AP Environmental Science · Unit 5 · Human Impact & Solutions
Land Use & Sustainability: every key term you need (+ practice quiz)
20 flashcard terms for AP Environmental Science Unit 5, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards, or test yourself with the 5-question quiz — free, no account needed.
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Climate Long-term atmospheric conditions in region; determined by latitude, ocean currents, elevation.
Weather Short-term atmospheric conditions; changes daily; measured by temperature, precipitation, wind.
Atmosphere Layer of gases surrounding Earth; ~78% N₂, 21% O₂, 1% Ar, 0.04% CO₂; pressure decreases with altitude.
Greenhouse Effect Gases trap heat; CO₂, CH₄, H₂O, N₂O absorb infrared radiation, warming planet.
Greenhouse Gas Gas trapping infrared radiation; CO₂, methane, water vapor, nitrous oxide; anthropogenic sources.
Global Warming Long-term increase in average global temperature; primarily from CO₂ emissions.
Climate Change Long-term shift in climate patterns; warming, altered precipitation, extreme weather.
Carbon Footprint Total greenhouse gas emissions from activities; measured in CO₂ equivalents.
Albedo Fraction of light reflected by surface; high (snow, ice); low (dark water, forests).
Feedback Loop Process amplifying or dampening change; positive feedback amplifies (melting ice); negative dampens.
Mitigation Reducing greenhouse gas emissions; renewable energy, efficiency, carbon sequestration.
Adaptation Adjusting to climate impacts; sea walls, drought-resistant crops, cooling centers.
Ozone Depletion Stratospheric O₃ loss from CFCs; causes UV radiation increase.
Acid Rain Precipitation with pH < 5.6 from SO₂, NOₓ; damages forests, aquatic ecosystems.
Photochemical Smog Air pollution from NOₓ + VOC + sunlight; creates ozone and particulates; health hazard.
Particulate Matter Solid particles or liquid droplets in air; PM2.5 penetrates lungs; health impacts.
Clean Air Act U.S. legislation regulating air quality; set standards for pollutants.
Renewable Energy Energy from replenishing sources: solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass.
Fossil Fuel Non-renewable energy from ancient organic matter: coal, oil, natural gas; primary energy source.
Energy Efficiency Using less energy for same output; reduces consumption and emissions.
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