Vocabulary/Definitions

Question 1

<p>Abiotic</p>

Answer 1

<p>Those aspects dealing with non-living matter</p>

Question 2

<p>Adaptation</p>

Answer 2

<p>The genetically determined characteristic that enhances the ability of an organism to better adjust to its surroundings.</p>

Question 3

<p>Advection</p>

Answer 3

<p>The transfer of an atmospheric property due to mass air motion along a gradient of the property in question; the horizontal spreading of local effects by wind.</p>

Question 4

<p>Physiography</p>

Answer 4

<p>Physical geography</p>

Question 5

<p>geomorphology</p>

Answer 5

<p>the study of the characteristics, origin, and development of landforms</p>

Question 6

Greyfield

Answer 6

Previously developed area with levels of contamination that can be easily mitigated

Question 7

Aerial Photogrammetry

Answer 7

An accurate mapping of topographic and physiographic features using low-level photography. May be hampered by vegetation that obscures the ground and can be expensive. Some municipalities have photogrammetric information available for free.

Question 8

Aerial Photography (Historical)

Answer 8

Existing aerial photography showing past conditions for a relatively low price. These can show historic structures or features (drainage patterns, sinkholes, etc.) that may be hard to see at ground level or obscured over time by vegetation, etc.

Question 9

Azimuth - Angle of Incidence - Albedo

Answer 9

All refer to measurements that relate to the sun or sky. “Azimuth” can be defined as the direction of a celestial object from the observer, expressed as the angular distance from the north or south point of the horizon to the point at which a vertical circle passing through the object intersects with the horizon. “Angle of incidence” is the angle at which a ray of light (usually the sun) hits a surface. “Albedo” is the measurement of an object’s reflectivity. Specifically, it measures the fraction of solar energy reflected from a surface back into space.

Question 10

Aggradation

Answer 10

Geology term for the increase in land elevation (typically in a river) due to the deposition of sediment. Erosion control, reducing impervious surfaces, and effective watershed management are all techniques to reduce it (i.e. stop the runoff of silt into the flow of water to begin with)

Question 11

As-Built Survey (Purpose of)

Answer 11

The purpose of an as-built survey is to document a final built work and ensure that a project was constructed according to site plans. As-built surveys are generally conducted over the course of construction to fully document all site elements as they exist in the real world, and the location and nature of these site elements may differ from that shown on a landscape architect’s site plans due to a variety of factors.

Question 12

Brownfields

Answer 12

Lands or buildings that are abandoned or underutilized, and redevelopment or reuse is complicated due to the perception or presence of environmental contamination.

Question 13

Bogs

Answer 13

A type of wetland found in northern climates and are characterized by acidic soils, rich deposits of organic material such as peat and a diversity of vegetation types.

Question 14

Building Codes

Answer 14

Building codes are concerned with the structural integrity of buildings subjected to various stresses or “loads” from occupants, seismic activity, wind and snow, and the buildings’ own weight. Building codes also address other health and safety issues, including fire safety, plumbing, electrical power, sanitation, and energy efficiency.

Question 15

Carrying Capacity (For a Site)

Answer 15

A measure of the type and intensity of development that can be supported without imposing detrimental effects on society, the economy, or the environment

Question 16

Compacted Soils

Answer 16

Compacted soils generally have poor aeration and experience reduced infiltration. This occurs because the void space between soil particles has been greatly reduced or eliminated, leaving little room for oxygen and water molecules.

Question 17

Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Answer 17

A landowner is liable for the environmental conditions on the site whether the individual or company had any knowledge or involvement in causing the condition. As an avenue of relief for buyers, the “innocent landowner” defense is available to parties that can demonstrate that prior to acquiring a property they had no knowledge of or reason to know of any adverse environmental conditions (through due diligence of site evaluation by an environmental professional to complete an investigation).

Question 18

Chlorotic Plant

Answer 18

A plant that is suffering from chlorosis which is a condition typically caused by iron deficiency and is typically manifested by yellowed leaves with green veins. Overwatering and lack of aeration are typically the cause of chlorosis.

Question 19

Community Resource Inventory

Answer 19

Community resource inventories map all ecological and cultural resources such as wetlands, archaeological sites, scenic views, significant wildlife habitats, forests, floodplains, farmland, aquifers and historic structures.

Question 20

Contextual Analysis

Answer 20

Can entail multiple lines of inquiry, including identifying neighborhood and community spaces and determining what activities and symbolic values are associated with those spaces. Analyses may also examine how—and why—people use, or avoid, outdoor spaces. Post occupancy evaluations of outdoor spaces are particularly useful in designing urban sites.

Question 21

Drainage Wind

Answer 21

A wind that blows from a higher elevation to a lower elevation

Question 22

Grid Diagrams (Sections of)

Answer 22

In a standard grid, the top row of boxes is labeled from right-to-left with the next row going from left-to-right. The following rows repeat this right-to-left then left-to-right pattern. So a grid of 5 columns and 4 rows would have a top row numbered as 5 4 3 2 1 and the row under it would then be numbered as 6 7 8 9 10, followed by 15 14 13 12 11 and then 16 17 18 19 20

Question 23

Energy Efficiency (in Buildings)

Answer 23

Energy efficiency can be improved through the use of natural light, building orientation, and material selection.

Question 24

Environmental Site Assessment (ESA)

Answer 24

A risk assessment used in the planning and feasibility stages of real estate development to evaluate if environmental contamination exists on a site.

Question 25

Environmental Impact Studies

Answer 25

Environmental impact studies generally address the extent of impact that a proposed development will have on a site and its environmental resources. It will also provide recommendations for site monitoring and suggest strategies for mitigation. Zoning and design issues are considered outside the scope of an environmental impact study.

Question 26

Erosion (Reduce During Construction)

Answer 26

Reducing the total area of land disturbance, avoiding scheduling site grading and clearance during periods of high erosion potential, stabilizing and planting areas of disturbance soon after final grading is complete and minimizing disturbance to steep slopes are all examples of ways that erosion can be reduced during construction.

Question 27

Ecosystem (Montane Forest)

Answer 27

Any ecosystem found in the mointains (“mon-tane” sounds like mountain… just so you can remember easily). These ecosystems are strongly affected by climate which gets colder as elevation increased.

Question 28

Ecosystem (Chaparral)

Answer 28

Vegetation consisting of tangled shrubs and thorny bushes.

Question 29

Ecotones

Answer 29

The boundaries of ecological communities. Animals may find shelter in one type of ecotone while they seek food in a different ecotone.

Question 30

Easements

Answer 30

Easements are legal restrictions that reduce a parcel’s development potential. For example, a site easement may enable access to an adjoining property that is accessible only by crossing the subject property. This may also take the form of access for emergency vehicles or utility maintenance. They may also be for conservation of open space or even scenic opportunities. All of these restrictions must be mapped as a part of the site assessment process.