Unit 2 Environmental Science Vocabulary

Front

__________ refers to vegetation and structures that cover land such as forest or crop land.

Back

Land Cover

Front

__________ refers to human activities that occur on land such as harvesting wood or growing food.

Back

Land Use

Front

__________ areas are characterized by high population densities, concentrated human structures, and a faster pace of life; these areas feature a greater concentration of buildings, businesses, and infrastructure.

Back

Urban

Front

__________ areas are defined by lower population densities, open spaces, and a slower pace of life; these areas often have more natural landscapes and agricultural lands.

Back

Rural

Front

__________ is the movement from rural areas to urban areas. This process can impact water, air, land, and organisms.

Back

Urbanization

Front

__________ refers to the basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and power supplies) needed for the operation of a society.

Back

Infrastructure

Front

__________ is the rapid expansion of the geographic extent of cities and towns, often characterized by low-density residential housing, single-use zoning, and increased reliance on the private automobile for transportation.

Back

Urban Sprawl

Front

__________ is a phenomenon where developed areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas, often due to heat-absorbing surfaces and lack of vegetation.

Back

Heat Islands

Front

__________ is the increase in the number of individuals in a population over a period of time, driven by factors like births, deaths, and migration.

Back

Population Growth

Front

__________ is the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her lifetime, and it plays a key role in understanding how populations grow or shrink.

Back

Fertility Rate