Environmental Degradation and Energy Source Definitions
Desertification
An ecological degradation process whereby productive land loses part or all of its production potential, leading to the appearance of desert conditions. This process results from the combination of climatic factors and human activities.
Erosion
A natural process involving the wearing away of the land’s surface by external geological agents (such as runoff, glacial ice, wind). It can be intensified by human activities, leading to serious consequences.
Erodibility
The susceptibility of the substrate (soil or rock) to erosion. This depends on factors like soil type, slope, and vegetation cover.
Soil Horizon
Distinct layers within a soil profile, visible in a cross-section. The number and characteristics of horizons depend on soil maturity. Typically designated, from bedrock upwards, as C, B, and A (which can be subdivided into A0, A1, A2).
Wetland
An area of land that is saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, creating a hybrid ecosystem between terrestrial and aquatic environments. Examples include marshes, swamps, and bogs. Wetlands are often vulnerable ecosystems that provide critical habitats for many species.
Biofuels
Liquid fuels derived from the transformation of biomass through chemical processes. Common examples include bioethanol and biodiesel.
Fossil Fuels
Non-renewable energy resources formed over millions of years from the organic remains of dead plants and animals. Examples include oil, coal, and natural gas.
Wind Energy
An alternative and renewable energy source utilizing wind turbines to convert the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy, typically via a generator.
Geothermal Energy
An alternative and renewable energy source that utilizes the Earth’s internal heat.
Hydropower
A conventional and renewable energy source that harnesses the potential energy of dammed water. Water flows through turbines connected to generators to produce electricity.
Tidal Energy
A renewable energy source that harnesses the power of tides. The kinetic energy from the rise and fall of water drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity.
Nuclear Fission Energy
A non-renewable energy source based on the splitting (fission) of atomic nuclei, typically radioactive uranium, initiated by neutron bombardment. This process releases a large amount of energy, which is harnessed in nuclear power plants to produce electricity.
Nuclear Fusion Energy
Energy released from the merging (fusion) of light atomic nuclei, such as deuterium and tritium, to form heavier nuclei. This process releases an enormous amount of energy. Fusion power is currently under research and development, facing challenges like achieving extremely high temperatures (plasma state) and containing the plasma using strong magnetic fields.
Renewable Energy
Energy derived from resources that are naturally replenished on a human timescale. Their use does not lead to depletion within the foreseeable future.
Solar Energy
A renewable energy source derived from the sun’s radiation. It can be harnessed to generate electricity through solar thermal power plants (using heat) or photovoltaic cells (capturing photons).