Environmental Science Quiz on Fuels and Ecosystems

A mixture of hydrocarbons found in the earth's crust. It is the primary source of liquid fuels like gasoline, kerosene, and diesel.

A flammable liquid hydrocarbon used as a fuel for cars. It is obtained from refining crude oil.

A highly flammable liquid fuel that is often used in lamps and heaters. It's a product of refining crude oil.

A combustible liquid used as fuel for diesel engines, obtained from crude oil.

The process of separating different components of crude oil based on their boiling points, creating various fuels and other products.

A major safety concern associated with liquid fuels, as they are easily ignited and can cause fires.

The process of extracting crude oil from the earth, typically done by drilling wells.

The formation of fossil fuels like oil and natural gas over millions of years from ancient organic matter.

A natural process that regulates Earth's temperature by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Gases in the atmosphere, like carbon dioxide and methane, that trap heat from the sun.

The continuous movement of carbon between the Earth's atmosphere, oceans, land, and living organisms.

A colorless, odorless gas made of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms.

A colorless, odorless gas produced by cows, rice paddies, and landfills.

A colorless gas with a sweet smell, naturally produced by oceans and rainforests.

The increase in Earth's average temperature due to the buildup of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

The change in weather patterns over a long period due to global warming.

A soft-brown colored coal formed from peat due to compaction and heat. It has a high moisture content (60%) and a lower carbon content compared to other types of coal (20-30%). It is not efficient for burning due to its high moisture content.

A hard and porous type of coal with a high carbon content and low ash and sulfur content. It is considered highly valuable due to its efficient burning properties. It is used in industries needing high temperatures and uniform heating.

A flammable mixture of volatile hydrocarbons, primarily used as fuel for internal combustion engines. It is also used as a solvent.

A process of heating coal in the absence of oxygen. This process drives off volatile compounds, leaving behind a high-carbon, durable coal product.

A man-made fuel derived from the burning of wood or animal matter. It produces energy upon combustion, releasing gases like carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide.

The process of refining crude oil to produce various products like gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and plastics.

Liquids which are derived from fossilized organic materials like plants and animals. They are formed under heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust. Examples include crude oil and natural gas.

Derived from the decomposition of organic matter over millions of years. It's a complex mixture containing various hydrocarbons that can be separated and refined into different fuels and products.

The top layer of soil, primarily composed of decomposed organic matter, leaf litter, and humus. It's rich in organic matter and crucial for plant growth.

A soil layer rich in organic matter, often darker in color, and retains a high amount of moisture. It's ideal for plants but rarely found naturally in gardens.

This layer is formed by the process of leaching, where minerals and organic matter are washed down from the A horizon. It's typically pale in color and found in older, well-developed soils.

The subsoil, heavily altered by soil formation processes. It's often rich in iron oxides, giving it a brownish or reddish color. Minerals and organic matter from above layers accumulate here.

This layer is composed of slightly broken up bedrock, the parent material from which soil develops. It's less weathered than the layers above.

A soil type that combines sand, silt, and clay in a balanced way, creating a fertile, workable soil with good drainage.

A soil type that is highly alkaline due to the presence of calcium carbonate (lime). It's often unsuitable for plants that prefer acidic conditions.

A type of soil that is extremely fine-grained and highly compact, making it difficult for water and roots to penetrate.

The ability of water to hold dissolved oxygen, a vital component for aquatic life.

The measure of how acidic or basic water is. It affects the survival of aquatic organisms.

The physical property of water that indicates how hot or cold it is. It influences dissolved oxygen levels and the ability of organisms to withstand pollution.

An essential mineral for maintaining electrolyte and water balance in the body, crucial for nervous and cardiac systems.

A mineral found naturally in some water sources and added to others to reduce tooth decay.

The ability of muscles to contract and relax, essential for movement.

A crucial mineral for muscle function and relaxation, essential for movement.

Standards used to evaluate water quality based on factors like ecosystem health, drinking safety, and recreational use.

The amount of oxygen dissolved in water. It's a vital indicator of water quality because it's essential for aquatic life.

Represents the total amount of organic substances that can be oxidized by chemical means.

Indicates the amount of organic matter in water that can be broken down by microorganisms.

The ratio of BOD to COD reflects the proportion of organic matter in water that can be naturally broken down by microorganisms.

Elements like mercury, arsenic, nickel, chromium, cadmium, lead, copper, and cobalt. They can have significant impacts on human health.

Minerals like calcium and magnesium that are naturally found in water. They play crucial roles in human health.

The chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of water, determining its suitability for different uses.

Refers to wastewater that has been treated but still contains pollutants. It's released back into the environment.