| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| nonrenewable resources | resources that are used faster than they can be replaced by natural processes. |
| renewable resources | resources that can be replaced by natural processes in a relatively short amount of time. |
| nuclear energy | energy released from atomic reactions |
| reclamation | a process in which mined land must be recovered with soil and replanted with vegetation |
| solar energy | energy from the sun |
| wind farm | a group of wind turbines that produce electricity |
| hydroelectric power | electricity produced by flowing water |
| geothermal energy | thermal energy from Earth’s interior |
| biomass energy | energy produced by burning organic matter, such as wood, food scraps, and alcohol |
