Environmental Science Concepts

Front

Homeostasis/dynamic equilibrium

Back

The ability of an organism or cell to maintain internal balance despite external changes.

Front

Aquifers/different types

Back

Underground layers of water-bearing rock; types include unconfined aquifers and confined aquifers.

Front

Balancing/negative feedback loops

Back

Processes that counteract changes, helping to maintain stability in a system.

Front

Unbalanced/positive feedback loops

Back

Processes that amplify changes, leading to an increase in the output or effect.

Front

Emergent properties

Back

Characteristics that arise from the interactions of components in a system, which are not present in the individual parts.

Front

Eutrophication

Back

The process by which water bodies become overly enriched with nutrients, leading to excessive growth of algae and depletion of oxygen.

Front

Macronutrients/micronutrients

Back

Macronutrients are nutrients required in large amounts (like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), while micronutrients are needed in smaller amounts (like iron, manganese).

Front

Water cycle

Back

Most fresh water is found in glaciers and ice caps; the second largest reservoir is groundwater.

Front

Reservoir

Back

A natural or artificial lake used to store water.

Front

Flux

Back

The rate of flow of a substance through a system.