Atmospheric convection current
Global patterns of air movement that are initiated by the unequal heating of Earth. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd… Read More »Atmospheric convection current
July 2020
Asthenosphere
The layer of Earth located in the outer part of the mantle, composed of semi-molten rock. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd… Read More »Asthenosphere
Ash
The residual nonorganic material that does not combust during incineration. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by Andrew Friedland,… Read More »Ash
Aquifer
A permeable layer of rock and sediment that contains groundwater. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by Andrew Friedland,… Read More »Aquifer
Aqueduct
A canal or ditch used to carry water from one location to another. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition)… Read More »Aqueduct
Aquatic biome
An aquatic region characterized by a particular combination of salinity, depth, and water flow. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd… Read More »Aquatic biome
Aquaculture
Farming aquatic organisms such as fish, shellfish, and seaweeds. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by Andrew Friedland, Rick… Read More »Aquaculture
Aphotic zone
The deeper layer of ocean water that lacks sufficient sunlight for photosynthesis. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by… Read More »Aphotic zone
Anthropogenic
Derived from human activities. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by Andrew Friedland, Rick Relyea
Chesapeake Bay Deadzone: Anatomy, Consequences, and Restoration Efforts
The Chesapeake Bay is a historic estuary residing within the states of Maryland and Virginia, whose influence as a major body of water ranges from… Read More »Chesapeake Bay Deadzone: Anatomy, Consequences, and Restoration Efforts
Annual plant
A plant that lives only one season. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by Andrew Friedland, Rick Relyea
Anaerobic respiration
The process by which cells convert glucose into energy in the absence of oxygen. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd… Read More »Anaerobic respiration
Support the Climate Smart Ports Act
The Climate Smart Ports Act of 2020, introduced by Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán, is the first federal act aiming at reducing the various forms of pollution… Read More »Support the Climate Smart Ports Act
Ammonification
The process by which fungal and bacterial decomposers break down the organic nitrogen found in dead bodies and waste products and convert it into inorganic… Read More »Ammonification
Allopatric speciation
The process of speciation that occurs with geographic isolation. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by Andrew Friedland, Rick… Read More »Allopatric speciation
Allergen
A chemical that causes allergic reactions. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by Andrew Friedland, Rick Relyea
Algal bloom
A rapid increase in the algal population of a waterway. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by Andrew Friedland,… Read More »Algal bloom
Albedo
The percentage of incoming sunlight reflected from a surface. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by Andrew Friedland, Rick… Read More »Albedo
Air quality
A measure of the level of pollution in the air. — Source: Environmental Science for the AP® Course 3rd Edition (3rd Edition) by Andrew Friedland,… Read More »Air quality
Air pollution
The introduction of chemicals, particulate matter, or microorganisms into the atmosphere at concentrations high enough to harm plants, animals, and materials such as buildings, or… Read More »Air pollution