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APES > unit 1 key terms > Flashcards

unit 1 key terms Flashcards

1
Q

watershed

A

area of land that drains into a body of water

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2
Q

watershed divide

A

boundary between 2 watersheds

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3
Q

subwatershed

A

smaller area of land within a larger watershed

a river might have several subwatersheds feeding into it

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4
Q

hydrologic cycle

A

water cycle

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5
Q

infiltration

A

water on the ground surface enters the soil

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6
Q

runoff

A

water from rain, snowmelt, etc., that flows over land rather than being absorbed

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7
Q

groundwater

A

water found beneath earth’s surface

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8
Q

evapotranspiration

A

the combined process of water evaporation from the surface and transpiration from plants

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9
Q

transpiration

A

plants release water vapor into the atmosphere through small openings in their leaves (stomata)

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10
Q

impervious surfaces

A

surfaces that do not allow water to penetrate into the ground

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11
Q

topography

A

physical features of a landscape (shape, elevation, slope)

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12
Q

water table

A

upper boundary of groundwater in an unconfined aquifer - the point where the ground is fully saturated

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13
Q

aquifer (confined, unconfined)

A

an underground layer of permeable rock, sand, or gravel that stores and transmits groundwater

confined: sandwiched between two layers of impermeable rock or clay (prevent water from entering or leaving)

unconfined: directly connected to the surface and is only covered by permeable soil or rock

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14
Q

riparian zone

A

the area of land adjacent to freshwater bodies (rivers, lakes, and wetlands)

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15
Q

land use

A

agricultural: crop production, livestock
residential & commercial: housing, retail, offices, restaurants
industrial: warehousing, manufacturing
recreational: parks, fields, trails

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16
Q

abiotic

A

non-living components of an ecosystem - soil, water, sunlight, temp

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17
Q

biotic

A

living components of an ecosystem - plants, animals, microorganisms

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18
Q

macroinvertebrate

A

small, aquatic animals that are visible to the naked eye and lack a backbone - mayflies, dragonflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies

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19
Q

dichotomous key

A

identify organisms or objects by answering a series of questions or making choices based on observable characteristics

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20
Q

range of tolerance

A

spectrum of environmental conditions (such as temperature, pH, salinity, and oxygen levels) within which a particular organism or species can survive and thrive

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21
Q

DO

A

dissolved oxygen - amount of oxygen present in water

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22
Q

BOD

A

biochemical oxygen demand - measure of the amount of oxygen microorganisms will consume while decomposing organic matter

higher BOD - greater amount of organic matter - higher pollution

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23
Q

hypoxia

A

deficiency of oxygen in water (fish suffocate) - dead zones

typically below 2mg of dissolved oxygen/L

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24
Q

anoxia

A

severe condition characterized by the complete absence of oxygen in an environment

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25
Q

turbulence

A

irregular flow of fluids, including air and water (inc D.O.)

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26
Q

pH

A

the acidity or alkalinity - acidic (<7), basic (>7), neutral (7)

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27
Q

alkalinity

A

the ability of a water body to resist changes in pH

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28
Q

salinity

A

concentration of dissolved salts in water

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29
Q

turbidity

A

measure (NTU) of how visible the water is - suspended particles, such as sediments, algae, and microorganisms

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30
Q

nitrate

A

common form of nitrogen particularly in water and soil, and plays a vital role in the nitrogen cycle (nitrification and denitrification) - nutrient for plants (eutrophication)

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31
Q

phosphate

A

naturally in rocks and minerals and is released into soils and water bodies through weathering processes - humans contribute through fertilizers, sewage, and runoff - critical for photosynthesis

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32
Q

indicator species

A

organisms whose presence, absence, or abundance in a particular environment reflects specific environmental conditions (if absent, you cannot make a definite claim)

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33
Q

fecal coliform bacteria

A

group of bacteria primarily found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals, including humans - commonly used as indicators of potential contamination by fecal material

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34
Q

point source

A

originates from a single, identifiable source or location - oil spills, factories, wastewater treatment plants

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35
Q

nonpoint source

A

originates from multiple sources and is not easily traceable to a single discharge point - agricultural runoff, urban runoff, forestry and land development

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36
Q

oxygen demanding waste

A

organic matter and other substances that require oxygen for decomposition

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37
Q

fertilizer

A

used to make plants grow - contain nitrates and phospates

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38
Q

leaching

A

neutrients, minerals and contaminants removed from solid materials dissolved in water

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39
Q

eutrophication

A

water becomes enriched with nutrients, typically from fertilizers or sewage runoff, leading to excessive plant and algae growth which can deplete the water of oxygen and harm aquatic life

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40
Q

cultural eutrophication

A

when human activity introduces nutrients into an aquatic ecosystem (lowk same as eutrophication)

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41
Q

anthropogenic

A

environmental change caused or influenced by people, either directly or indirectly

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42
Q

algal bloom

A

algae grow out of control while producing toxic or harmful effects on people, fish, shellfish, and marine mammals

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43
Q

cellular respiration

A

a biological process that breaks down glucose and oxygen to produce energy for cells
Inputs: Glucose and oxygen
Outputs: Carbon dioxide, water, and energy (ATP

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44
Q

Clean Water Act

A

establishes the basic structure for regulating discharges of pollutants into the waters of the United States and regulating quality standards for surface waters

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45
Q

sand

A

most porous texture of soil - most aerated, biggest particle sizes

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46
Q

silt

A

middle porous texture of salt

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47
Q

clay

A

least porous texture of soil - most water retention, smallest particle sizes, high CEC

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48
Q

CEC/ Nutrient holding capacity

A

cation exchange capacity (CEC) - the ability of soil to retain and exchange positively charged ions (cations). It reflects the soil’s nutrient-holding capacity

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49
Q

base saturation

A

measure of the proportion of basic cations (such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium) in the soil compared to the total cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil

50
Q

porosity

A

measure of the void spaces (pores) in a material - hold air or water

51
Q

permeability

A

measure of a material’s ability to transmit fluids, specifically water, through its pore spaces

52
Q

aeration

A

introducing air into a substance, commonly soil or water, to enhance its physical properties and promote biological activity

53
Q

subsoil

A

B horizon - layer of soil that lies beneath the topsoil (A horizon) and above the bedrock or parent material (C horizon) - higher concentration of clay, silt, and minerals compared to topsoil

54
Q

soil horizons

A

O Horizon: Organic layer, rich in decomposed material (humus).
A Horizon: Topsoil, fertile, supports plant life.
E Horizon: Less organic material, leached of minerals.
B Horizon: Subsoil, mineral accumulation, denser.
C Horizon: Parent material, weathered rock.
R Horizon: Bedrock, solid rock base.

55
Q

topsoil

A

A horizon - contains a significant amount of decomposed plant and animal material (humus)

56
Q

parent material

A

the geological material from which soil forms

57
Q

percolation

A

process by which water moves through the soil and rock layers, typically downward, due to the force of gravity (after infiltration)

58
Q

water holding capacity

A

influenced by several factors, including soil texture, structure, and organic matter content

59
Q

physical weathering

A

the mechanical breakdown of rocks into smaller pieces without changing their chemical composition - freeze-thaw, heat (expansion), abrasion (wind, water)

60
Q

chemical weathering

A

the breakdown of rocks and minerals through chemical reactions, resulting in the formation of new minerals and soluble substances - hydrolysis (rct. minerals w/ water), oxidation (minerals w/ oxygen), dissolution (soluble minerals)

61
Q

erosion

A

which soil, rock, and other surface materials are worn away and transported from one location to another

62
Q

riparian buffer

A

vegetated (trees, shrubs, and grasses) area along the banks of rivers, streams, and lakes - water quality, erosion control, temp control, biodiversity

63
Q

green infrastructure

A

green roofs, bioswales, permeable pavements, ubran trees, rain gardens

64
Q

watershed delineation

A

process of identifying and mapping the boundaries of a watershed

65
Q

ecosystem services

A

Food Production: Crops, livestock, fish, and wild foods
Water Supply: Freshwater for drinking, irrigation, and sanitation
Raw Materials: Timber, fiber, and other materials for construction and manufacturing
Medicinal Resources: Plants and compounds used in pharmaceuticals and traditional medicine
Genetic Resources: Biodiversity that can be used for breeding and genetic improvement
cultural services:
Hiking, spirituality, white water rafting

66
Q

photosynthesis

A

plants, algae, and some bacteria use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create oxygen and sugar

67
Q

organic pollution

A

animal waste, oil spills, wastewater, agricultural practices, landfills

67
Q

acid rain

A

precipitation with a pH lower than normal, resulting from atmospheric pollutants - emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from burning fossil fuels - pH Levels: Normal rain ~5.6; acid rain typically <5.6.
environmental Impact: Harm to soil, water bodies, vegetation, and infrastructure

68
Q

nitrogen fixation

A

nitrogen gas (N₂) in the atmosphere is converted into ammonia (NH₃) - available for plant uptake

68
Q

chloride

A

neg charged essential element found in various natural and human-made environments

68
Q

estuary

A

coastal area where freshwater from rivers and streams meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean

68
Q

septic system/ tank

A

underground wastewater treatment system commonly used in rural areas where centralized sewer systems are not available
septic tank - collects and treats wastewater through sedimentation and aerobic digestion
drain field - further treats and disposes of wastewater as it percolates through the soil
soil -natural filter for contaminants

68
Q

sewage treatment plants

A

facilities designed to treat sewage and wastewater from homes, businesses, and industries before releasing it

Preliminary Treatment: Screening and grit removal.
Primary Treatment: Sedimentation of solids.
Secondary Treatment: Biological treatment to remove dissolved organic matter.
Tertiary Treatment: Additional treatment and disinfection.
Sludge Management: Handling of the solids generated during treatment.

69
Q

sewage dumping

A

facilities dump their sewage that they don’t have space for straight into bodies of water

70
Q

heavy metals

A

Lead (Pb):
Sources: Lead-based paints, occurs natually, old plumbing systems, batteries, and industrial emissions.
Effects: Neurological damage, especially in children, as well as kidney damage and hypertension in adults.
Mercury (Hg):
Sources: Industrial processes, occurs natually, coal combustion, and certain fish (bioaccumulation).
Effects: Neurotoxic effects, particularly from methylmercury exposure through fish consumption, affecting cognitive and motor functions.
Arsenic (As):
Sources: Pesticides, herbicides, and natural mineral deposits; also found in some drinking water sources.
Effects: Skin lesions, cancer, and adverse effects on the respiratory system.

71
Q

acid deposition

A

acidic pollutants fall to the Earth’s surface from the atmosphere, primarily in the form of rain, snow, fog, or dust

72
Q

pesticides & inert ingredients

A

pesticides: Chemical agents used to control pests in agriculture and public health - insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, bactericides
inert Ingredients: Non-active substances included in pesticide formulations to enhance efficacy, stability, or application - can have unforseen damages

73
Q

spermicide

A

😛

74
Q

pharmaceuticals & hormones

A

Pharmaceuticals: Chemical compounds used for medical treatment, including analgesics, antibiotics
Hormones: steroid, peptide, amino acid-derived

75
Q

military compounds

A

perchlorates (used for rocket fuel) - impact thyroid glands + reduce production of hormones

76
Q

industrial compounds

A

solvents, plastics, metals, and fuels

77
Q

solid waste pollution

A

environmental degradation caused by improper disposal of solid waste from various sources, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural activities

78
Q

sediment pollution

A

accumulation of excess sediment in water bodies, resulting from soil erosion and the runoff of particulate matter

79
Q

thermal pollution

A

power plants and manufacturing facilities, use water for cooling processes and then discharge the heated water back into nearby rivers or lakes - decreased D.O., inc metabolic rates

80
Q

noise pollution

A

sound waves from boats can impact communications of whales, dolphins, and other marine mammals, oftentimes causing them to get lost or confused

81
Q

microplastics

A

plastic particles (<5 mm) resulting from the breakdown of larger plastics or manufactured intentionally

82
Q

food chain

A

a linear model that shows the transfer of energy and matter through an ecosystem by depicting the order in which organisms eat each other

83
Q

producer

A

produces their own energy + food - plants

84
Q

consumer

A

consumes other consumers or producers for energy

85
Q

food web

A

lots of food chains put together

86
Q

decomposers

A

decompose organic matter - oftentimes need D.O. to do it

87
Q

nymph

A

incomplete metamorphosis: 3 stages (dragonfly, snails, crayfish, mussels) - egg, nymph, adult

88
Q

larvae

A

complete metamorphosis: 4 stages (riffle beetle, butterfly, moth) - egg, larva, pupa, adult

pupa is a stage = special resting, no food

89
Q

primary treatment

A

to remove large solids and sediments from wastewater - physical barriers, settle, removal of sludge

90
Q

secondary treatment

A

reduce organic matter like nitrogen and phosporus

91
Q

effluent

A

liquid waste or sewage that is discharged from a facility, treatment plant, or industrial process into a body of water

92
Q

hydropower production

A

generation of electricity using the energy of flowing or falling water - renewable, low ghg emissions, energy storage

93
Q

domestic h2o use

A

drinking, cooking, sanitation + hygiene, cleaning, gardening

94
Q

agri irrigation use

A

artificial application of water to soil or land to assist in the growing of crops and vegetation

95
Q

forests

A

soil protection, biodiverse, carbon sinks, regulate water

96
Q

biogeochemical cycle

A

movement of chemical elements and compounds between living organisms (bio), geological formations (geo), and chemical processes (chemical) within ecosystems - carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, phosporus cycle, water cycle

97
Q

pools

A

components that contain matter - area in body of water that is relatively slow or still

97
Q

flows

A

process that moves matter between pools

98
Q

groundwater recharge

A

precipitation, surface water, or other sources infiltrates into the ground and replenishes aquifers

99
Q

spring

A

natural source of groundwater that flows to the surface, often forming a stream or pool

100
Q

artesian well

A

brings groundwater to the surface without pumping because it is under pressure within a body of rock and/or sediment (drilling into confined aquifer)

101
Q

cone of depression

A

occurs in groundwater aquifers when water is extracted from a well at a rate that exceeds the natural recharge of the aquifer

101
Q

surface water

A

water that collects on the surface of the ground, primarily in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, and ocean

102
Q

floodplain

A

flat or gently sloping land adjacent to a river or stream that is subject to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt

102
Q

impermeable surface

A

water can’t get into the ground and becomes runoff - pavements + roads

103
Q

humus

A

organic, stable part of soil that results from the breakdown of dead plant and animal material by microorganisms over time

104
Q

detritus

A

organic matter that consists of decomposing plant and animal material (fallen leaves + dead animals)

105
Q

water quality chart

A

go look at it pls

106
Q

PCB

A

used to manufacture plastics + insulate electric transformers (lethal + carcinogenic) - stop being produced

107
Q

PBDE

A

flame retardant (brain + thyroid damage)

108
Q

biomagnification

A

goes through the food chain

109
Q

bio accumulation

A

build-up of substance in an individual overtime

110
Q

Cl.O.R.P.T

A

five major factors control how a soil forms: climate, organism, relief (topography), parent rock, time

111
Q

limiting factor

A

resource or environmental condition that restricts the growth or distribution of an organism or a population within an ecosystem (something that’s needed for an organism to grow + reproduce)

112
Q

pathogens

A

biological agent that causes disease or illness to its host (bacteria, virus, fungi) - NOT ANIMAL

113
Q

WHEBIP

A

watershed habitat evaluation and biotic integrity protocol - predicts organisms in riparian zones, quality of stream segments, % of watershed dedicated to various land uses

APES (1 decks)

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