13.6: Key Terms Defined

Biofuels – energy sources from living matter.

Conservation – using natural resources in a sustainable way so that they are preserved for future generations.

Eutrophication – the process by which nutrient-rich waters promote the growth of algae, and when the abundant algal blooms die, the decomposition of the dead plant material consumes large amounts of oxygen.

Fossil Fuels – energy sources such as coal, oil, and natural gas, derived from ancient plant and animal matter.

Greenhouse effect - the trapping of longwave radiation (heat) by certain greenhouse gases in the lower atmosphere; greenhouse gases absorb and reradiate the heat radiated from the Earth, increasing global temperatures by 35^oC compared to an atmosphere with no greenhouse effect.

Landfill – An area where solid waste is deposited and buried to reduce odor, vermin proliferation, and unsightly trash.

Nonrenewable resource – a resource that is in finite supply and is depleted by humans.

Potential reserves – estimates on available energy in deposits that are thought to exist but have not been completely verified.

Production – the extraction of fossil fuels from the ground.

Preservation – setting aside areas so that resources are essentially untouched with as little human impact as feasible.

Renewable resource – a resource that is in infinite supply such as solar and wind energy.

---