Questions and Answers
What does the term 'weather' refer to?
What is a zebra mussel?
An inch-long mollusk imported accidentally from Europe.
What does ZPG stand for?
A decline of the total fertility rate to the point where the natural increase rate equals zero.
What is xeroscaping?
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What is a watershed?
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What is the water table?
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What is the zone of aeration?
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What is the zone of saturation?
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What is waterlogging?
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What is meant by wilderness?
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What are waste lagoons?
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What is a waste stream?
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What is a watt?
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What is Yucca Mountain?
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What does the Wilderness Act do?
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Study Notes
Environmental Terms and Definitions
- Weather: Refers to the current atmospheric conditions affecting a region.
- Zebra Mussel: An invasive, inch-long mollusk that was accidentally imported from Europe, posing ecological risks.
- ZPG (Zero Population Growth): A demographic condition where the total fertility rate declines to a level that results in a natural increase rate of zero.
- Xeroscaping: A sustainable landscaping practice that utilizes drought-resistant plants, minimizing the need for watering and conserving water resources.
Water-Related Concepts
- Watershed: The land area that contributes water to a river system, crucial for understanding water flow and management.
- Water Table: The upper surface of underground water; it serves as the boundary of the zone of saturation, indicating where groundwater is found.
- Zone of Aeration: The upper layer of soil that contains both air and water, playing a vital role in the ecosystem's water cycle.
- Zone of Saturation: The lower soil layer where water accumulates between rock particles, providing critical water storage for plants and ecosystems.
- Waterlogging: A form of soil degradation resulting from prolonged saturation of the soil, negatively impacting plant health and agriculture.
Environmental Protection and Resources
- Wilderness: An area characterized by its wild, uninhabited nature, important for biodiversity and conservation efforts.
- Waste Lagoons: Designated areas for the storage and disposal of waste products, often raising concerns about environmental impact.
- Waste Stream: The trajectory and processes through which waste travels from its origin to disposal, essential for waste management planning.
- Watt: A unit of measurement for power, fundamental in energy consumption and generation discussions.
- Yucca Mountain: A proposed national geologic repository for the storage of radioactive waste, significant in discussions on nuclear waste management.
- Wilderness Act: Legislation that empowers Congress to designate federally owned lands for preservation, crucial for maintaining natural habitats and ecosystems.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering key terms from AP Environmental Science related to weather, aquatic species, and sustainable practices. Each card includes a definition to help reinforce your understanding of critical concepts. Perfect for review before exams!
