Chapter 4: Earth's Resources

A system of growing different crops on the same land over a period of years.

Horizontal ridges built into slopes of steep hillsides to prevent soil loss and aid farming.

The long-term process of losing soil fertility and plant life.

The destruction or loss or forest area.

The planting of trees in places where forest have been cut down.

Relatively dry with small amounts or rain.

Artificial channels for carrying water.

Underground, water-bearing layers of rock, sand, and gravel.

The process in which the salt is taken out of seawater.

A type of polluted rain, produced when pollution from smokestacks combines with water vapor.

A slow increase in Earth's average temperature.

Resources, such as coal and oil, that cannot be replaced by Earth's natural processes or that are replaced slowly.

Inorganic substances that make up Earth's and have a definite chemical composition.

Shiny, minerals, like gold and iron, that can conduct heat and electricity.

Minerals that lack the characteristics of metal.

Nonrenewable resources formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.

An oily liquid that can be refined into gasoline and other fuels and oils.

Factories where crude oil is processed.

A renewable energy resource produced from dams that harness the energy of falling water to power generators.

A renewable energy resource produced from dams that harness the energy of falling water to power generators.

A renewable energy resource produced from the Sun's heat and light.