Vocabulary for Managing Earth's Resources

Point source

Smog

Emissions are pollutants released into the air from sources like cars, factories, or power plants. An example could be carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) released by burning fossil fuels.

<p>A nonpoint source of air pollution is a widespread source, like agricultural runoff or dust storms, that cannot be traced back to a single location.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Ozone is a poisonous gas made of three oxygen atoms ($O_3$). It forms when sunlight reacts with certain pollutants in the air, particularly nitrogen oxides ($NO_x$) from vehicle exhaust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

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

<p>Nutrient depletion</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Sediment, carried by water or wind, settles at the bottom of rivers and oceans. Over time, these layers of sediment build up, compressing and eventually forming new landforms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Deforestation removes trees that play an important role in holding soil and preventing erosion. When forests are cleared, soil is exposed to wind and rain, leading to the loss of vital nutrients through erosion.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Conservation involves using resources carefully to prevent waste and make them last longer, ensuring their availability for future generations. It's a key aspect of managing Earth's resources responsibly.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Technology plays a crucial role in managing resources by providing tools and methods for resource extraction, processing, and utilization. It helps us develop efficient and sustainable ways to use resources.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Efficiency means using resources wisely, minimizing waste, and maximizing output. By improving efficiency, we can reduce the amount of resources we use and lessen the impact on the environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Erosion wears down and carries away rock particles, impacting soil fertility, water quality, and infrastructure. Managing erosion is crucial for preserving resources like fertile land and clean water.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sewage, composed of water and waste, is a resource that requires careful management. Proper treatment and disposal of sewage are essential to protect water resources and prevent pollution.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Acid rain, caused by air pollution, damages ecosystems, pollutes water resources, and can harm infrastructure. Managing acid rain pollution is crucial for protecting resources and maintaining a healthy environment.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Managing chemical pollution in the air involves reducing emissions from various sources, using cleaner technologies, and promoting sustainable practices. It's a vital aspect of protecting air quality and safeguarding human health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Effectively managing Earth's resources is crucial for ensuring their long-term availability, protecting the environment, and supporting sustainable development. By using resources responsibly, reducing waste, and embracing cleaner technologies, we can create a more balanced and sustainable future.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Sustainability refers to the ability to manage resources in a way that allows for their repeated use year after year without depleting them.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Land reclamation involves restoring a degraded area of land to a more productive state, often by removing pollution or restoring natural habitats.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fossil fuels are formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and animals, buried under layers of sediment and subjected to heat and pressure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Global energy poverty describes the situation where a significant portion of the world's population lacks access to sufficient energy for basic necessities, like lighting, cooking and heating.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Understanding sustainability is crucial for ensuring the long-term availability of resources, protecting the environment, and meeting the needs of current and future generations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Examples of human activities requiring land reclamation include mining, logging, industrial pollution, and agricultural practices that degrade soil.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource, meaning they cannot be replenished at the rate we consume them, posing challenges to sustainability.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Consequences of global energy poverty include increased poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and environmental degradation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Pollutants released into the air by various sources.

A mixture of smoke and fog that causes air pollution.

A single source of air pollution such as a factory smokestack.

Widespread sources of air pollution that are not traceable to a single point.

A poisonous gas made of three oxygen atoms, found in the atmosphere.

Particles of rock and clay that settle at the bottom of rivers and oceans.

Material that came from living things.

The removal of important nutrients from the soil that plants need.

The process of turning land with healthy soil into land that lacks nutrients.

The removal of trees from an area.

Ill health from not getting enough proper nutrient-rich foods.

Precipitation mixed with pollutants that can harm the environment.

The careful use of resources to avoid waste and ensure sustainability.

The application of science to solve problems and meet daily needs.

Using resources better, reducing waste of materials and time.

Wastewater containing human waste washed down from toilets and sinks.

The process of breaking down and carrying away particles of rock.

Contamination of air, water, and soil with harmful chemicals.

The process of using resources wisely to avoid depletion.

The ability to maintain food or resource production over time.

The process of restoring land to a more productive state.

Energy sources like oil and coal formed from ancient remains.

A condition where people lack sufficient energy for basic needs.

The process of growing food resources on land.

Availability of energy sources for basic human needs.

Methods that support ongoing resource availability without depletion.