Environmental Awareness Flashcards

What is the 'ozone layer' and why is it important?

Answer: A layer of ozone gas in the stratosphere that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun

The ozone layer in the stratosphere absorbs up to 99% of the sun's harmful UV-B and UV-C radiation, protecting life on Earth.

Which of the following best describes the water cycle?

Answer: The continuous movement of water through evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection

The water (hydrological) cycle describes how water continuously moves through the environment: evaporation → condensation (clouds) → precipitation → collection → evaporation again.

What is 'soil erosion' and what commonly causes it?

Answer: The gradual wearing away of topsoil by wind, water, or human activity such as deforestation

Soil erosion occurs when topsoil is displaced by water runoff, wind, or loss of vegetation — threatening agricultural productivity and water quality.

What is 'light pollution' and how does it affect the environment?

Answer: Excessive artificial light at night that disrupts wildlife behavior and obscures natural darkness

Light pollution from artificial lights disrupts nocturnal animal behaviors, affects bird migration, alters plant growth cycles, and wastes energy.

Which of the following is a consequence of ocean acidification?

Answer: Damage to coral reefs and shellfish as ocean pH decreases due to absorbed CO₂

As oceans absorb CO₂, carbonic acid forms, lowering pH. This dissolves the calcium carbonate shells of corals and mollusks.

What does an 'Environmental Impact Assessment' (EIA) evaluate?

Answer: The potential environmental consequences of a proposed development project before it is approved

An EIA is a proactive process to identify, predict, and evaluate environmental effects of major projects before decisions are made.