APES Unit 4 Summary

Plate tectonics

Earth's crustal plates moving due to convection currents in the mantle

Convergent plate boundary

where two plates collide, with one going under the other

Subduction

process where one tectonic plate descends beneath another

Soil horizons

distinct layers in the soil profile from organic matter to bedrock

Terracing

building step-like structures on slopes to prevent soil erosion

No-till planting

planting seeds without plowing the soil to reduce erosion

Windbreaks

rows of trees planted to block wind and prevent erosion

Coriolis effect

deflection of winds due to Earth's rotation, causing clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere

Watersheds

areas draining water to a common outlet like a reservoir or bay

Ecological footprint

measure of land needed to sustain a person's lifestyle