Environmental Science Overview
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Questions and Answers

What term describes the interaction between living organisms and their non-living environment?

  • Biomes
  • Biosphere
  • Habitat
  • Ecosystem (correct)

    • Which component is NOT part of the abiotic environment in an ecosystem?

  • Plants (correct)
  • Soil
  • Air
  • Water

    • Which of the following terms refers to organisms that break down dead materials and recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem?

  • Predators
  • Producers
  • Consumers
  • Decomposers (correct)

    • What is the primary focus of sustainable development in relation to environmental studies?

    <p>Economic growth with minimal environmental impact</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT typically considered part of the biotic aspects of an ecosystem?

    <p>Climate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is described as the vertical cross section from the surface down to the parent materials of soil?

    <p>Soil profile</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a natural factor contributing to land degradation?

    <p>Heavy rains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What term is used to describe the removal of top soil by wind and water?

    <p>Soil erosion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which anthropogenic activity does NOT contribute to soil degradation?

    <p>Planting cover crops</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major consequence of soil erosion described as the 'creeping death of land'?

    <p>Loss of topsoil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is specifically aimed at preventing soil erosion by using natural land contours?

    <p>Contour cultivation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the term for the process of turning fertile land into desert?

    <p>Desertification</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following methods can help in controlling soil erosion caused by overgrazing?

    <p>Construction of small check dams</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following practices is likely to exacerbate soil erosion?

    <p>Heavy floods in rivers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does afforestation on barren land play in soil erosion management?

    <p>It helps stabilize the soil</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary function of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

    <p>To help maintain the Earth's temperature</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following gases is NOT considered a greenhouse gas?

    <p>Nitrogen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which solstice is the Northern Hemisphere tilted towards the sun?

    <p>Summer solstice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which sphere of the Earth is primarily responsible for weather and climate?

    <p>Atmosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the carbon cycle?

    <p>The movement of carbon among Earth's spheres like atmosphere, biosphere, and lithosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following practices aims to reduce carbon emissions?

    <p>Carbon trading</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a carbon footprint?

    <p>The total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual or organization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process describes the transition of water from the soil to the atmosphere?

    <p>Transpiration</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which atmospheric layer is closest to the Earth's surface?

    <p>Troposphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of an emissions gap report?

    <p>To assess the difference between current emission levels and targets</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which natural factor contributes to desertification?

    <p>Very low rainfall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a major anthropogenic cause of desertification?

    <p>Overgrazing of cattle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a consequence of desertification?

    <p>Development of pasture lands</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which practice can help control desertification?

    <p>Promoting equitable use of water resources</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one result of excessive evaporation in desert regions?

    <p>High salinity of soils</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which nutrient cycle is associated with the process of nitrogen fixation?

    <p>Nitrogen cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a method for managing water catchment areas?

    <p>Promoting large-scale tree plantation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor does NOT typically contribute to soil degradation?

    <p>Enhanced soil fertility</p> Signup and view all the answers

    High salinity of soils is typically caused by what factor?

    <p>Low rainfall</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is an ecological consequence of desertification?

    <p>Habitat destruction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which cycle includes processes such as weathering and leaching?

    <p>Phosphorus cycle</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What can help improve soil quality in arid areas?

    <p>Controlled grazing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which is a method to combat desertification through land use?

    <p>Introducing crop rotation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes an unfavorable climate for vegetation growth?

    <p>Extreme temperature variations</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Edaphic

    • Edaphic encompasses the abiotic and biotic factors of the environment.

    Biological

    • Biological is a component of the environment that covers all living organisms.

    Climate Change

    • Climate change is a significant environmental concern impacting the Earth's systems.
    • It is directly linked to greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming.
    • Climate change can lead to various environmental challenges, including depletion of natural resources and degradation.

    Economy

    • The economy plays a vital role in addressing the environmental challenges.
    • It influences the adoption and implementation of sustainable development practices.

    Human-Made

    • This category emphasizes the impact of human activities on the environment.
    • It includes physical, manufactured, and architectural aspects created by humans.

    Ecosystem

    • An ecosystem encompasses the natural and artificial environments, including the living and non-living components.
    • It involves the interaction between living organisms and their physical surroundings.

    Earth's Spheres

    • The Earth is composed of four major spheres, namely Biosphere, Lithosphere, Atmosphere, and Hydrosphere.
    • All four spheres interact and affect each other.

    Atmosphere

    • The atmosphere is a gaseous layer that surrounds the Earth.
    • It consists of various gases, including nitrogen, oxygen, and carbon dioxide.
    • It plays a crucial role in regulating temperature, filtering harmful radiation, and supporting life.

    Structure of the Atmosphere

    • The atmosphere comprises five layers: Exosphere, Thermosphere, Mesosphere, Stratosphere, and Troposphere.
    • Each layer has distinct characteristics and plays a specific role.

    Solar Radiation

    • The Sun's energy travels to the Earth in the form of electromagnetic radiation.
    • This radiation plays a crucial role in driving the Earth's climate system.

    Atmospheric Temperature

    • Atmospheric temperature distribution is influenced by factors like latitude, altitude, and seasons.
    • The Earth's tilt and its rotation influence the distribution of solar energy.

    Earth Tilt and Solstice

    • The Earth's tilt at 23.5 degrees causes the seasons and the solstice events.
    • Solstices mark the longest day of the year in summer and the shortest in winter.

    Temperature Zone

    • The Earth's surface is divided into different temperature zones based on the amount of solar radiation received.
    • The three major zones are the Tropical, Temperate, and Polar zones.

    Planetary Wind Direction

    • Wind patterns are influenced by the rotation of the Earth, uneven heating of the Earth's surface, and Coriolis effect.
    • These patterns result in different wind zones on Earth.

    Greenhouse Effect

    • The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth's surface.
    • It involves the absorption of heat by greenhouse gases present in the atmosphere.

    Greenhouse Gas Emission

    • Greenhouse gases include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases.
    • Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are the main contributors to increased greenhouse gas emissions.

    Emissions Gap Report

    • The Emissions Gap Report is a publication providing data on the current global emissions and the gap between those emissions and the levels needed to avoid exceeding the Paris Agreement targets.

    Global Industry Share of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

    • The emissions vary across different industries, with sectors like electricity and heat production, industry, and agriculture contributing significantly.

    Global Industry Share of Carbon Emissions

    • The carbon dioxide emissions from different sectors contribute to the overall greenhouse gas emissions.

    Oxygen Cycle

    • The Oxygen Cycle is a biogeochemical cycle involving the movement of oxygen through different parts of the environment.
    • Photosynthesis releases oxygen, while respiration consumes it.

    Carbon Cycle

    • The Carbon Cycle describes the movement of carbon atoms through the atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms.
    • It plays a central role in Earth's climate system.

    Carbon Cycle with harmful Impacts of Human Activities

    • Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, disrupt the natural carbon cycle.
    • It leads to an increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

    Carbon Emission

    • It refers to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
    • It is a significant contributor to global warming.

    Carbon Sink

    • It is a natural reservoir that absorbs and stores carbon dioxide.
    • It includes forests, oceans, and soils.

    Carbon Footprint

    • It is the total amount of greenhouse gases released due to a particular activity or product.
    • It is a measure of the environmental impact of a person, organization, or product.

    Carbon Credit

    • It is a permit that allows the holder to emit one ton of carbon dioxide.
    • It is a mechanism to incentivize carbon emission reduction activities.

    Carbon Currency

    • Carbon Currency involves assigning a financial value to carbon emissions.
    • It aims to create a market for reducing carbon emissions.

    Carbon Trading

    • It is a market-based mechanism where companies can trade carbon credits.
    • It allows them to buy and sell emission permits, promoting cost-effective emission reduction.

    Carbon Tax

    • It is a tax levied on the emission of carbon dioxide.
    • It is a policy tool aimed at increasing the cost of carbon emissions and encouraging businesses to reduce emissions.

    Carbon Neutral

    • It refers to an activity or organization with a net-zero carbon footprint.
    • It means that the amount of carbon emissions is balanced out by carbon removal activities.

    Soil

    • Soil is a vital component of Earth's surface.
    • It is a complex mixture of mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air.
    • It provides essential nutrients and support for plant growth.

    Soil Profile

    • A soil profile represents the layers of soil from the surface to the parent material.
    • Each layer, called a horizon, has distinct characteristics.

    Soil Degradation

    • Soil degradation is the process of deterioration in the quality and fertility of soil.
    • It can occur due to natural and human-induced factors.

    Soil Erosion

    • Soil erosion involves the movement of soil from its location by wind or water.
    • It results in the loss of topsoil, which is essential for plant growth.

    Methods of Controlling Soil Erosion

    • Various methods are used to control soil erosion, including contour cultivation, terracing, afforestation, and promotion of equitable use of water resources.

    Desertification

    • Desertification refers to the conversion of fertile land into barren, desert-like conditions.
    • It results from a combination of environmental and human-induced factors.

    Causes and Effects of Desertification

    • Desertification is caused by factors such as deforestation, overgrazing, and climate change.
    • It results in significant environmental and economic damage, including loss of biodiversity, reduced agricultural productivity, and displacement of communities.

    Control of Desertification

    • Control measures include promoting afforestation, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and watershed management.

    Nutrient Cycles

    • Nutrient cycles involve the movement and transformation of essential nutrients in ecosystems.
    • The major nutrient cycles include Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Sulfur.

    Nitrogen Cycle

    • The Nitrogen Cycle describes the continuous movement of nitrogen between living organisms and the environment.
    • It involves various processes like nitrogen fixation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification.

    Phosphorus Cycle

    • The Phosphorus Cycle involves the movement of phosphorus between rocks, water, soil, and living organisms.
    • Phosphorus is an essential nutrient required for plant growth and energy transfer in living organisms.

    Potassium Cycle

    • The Potassium Cycle involves the movement of potassium between rocks, soil, and living organisms.
    • Potassium is a vital nutrient for plant growth and plays a crucial role in plant health and development.

    Sulfur Cycle

    • The Sulfur Cycle describes the movement of sulfur through the environment, involving various processes like oxidation, reduction, and methylation.
    • Sulfur is an essential nutrient for plant growth and plays a role in the formation of proteins and enzymes.

    Hydrosphere

    • The Hydrosphere encompasses all the water on Earth, including oceans, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and glaciers.
    • It plays a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate system.

    Water Cycle

    • The Water Cycle describes the continuous movement and transformation of water on Earth.
    • It involves evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff.

    Water Sources

    • Earth possesses various water sources, with a majority as saline water and a smaller part as fresh water.
    • Fresh water includes groundwater, surface water, and rainwater.

    Transition

    • Transition refers to the changes and transformations that occur within ecosystems over time.
    • These transitions can be natural or driven by human activities. They are often influenced by factors such as climate change, land use patterns, and pollution.
    • The transition can lead to changes in species composition, ecosystem structure, and ecosystem function.

    Water Temperature

    • Water temperature is influenced by solar radiation, latitude, and proximity to land masses.
    • It impacts aquatic life and the physical properties of water.

    Oceanic Current

    • Ocean currents distribute heat energy and influence climate patterns.
    • They are driven by wind, differences in water density, and the Coriolis effect.

    Ecosystem Services

    • Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans derive from natural ecosystems.
    • They include provisioning services, regulating services, cultural services, and supporting services.

    Bio-Geo-Chemical Cycle

    • Biogeochemical cycles involve the movement of nutrients and other elements through abiotic and biotic factors.
    • These cycles play a crucial role in maintaining the health and stability of ecosystems.

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    Environmental Studies: Earth's Lithosphere & Terrestrial Ecosystem PDF

    Description

    This quiz covers key concepts in environmental science, including edaphic factors, biological components, and the impact of climate change. It also addresses the relationship between the economy and sustainable practices, as well as the effects of human activities on ecosystems. Test your knowledge of these important topics!

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