AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Thermal Pollution
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Why is a sudden increase in water temperature considered a form of pollution?
It is considered pollution because the released heat produces negative effects on the organisms within that aquatic ecosystem.
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Why is a sudden increase in water temperature considered a form of pollution?
It is considered pollution because the released heat produces negative effects on the organisms within that aquatic ecosystem.
A fish species requires high levels of dissolved oxygen. How would thermal pollution likely impact its habitat?
Thermal pollution would negatively affect its habitat by warming the water and reducing the concentration of dissolved oxygen available to the fish.
What phenomenon is described by the release of heat into water that harms local organisms?
This phenomenon is known as thermal pollution.
If a power plant releases warm water into a lake, what is a primary chemical effect on the water?
The concentration of dissolved oxygen in the lake water will decrease, as warmer water holds less oxygen.
What is the relationship between water temperature and its capacity to hold oxygen?
There is an inverse relationship: as water temperature increases, its capacity to hold dissolved oxygen decreases.
How does water temperature affect the concentration of dissolved oxygen?
Variations in water temperature affect dissolved oxygen concentration because warm water does not contain as much oxygen as cold water.
What is thermal pollution?
Thermal pollution occurs when heat released into the water produces negative effects on the organisms in that ecosystem.
Which holds more dissolved oxygen: warm water or cold water?
Cold water contains more dissolved oxygen than warm water.
What is the main consequence of thermal pollution for aquatic organisms?
The main consequence is the creation of negative effects for the organisms, largely due to changes in factors like dissolved oxygen.
Explain the direct link between thermal pollution and dissolved oxygen levels.
Thermal pollution raises water temperature, and since warm water holds less dissolved oxygen, the concentration of dissolved oxygen decreases.