| Term | Definition |
|---|
| biodiversity | the number of different species in an area |
| renewable resources | resources that can be replaced |
| nonrenewable resources | resources that cannot be replaced |
| emissions | particles and gases that are released into the air |
| recycling | collecting and reprocessing a resource or product to make into new products. |
| composting | a mixture of decaying organic matter, as from leaves and manure, used to improve soil structure and provide nutrients. |
| landfill | a place where solid waste or garbage is buried |
| biodegradable | able to be decomposed or broken down |
| groundwater | water held in rocks and soil below the surface |
| household waste | waste or garbage created through household activities |
| agricultural waste | waste created through farming and raising livestock |
| ozone layer | a layer in the stratosphere (at approximately 20 miles) that contains a concentration of ozone sufficient to block most ultraviolet radiation from the sun |
| greenhouse effect | process by which atmospheric gases trap heat close to Earth's surface and prevent it from escaping into space |
| solar energy | energy from the sun |
| biomass | organic material from plants or animals that is used for energy |
| hydroelectric power | produced from dams and waterfalls where the energy of falling or moving water turns turbines and creates power |
| geothermal energy | from the heat of magma or steam under the earth's surface |
| smog | mixture of chemicals, pollutants, smoke, and fog that occurs as a gray-brown haze in the atmosphere; usually hangs low over cities |
| water cycle | evaporation, condensation, precipitation & again |
| acid rain | precipitation that is more acidic than normal because of air pollution |
| carbon footprint | measure of the impact human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon dioxide |
| conservation | the preservation and careful management of the environment and of natural resources |
Combine with other sets
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