Environmental Principles Flashcards
What us a colorless, odorless and tasteless mixture of gases?
Air
Air must contain approximately how much oxygen and nitrogen?
21% Oxygen and 78% Nitrogen
Define Habit
The area or type of environment in which an organism or biological population normally lives
Define Pesticide
Material used to control pests
Define Herbicides
Material used to control plants
Many pesticides are chemicals mixed with what?
Water
Why do they mix in water with pesticide chemicals?
So they can be sprayed on plants, animals, soil, or water to kill or otherwise control diseases, insects, weeds, rodents, and other pests
Define the Greenhouse Effect
The heat buildup from the rays through the clear object and the resulting heat being trapped inside
What is step one in the Greenhouse Effect process?
Sunlight travels through the atmosphere and warms the Earth’s surface
What is step two in the Greenhouse Effect process?
The surface radiates heat (infrared radiation) back into the atmosphere, where some of ot escapes into space
What is step three in the Greenhouse Effect process?
Some rays are absorbed by water vapor and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere
What is step four in the Greenhouse Effect process?
As greenhouse gases from factory emissions and other sources build in the atmosphere, more heat is trapped and reflected to Earth. The oceans warm, producing more water vapor, which traps still more heat
What is step five in the Greenhouse Effect process?
The temperature of the planet rises to achieve a new balance
What does EPA stand for?
Environmental Protection Agency
What are the EPA offices?
Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Alternative Fuels Data Center, and the Commission for Environmental Cooperation
Define Universal Solvent
A substance that dissolves or otherwise changes most other materials
What is the universal solvent?
Water
Define Water Cycle
The cycling of water among the water sources, atmosphere and surface area
What energy drives the water cycle?
Solar energy and the force of gravity
Define Deserts
Areas with continuous, severe water shortage
How have some desert areas in the southwest become productive?
Modern irrigation practices
Define Irrigantion
The addition of water to the land to supplement the water provided for crop production by rain or snow
Define Gravitational (ground)water
Water drains out of the soil after being wet
Define Capillary (ground) water
Water can be used by the plant through the roots
Define Hygroscopic (ground) water
Holds water too tight and the plant cant use it
What does “No- Till” mean?
Planting crops without plowing or disking the soil
Define Contour
Following the level of the land around a hill
Define Terrace
A soil or wall structure built across the slope
Define Cover Crop
A close-growing crop planted to temporarily protect the soil surface
What does the construction of terraces on sloping land do?
Distributes water precipitation along the terrace and helps prevent soil erosion