Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Flashcards focusing on key vocabulary from the lecture notes on land and water use.

Tragedy of the Commons

The concept that individuals use shared resources in their own self-interest rather than for the common good, leading to resource depletion.

Clearcutting

A method of harvesting trees by removing all or most of them in a selected area, which can lead to environmental problems like soil erosion.

Green Revolution

A shift to new agricultural practices aimed at increasing food production, including mechanization and the use of GMOs.

Irrigation

The application of controlled amounts of water to plants at needed intervals, essential for crop growth.

Salinization

The accumulation of salts in the soil, which can make it toxic to plants over time.

CAFO (Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation)

A type of livestock production system that is highly efficient but can lead to environmental issues, such as waste contamination.

Urbanization

The increasing concentration of populations into cities, which can lead to resource depletion and environmental impacts.

Overgrazing

The consumption of too much vegetation by grazing animals, leading to soil degradation and potential desertification.

Pesticides

Chemicals used to kill pests that can have significant negative effects on non-target species and lead to resistance.

Organic Fertilizer

A natural fertilizer derived from animal manure, compost, or other organic matter that enhances soil health.

Synthetic Fertilizer

Chemicals produced to provide essential nutrients to plants but can lead to environmental issues like runoff.

Biodiversity

The variety of life in a given ecosystem, which is essential for resilience and ecological balance.

Furrow Irrigation

A method of irrigation where trenches are dug between crop rows and filled with water, less efficient than other methods.

Drip Irrigation

A highly efficient irrigation method that delivers water directly to plant roots using perforated hoses.

Soil Erosion

The removal of topsoil from the land, often exacerbated by activities such as mining, deforestation, and agriculture.

Subsurface Mining

The extraction of minerals and resources from deep beneath the Earth's surface, often more expensive and environmentally damaging than surface mining.

Urban Sprawl

The uncontrolled expansion of urban areas into rural land, causing environmental and social issues.

Aquifer

An underground layer of water-bearing rock that can yield water for wells and springs.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Crops whose DNA has been altered through genetic engineering to introduce desired traits for increased yield or pest resistance.

Hydrologic Cycle

The continuous movement of water within the Earth and atmosphere, involving processes like evaporation, condensation, and precipitation.