Environmental Science

1st law of thermodynamics - correct answers energy is neither created nor destroyed 2nd law of thermodynamics - correct answers The principle whereby every energy transfer or transformation increases the entropy of the universe. Ordered forms of energy are at least partly converted to heat, and in spontaneous reactions, the free energy of the system also decreases. A horizon - correct answers topsoil Abiotic - correct answers Non-living things Active solar design - correct answers the use of solar energy to regulate temperature or provide hot water in buildings through the use of solar collectors and mechanical heat distribution systems Acute infectious disease - correct answers A disease that rapidly impairs the functioning of an organism Advantages of composting - correct answers - Reduces waste that goes into landfills. - Essential elements in composted waste can be used to enrich soil. Advantages of incinerators - correct answers -reduces trash volume -produces energy (steam powered) -concentrates hazardous substances -sale of energy reduces cost Advantages of landfills - correct answers - Low operating costs -Can handle large amounts of waste - Filled land can be used for other purposes Advantages to Aquaculture - correct answers High efficiency High yield in small volume of water Can reduce over harvesting of conventional fisheries Low fuel use High profits Profits not tied to price of oil Affluence - correct answers abundance; wealth Agroforestry - correct answers An agricultural technique in which trees and vegetables are intercropped Agroforestry - correct answers when trees and crops are planted together, creating a mutualistic symbiotic relationship between them. Air pollution can be caused by... - correct answers Human activities and naturally Albedo - correct answers Ability of a surface to reflect light albedo effect - correct answers the positive feedback loop in which an increase in the Earth's temperature causes ice to melt so more radiation is absorbed by the Earth's surface leading to further increases in temperature. Algal Bloom - correct answers an immediate increase in the amount of algae and other producers that results from a large input of a limiting nutrient Allergens - correct answers A chemical that causes allergic reactions Amenia - correct answers deficiency of iron Amonification - correct answers the part of the decomposition process where nitrogen in inorganic molecules reaction acids and nucleotides is converted to ammonium Annual Plants - correct answers A plant that lives only one season Anthropogenic - correct answers derived from human activities