APES Unit 10 Study Guide

These flashcards cover the key concepts and facts from the APES Unit 10 Study Guide, facilitating review for the upcoming exam.

What is albedo and how does it affect temperature?

Albedo is the measure of reflectivity of the Earth's surface; higher albedo reflects more sunlight, affecting local temperatures.

What are the three types of fossil fuels?

Coal, oil, and natural gas.

How does the greenhouse effect work?

The greenhouse effect traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, warming the planet.

What gas is primarily contained in natural gas?

Methane (CH4).

What is nuclear fission?

The process of splitting an atomic nucleus to release energy, used in nuclear reactors.

What is the difference between weather and climate?

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions; climate is the average of weather over a longer period.

What are some advantages of using natural gas?

It burns cleaner than other fossil fuels, producing less CO2 and pollutants.

What is the Kyoto Protocol?

An international treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, with both pros and cons.

What are some drawbacks of using hydrogen as an energy source?

Challenges include production cost, storage, and distribution complexity.

What is carbon capture and storage (CCS)?

A technology to capture and store CO2 emissions from sources like power plants.

What is fracking?

Hydraulic fracturing is a technique to extract oil and natural gas from underground by injecting high-pressure fluid.

How are oil and natural gas formed?

They are formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms buried under layers of sediment where heat and pressure transform them.

What are some concerns related to wind power?

Environmental concerns include impact on wildlife, noise pollution, and land use.

What is the LEED program?

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design; a certification program for environmentally sustainable buildings.

What are the CAFE standards?

Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards that aim to improve the average fuel economy of cars and trucks.

What are tar sands?

Deposits of sand saturated with bitumen, a form of oil, which requires extensive processing to extract.

What is the nuclear fuel cycle?

The series of processes involving the production and use of nuclear fuel, including mining, enrichment, and waste management.

What are some drawbacks of lithium-ion batteries?

Concerns include resource extraction impact, recycling issues, and potential fire hazards.

What is geo-engineering?

Deliberate manipulation of the Earth's climate system to combat climate change, with potential risks and uncertainties.