Geography Flashcards

What is a 'megacity'?

Answer: A city with a population of over 10 million people

A megacity is defined as an urban agglomeration with a population of over 10 million people. Examples include Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, and Jakarta.

What is acid rain and what causes it?

Answer: Rain made more acidic by sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from burning fossil fuels

Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from burning fossil fuels react with water vapour in the atmosphere to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

What is the significance of Singapore's position regarding climate change vulnerability?

Answer: As a low-lying coastal city-state, Singapore is vulnerable to sea level rise and extreme weather

Singapore is highly vulnerable to climate change because it is a low-lying island (mostly below 15m elevation), making it susceptible to sea level rise, flooding, and more intense rainfall events.

What is soil erosion?

Answer: The removal of topsoil by wind, water, or human activity

Soil erosion is the removal of the fertile topsoil layer by wind, water, or human activities (deforestation, overgrazing), reducing agricultural productivity.

What is the 'carbon footprint'?

Answer: The total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organisation, or product

A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions (mainly CO₂) associated with an individual's, organisation's, or product's activities, expressed in equivalent tonnes of CO₂.

What is the main purpose of mangrove forests in coastal areas?

Answer: To act as nurseries for fish, protect coastlines from erosion, and filter water

Mangrove forests serve as nurseries for fish and other marine life, protect coastlines from erosion and storm surges, filter pollutants, and sequester carbon.