Human Dependence on Natural Resources

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Photosynthesis Noun

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[foh-toh-sin-thuh-sis]

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Photosynthesis

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The process plants use to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into food energy, releasing oxygen as a byproduct.

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Example: This diagram shows how plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce food and oxygen.

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Renewable Resource Noun

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[ri-noo-uh-buhl ree-sors]

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Renewable Resource

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A natural resource that can be replenished naturally over a short period, making it suitable for repeated use.

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Example: The image shows how sunlight helps plants produce oxygen and glucose, demonstrating a renewable resource process.

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Nonrenewable Resource Noun

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[non-ri-noo-uh-buhl ree-sors]

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Nonrenewable Resource

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A natural resource that exists in a fixed amount and cannot be easily replaced by natural means once consumed.

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Example: Shows how marine organisms become oil and gas over millions of years, illustrating nonrenewable resources.

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Fossil Fuel Noun

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[fos-uhl fyoo-uhl]

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Fossil Fuel

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A natural fuel like coal or oil, formed from the geological remains of ancient organisms over millions of years.

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Example: The image shows how oil and gas are extracted from beneath the Earth's surface, illustrating fossil fuel formation.

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Sustainability Noun

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[suh-stey-nuh-bil-i-tee]

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Sustainability

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The practice of using resources to meet present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

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Example: The image shows Earth as a water source, highlighting the need to use resources sustainably.

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Topsoil Noun

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[top-soil]

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Topsoil

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The upper, outermost layer of soil, containing the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms vital for plant growth.

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Example: The image shows topsoil as the upper layer of soil, rich in organic matter, supporting plant roots.

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Erosion Noun

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[ih-roh-zhuhn]

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Erosion

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The natural process where earthen materials like soil and rock are worn away and moved by forces like wind or water.

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Example: Water erodes soil and rock, showing how natural forces change landscapes over time.

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Natural Hazard Noun

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[nach-er-uhl haz-erd]

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Natural Hazard

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A naturally occurring event, such as a flood or earthquake, that has a negative impact on people and the environment.

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Example: The image shows tectonic plates moving, causing a volcanic eruption, illustrating a natural hazard.

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Climate Noun

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[klahy-mit]

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Climate

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The long-term pattern of weather conditions, including temperature and precipitation, averaged over many years in a particular region.

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Example: The image shows how solar radiation interacts with Earth's atmosphere, illustrating the greenhouse effect and its role in climate.

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Climate Change Noun

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[klahy-mit cheynj]

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Climate Change

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A significant and long-term shift in the average weather patterns that define Earth's local, regional, and global climates.

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Example: The image shows how greenhouse gases trap heat, illustrating climate change.