture, and specific gravity. They help identify and differentiate minerals.

Subsurface mining

Involves digging tunnels and shafts underground to access mineral resources, such as coal and metals, which are not easily accessible from the surface.

Room-and-pillar mining

Method of mining where horizontal tunnels are excavated leaving pillars of untouched material to support the overlying rock and prevent collapse.

Long wall mining

Method where coal is extracted in long panels from a wall using a machine called a shearer, leaving behind the roof to collapse and create subsidence.

Solution mining

Mining technique where a solvent is injected into an ore body to dissolve the desired mineral, which is then pumped to the surface for processing.

Open pit mining

Mining technique where minerals are extracted from the surface of the Earth through an open pit or borrow. It is commonly used for mining metals like copper and gold.

Slag

A byproduct formed during metal smelting or refining processes. It consists of non-metallic compounds and is often used in construction and road building.

Overburden

The layer of soil and rock covering a mineral deposit that must be removed to access the desired resource during mining operations.

Flux

Material added to a substance to promote melting or to remove impurities. Used in metallurgy to facilitate the smelting process.

Dredge

A device used to gather sediment from the bottom of water bodies for various purposes like mining or environmental cleanup.

Subsidence

The gradual sinking or caving in of an area of land, often caused by the removal of underground water, oil, or minerals.

Solar evaporation ponds

Large shallow ponds used to extract salt from seawater or brine by allowing the sun to evaporate the water, leaving behind the salt for harvesting.

Mining reclamation

Restoring land to its original state after mining activities cease, including re-vegetation, erosion control, and water management to promote environmental health.

Noise pollution

Excessive or disruptive noise that can harm humans, wildlife, and the environment, leading to health issues and ecosystem disturbances.

Comprehensive Response Compensation and Liability Act

U.S. federal law for cleanup of hazardous waste sites, assigning liability to responsible parties for contamination.

Acid mine drainage

Polluted water from mines with high acidity and toxic metals, harming aquatic life and ecosystems.

Tragedy of the commons

Concept where individuals exploit shared resources for personal gain, leading to depletion of the resource and negative consequences for all users.

Aquaculture

Farming of aquatic organisms like fish, crustaceans, and aquatic plants in controlled environments for commercial purposes.

By-catch

Unintentional capture of non-target species during fishing operations. It often results in the discard of these species, impacting marine ecosystems.

Bottom trawling

A fishing method where a large net is dragged along the seafloor to catch fish. It can cause habitat destruction and harm marine ecosystems.

Gill netting

A fishing method using nets that catch fish by their gills. It can lead to bycatch and overfishing, impacting marine ecosystems.

Long-lining

A fishing method that uses a long line with baited hooks attached at intervals, targeting fish like tuna and swordfish.

International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources

Global organization that assesses the conservation status of species and ecosystems, publishes the Red List of Threatened Species, and promotes sustainable use of natural resources.

Endagered Species Act of 1973

Legislation enacted to protect and recover endangered species and their habitats in the United States.

Nitrates

Headache, dizziness, and flushing. They can also cause low blood pressure and fainting.

Mercury

Neurological symptoms, kidney damage, and skin rashes. It can also lead to respiratory issues and gastrointestinal problems.

Lead

Abdominal pain, anemia, kidney damage, and neurological issues like memory loss and difficulty concentrating.

Cryptosporidium parasites

Microscopic organisms that can cause gastrointestinal illness in humans and animals. They are transmitted through contaminated water or food.

Fracking

A method of extracting oil and gas by injecting high-pressure fluid into underground rocks to release resources.

Coral bleaching

Occurs when corals expel algae due to stress, turning them white. This can lead to coral death if the stress is prolonged.

Salinization

The process of increasing salt content in soil or water, leading to reduced fertility and crop yield, and potential harm to aquatic life.

Point Air Pollution

Emissions from specific, identifiable sources like factories or power plants, contributing to localized pollution issues.

Primary Pollutants

Pollutants directly emitted into the atmosphere from sources, such as sulfur dioxide from burning coal or carbon monoxide from vehicles.

Secondary Pollutants

Chemicals formed in the atmosphere through reactions of primary pollutants

Clean Air Act

Legislation passed in 1970 to regulate air pollution in the United States, setting standards for air quality and emissions from industries and vehicles.

Carbon Monoxide

Toxic gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-based fuels. Binds to hemoglobin, reducing oxygen transport in the blood.

Sulfur Dioxide

Produced from burning fossil fuels; can cause respiratory issues and acid rain; used in food preservation and wine-making.

Nitrogen Oxides

Group of gases produced by combustion processes, contributing to air pollution and acid rain.

Acid Rain

Rain or any form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, primarily caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.

Hypoxic Water

A condition in which water has low oxygen levels, leading to potential harm for aquatic life due to suffocation and ecosystem disruption.

Oligotrphic Lake

A body of water with low nutrient levels, supporting limited plant growth and high water clarity.

Stormwater

Rainwater that flows over surfaces like roads and rooftops, collecting pollutants before entering water bodies.

Clean Water Act

Legislation passed in 1972 to protect and restore the quality of US waters. Regulates discharge of pollutants into water bodies and sets water quality standards.

Safe Drinking Act

Federal law ensuring safe drinking water by setting standards for water quality and regulating public water systems.

Fertility

The ability to conceive and produce offspring, often measured by the success of achieving pregnancy.

Life Expectancy

Average number of years a person can expect to live, based on current age and other demographic factors.

Migration

Movement of individuals or groups from one place to another, often for better living conditions, resources, or opportunities.