USA vocab

Acid Rain:

Precipitation that has been acidified due to atmospheric pollutants, primarily sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), leading to environmental damage.

Animism:

The belief that objects, places, and creatures possess spiritual essence, commonly associated with indigenous cultures that view nature as alive.

Aquifer:

A geological formation capable of storing and transmitting groundwater, often comprised of porous rock or sediment, crucial for water supply.

Chinook Winds:

Warm, dry winds that descend the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, causing rapid temperature increases and melting snow.

Clear Cutting:

A forestry practice that involves the uniform removal of most or all trees in an area, resulting in habitat destruction and soil erosion.

Continental Divide:

A natural boundary that separates watersheds flowing toward different oceans, prominently running along the Rocky Mountains in North America.

Cordillera:

A chain of mountain ranges that are often parallel, characterized by complex geological formations and diverse ecosystems.

Core Values:

Fundamental beliefs or guiding principles that influence behavior and decision

Drought:

A prolonged period of insufficient precipitation relative to historical averages, resulting in water shortages and ecological stress.

Eutrophication:

The enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, primarily nitrogen and phosphorus, leading to excessive algae growth and oxygen depletion.

Evangelical:

A branch of Protestant Christianity emphasizing the authority of the Bible, the need for personal conversion, and sharing one's faith.

First Nations:

The various indigenous peoples of Canada who are distinct from Inuit and Métis, each with unique cultures and histories.

Groundwater Depletion:

The condition that occurs when water is extracted from aquifers faster than it can be replenished, leading to water scarcity.

Headwaters:

The source or beginning of a river or stream, typically in mountainous areas where water flows from springs or melting snow.

Invasive Species:

Nonnative organisms introduced to a new environment that disrupt local ecosystems and outcompete native species.

Manufacturing Belt:

A region in the northeastern and midwestern United States historically known for industrial production, now facing decline.

Moralistic Therapeutic Deism:

A belief system that emphasizes a moralistic view of God, the importance of doing good, and the idea that God provides comfort.

Multiculturalism:

The coexistence of diverse cultural groups within a society, promoting the recognition and valuing of multiple cultures.

Old Growth Forest

Mature forests that have developed over a long time without significant disturbance, characterized by large trees and complex ecosystems.

Overfishing:

The practice of catching fish at a rate that exceeds their ability to reproduce, threatening fish populations and marine ecosystems.

Parliamentary System:

A form of government where the executive branch derives its legitimacy from the legislature (parliament) and is directly accountable to it.

Prime Minister:

The head of government in a parliamentary system, responsible for running the government and implementing laws.

Province:

A principal administrative division within a country, often having its own government and jurisdiction over specific local matters.

Québécois:

The French

Smog:

Air pollution resulting from the interaction of sunlight with pollutants like nitrogen oxides, creating a mixture of smoke and fog that can harm health.

Sunbelt:

A region in the southern United States known for a warm climate and rapid population growth, including states like California and Texas.

Timberline:

The elevation in mountainous areas above which trees cannot grow due to harsh environmental conditions, marking a transition to alpine vegetation.