Define acid deposition, and explain its causes and effects
What will be an ideal response?
Acidic deposition refers to the wet or dry deposition of acidic or acid-forming pollutants. This can take place either by precipitation (primarily acid rain, but also including acid snow, sleet, and hail), by fog, by gases, or by the deposition of dry particles. Acidic deposition comes primarily from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, pollutants produced largely through fossil fuel combustion by automobiles, electric utilities, and industrial facilities. Once emitted into the troposphere, these pollutants can react with water, oxygen, and oxidants to produce compounds of low pH. Droplets of these acids may travel hundreds or thousands of kilometers. Acidic deposition can have wide-ranging, cumulative detrimental effects on ecosystems and on our built environment. It leaches basic minerals such as calcium and magnesium from the soil, changing soil chemistry and harming plants and soil organisms. Streams, rivers, and lakes may become significantly acidified from runoff. Some forests in eastern North America have experienced widespread tree dieback from these conditions. Acidic precipitation also may damage stone buildings, eat away at cars, and erase the writing from tombstones.
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Sub-Saharan Africa
A) contains about two billion people. B) has a young population in comparison with western countries. C) is a region of middle-income countries. D) has a relatively high GNI per capita. E) has seen declining population numbers in recent years due to AIDS.
The multicelled fauna of the Neoproterozoic is known from all continents except Antarctica, and is collectively
referred to as the ____________________. Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).
Why do rocks weather?
What will be an ideal response?
The replacement of warmer surface water by colder waters from below is referred to as ____
a. drifting b. circulating c. recharging d. upwelling