Vocab Flashcards
renewable
Not depleted when used
nonrenewable
Depleted when used.
fossil fuel
A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
peat
A brown deposit resembling soil, formed by the partial decomposition of vegetable matter in the wet acidic conditions of bogs and fens, and often cut out and dried for use as fuel and in gardening.
coal
A combustible black or dark brown rock consisting mainly of carbonized plant matter, found mainly in underground deposits and widely used as fuel.
uranium/plutonium
Uranium: the chemical element of atomic number 92, a dense gray radioactive metal used as fuel in nuclear reactors.
Plutonium: The chemical element of atomic number 94, a dense silvery radioactive metal of the actinide series, is used as a fuel in nuclear reactors and as an explosive in nuclear fission weapons. Plutonium only occurs in trace amounts in nature but is manufactured in nuclear reactors from uranium-238.
ore
A naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral can be profitably extracted.
harvesting
To gather (a crop) as a harvest.
mining
The process or industry of obtaining coal or other minerals from a mine.
drilling
The action of making a hole in something by boring with a drill.
alternative energy
Energy generated in ways that do not deplete natural resources or harm the environment, especially by avoiding the use of fossil fuels and nuclear power.
hydroelectric power
Power from water.
solar energy
Power coming from the sun.
tidal power
Power from the tides.
nuclear energy
The energy released during nuclear fission or fusion, especially when used to generate electricity.
wind energy
Energy gathered from the wind.
wave power
Energy from the movement of waves.
geothermal energy
Energy from earth’s core.
biofuels
A fuel derived directly from living matter.
conservation
Prevention of wasteful use of a resource.
deforestation
The act of removing forests.
desertification
The process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of drought, deforestation, or inappropriate agriculture.
overgrazing
Excessive grazing which causes damage to grassland.
agriculture
The science or practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops and the rearing of animals to provide food, wool, and other products.
sustainable agriculture
Environment friendly methods of farming
conventional agriculture
Based on intensive use of agrochemicals to maximize agricultural productions
landuse
The management and modification of natural environment or wilderness into built environment such as settlements and semi-natural habitats such as arable fields, pastures, and managed woods.
urbanization
The process of making an area more urban.
aquaculture
Also known as aquafarming, is the farming of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic plants, algae, and other organisms.
recycle
To pass again through a series of changes or treatments: such as
to process (something, such as liquid body waste, glass, or cans) in order to regain material for human use
reuse
To use again or more than once.
reduce
To make smaller or less in amount, degree, or size.
ecological footprints
The impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources.
