Acid Rain Acid rain has become an environmental concern of global importance within the last decade. With the increasing environmental awareness of the "unhealthy" condition of our planet earth the concern about acid rain has not lessened. In brief, acid rain is rain with pH values of less than 5.6. When dealing with acid rain one must study and understand the process of making Sulfuric acid. In this project we will take an in depth look into the production of sulfuric acid, some of its uses and the effects of it as a pollutant in our environment. Sulfuric Acid Industry in Ontario Among the many plants in Ontario where sulfuric acid is produced, there are three major plant locations that should be noted on account of their greater size. These are: Inco. - Sudbury Noranda Mines Ltd. - Welland Sulfide - Ontario There are a number of factors which govern the location of each manufacturing plant. Some of these factors that have to be considered when deciding the location of a Sulfuric Acid plant are: a. Whether there is ready access to raw materials; b. Whether the location is close to major transportation routes; c. Whether there is a suitable work force in the area for plant construction and operation; d. Whether there is sufficient energy resources readily available; e. Whether or not the chemical plant can carry out its operation without any unacceptable damage to the environment. Listed above are the basic deciding factors that govern the location of a plant. The following will explain in greater detail why these factors should be considered. 1) Raw Materials The plant needs to be close to the raw materials that are involved in the production of sulfuric acid such as sulfur, lead, copper, zinc sulfides, etc.. 2) Transportation A manufacturer must consider proximity to transpor-tation routes and the location of both the source of raw materials and the market for the product. The raw materials have to be transported to the plant, and the final product must be transported to the customer or distributor. Economic pros and cons must also be thought about. For example, must sulfuric plants are located near the market because it costs more to transport sulfuric acid than the main raw materials, sulfur. Elaborate commission proof container are required for the transportation of sulfuric acid while sulfur can be much more easily transported by truck or railway car. 3) Human Resources For a sulfuric acid plant to operate, a large work force will obviously be required.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that acid rain has become an environmental concern of global importance within the last decade.
- Explains that there are three major plant locations in ontario where sulfuric acid is produced — inco. - sudburynoranda mines ltd.
- Explains the basic deciding factors that govern the location of a chemical plant.
- Explains that the plant needs to be close to the raw materials that are involved in the production of sulfuric acid.
- Explains that a sulfuric acid plant must employ chemists, technicians, administrators, computer operators, and people in sales and marketing.
- Explains that proximity to a plentiful supply of energy determines the plant's location. environmental concerns must be carefully taken into consideration.
- Explains that the closeness of the plants to water supplies is another factor, as many manufacturing plants use water for cooling purposes. land is available at a reasonable cost, climate is suitable, and living conditions are suitable for people relocating in the area.
- Explains that the final decision on where the sulfuric acid plant really involves a careful examination and compromise among all the factors that have been discussed above.
- Explains that the product of the contact plants is 98-100% acid, which can either be diluted to lower concentrations or made stronger with sulfur trioxide to yield oleums.
- Explains that the battery acid industry relies on sulfuric acid to produce power. all batteries, primary or secondary, work as result of a chemical reaction.
- Explains that a battery cell consists of three basic parts: positively charged electrode, anode, and electrolyte, in which the electrodes are immersed.
- Explains that electricity is generated in cells because when chemical substances are dissolved in water, their molecules break up and become electrically charged ions.
- Describes the charging and discharging phase of the lead-acid storage battery and how sulfuric acid, as the electrolyte, is used in the process.
- Explains that the concentration of sulfuric acid is 0.0443 mol/l. the ph is 1.05. the amount of base needed to neutralize the lake water is
- Compares the use of sodium hydroxide versus limestone to neutralize the lake water.
- Explains that water is produced when using sodium hydroxide. liming is another way to neutralize a lake.
- Explains the effects of acidification on aquatic living organisms, such as zooplankton, algae, and bacterial decomposition of dead matter.
- Explains that excessive acidic conditions affect aquatic organisms and animals, since few aquatic plants survive in such conditions. anything affecting one organism affects the food chain.
- Explains the factors that govern a plant's location, if it employs 40% of the townspeople, such as ready access to raw materials, proximity to major transportation routes, energy resources, and adequate water supply.
- Explains that pollution in the great lakes has become an increasingly serious problem.
- Opines that pollution problems could be fought under a three-stage plan over the next decade: 1) a "toxic freeze" banning new polluters from putting up pipes or smokestacks
- Explains the advantages and disadvantages of water treatment devices and purifiers.
- Describes the key events in the u.s.-canada relationship regarding the great lakes cleanup.
- Explains that canada and the united states agreed to zero discharge of pollution in 1978. mulroney also proposed that the u.s. slash industrial sulfur and nitrogen oxide emissions by half.
- Explains that the canada-u.s. international joint commission meets every two years to discuss pollution and other issues concerning the great lakes.
- Cites encyclopedia britannica, science & technology illustrated: the world around u.s., volume 3, and newsweek's "deadline urged for cleanup of great lakes".
- Narrates the globe and mail's "great afflictions of the great lakes" and "the clean water industry grows on fear.
- Cites the globe and mail, sanderson, kimberly, the new how it works, and weller, phil.
Related
- explanatory
- Acid Rain and Its Harmful Effects on All Forms of Lifeexplanatory essayAcid Rain and Its Harmful Effects on All Forms of Life Pollution comes in various forms. Whether it’s toxic waste, CFC’s, or sewage, they are all hazardous, to the earth. These can deplete the earth and it’s inhabitants of resources, causing a harmful change. A product of pollution is acid rain. We shall see that acidification is harmful to all forms of life.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that acid rain and its harmful effects on all forms of life come in various forms, such as toxic waste, cfcs, or sewage.
- Explains that acid deposition occurs when nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide land on the earth's surface, and interact with frost or dew. the second way occurs due to the oxidation of nitrates or sulfur dioxide gases released into the air.
- Explains that so2 is responsible for the majority of acid deposition, which falls to earth. when we burn coal, we are releasing (so2), since coal is slight made up of sulphur.
- Explains that human activity is the major cause for nitrogen oxides’ presence in our atmosphere, such as forest fires and the combustion of oil, coal, and gas.
- Explains that acid rain can affect plant life directly when the surface of leaves and needles come into contact with acid vapor or fog.
- Explains that acid rain causes a nutrient imbalance, in soil, while nitrogen promotes forest growth, but plant life needs other nutrients. precipitation polluted by nitrogen can contain heavy metals, such as mercury, cadmium, and lead.
- Explains that plants are also affected by acid rain. reductions in ph levels can cause seed germination to be inhibited, plant structures become weak, and flowering may not occur due to lack of minerals.
- Explains that acid rain can leach aluminum from the bedrock, and rocks that contain calcium or magnesium can act as a neutralizer.
- Explains the two ways in which aluminum can harm aquatic environments: it can cause a fish to suffocate, because aluminum precipitates in gills, thus interfering in the transport of oxygen.
- Explains that in middle latitudes many bodies of water experience what is called "acid shock." over the winter acid deposits can build up on snow. as the snow melts, the acids are released.
- Explains that when there is a change in the chemistry of water, the ecology of the water begins to change.
- Explains that acid rain kills species and alters the food supply for higher fauna.
- Explains that humans are not immune to the effects of acid rain. people exposed to acidic pollution have respiratory problems. so2 reacts with water vapor to form fine particles of sulphate.
- Explains that humans can consume aluminum by drinking water or eating crops contaminated by acid precipitation. if ingested in large quantities, it can have toxic effects on human health.
- Explains the effects of acidification on automotive coatings, such as newly painted vehicles, headstones and statues.
- Explains that the united states is trying to take care of this problem through environmental legislation. the clean air act amendments of 1990 calls for a 10 million ton reduction in the number of emissions of sulfur dioxide.
- Explains that liming can increase the ph levels of bodies of water by adding hydrated lime to the water.
- Explains that industries should limit the emissions of pollutants caused by acid deposition by using fuels with low sulphur content and smokestack buffers to reduce so2.
- Explains that there is no way to eliminate acid deposition. we humans are not the only creators of this problem.
974 wordsRead More - Acid Rainexplanatory essayThe world we live in today has become a nest for pollution, toxic waste and environmental deterioration. In order to improve our planet, acid rain is a main factor to be considered and must be controlled before the damage worsens.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that acid rain affects many facets of the earth including surface waters, aquatic animals, forests, automotive coatings, several materials (metals, paint, limestone, etc...), visibility and human health.
- Explains that acid rain affects the superficial layer of leaves and needles, decreases a tree’s ‘immunity’ to cold weather, drought, disease, insect pests and the susceptibility for reproduction.
- Explains that acid rain affects coatings on vehicles and remains permanent. the automobile industry uses the term ‘environmental fallout’ as the main cause of damage.
- Explains that acid rain retains many effects on synthetic objects such as metals, paint, limestone and marble.
- Explains the correlation between acid rainfall and visual impairment. sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides release sulfates and nitrates that develop in the air and diminish visibility.
- Opines that acid rain has a negative effect on human health, especially on seniors and people suffering from cardiovascular diseases.
- Explains that the reduction of acid rain depends on the control of the amount of nox and sox that is emitted.
- Explains that acid rain is one of the oldest environmental catastrophic problems scientists have been facing; it is still an unresolved issue.
- Opines that without a commitment to developing improved pollution control methods and applying those methods rigorously, the problems of the past could prelude to an acid rain future.
- Explains that acid rain is a main factor to be considered and must be controlled before the damage worsens.
- Explains that acid rain's effects on lakes and aquatic organisms vary widely. the presence of limestone rocks contributes to the lakes' ability in neutralizing acid.
2147 wordsRead More - The Effects of Acid Rainexplanatory essayThe Effects of Acid Rain Acid rain looks, feels, and tastes just like clean rain, but there is a difference that is found on the pH scale. Acid rain is formed by one of three processes. In some cases hydrochloric acid can be directly let off into the atmosphere. Mostly nitrogen oxides or sulfuric dioxides are released into the atmosphere in the form of gases. After being released into the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide settle on the land and come in contact with dew that is also known as acid rain.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that acid rain looks, feels, and tastes just like clean rain, but there is a difference that is found on the ph scale.
- Explains that acid rain affects many different ecosystems present on the earth's surface. sulfuric acid is the cause of the damage to the trees.
- Explains the effects of acid rain on lakes and aquatic ecosystems. some chemicals exist as dry particles in the air, while others enter the lakes as wet particles.
- Explains that it can take years for an acidic lake or stream to recover naturally, even if the acid rain stops. people have brought some lakes and streams back to neutral or basic conditions more quickly than nature could alone.
- Explains that sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are the major sources of acid rain, they can irritate or even damage our lungs.
- Explains that acid rain can have severe effects on buildings, stained glass, paintings, and other objects that are damaged or even destroyed.
- Explains that acid rain is caused by the actions of people. turning off the lights and using energy-saving appliances reduces the amount of electricity a power plant has to produce.
515 wordsRead More - Acid Rainexplanatory essayABSTRACT This report involves a well description on acid rain as well as a focus on acid rain in eastern Canada. This report contains a very helpful basic background on acid rain as well as a questionnaire. It involves an annual report on the Federal-Provincial Agreements, sulphur dioxide emissions in the seven most eastern provinces, trends in acid deposition in the Atlantic provinces from 1980-1994, as well as acid precipitation in Kejimkujik, Nova Scotia. It also includes data tables, graphs and interesting facts concerning acid rain.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the report includes a well description on acid rain as well as an emphasis on it in eastern canada. it also includes data tables, graphs, and interesting facts concerning it.
- Explains that the atmosphere, unpolluted, is the means of life on earth. the burning of fossil fuels, produces gases that cause acid rain.
- Explains that acid rain comes in all forms of precipitation. it can be mist, snow, and dry deposition.
- Explains how the ph scale is used to measure acid rain, stating that a measurement of seven is neutral and less than seven acidic.
- Explains that carbon dioxide in the atmosphere causes rain to become naturally acidic. burning fossil fuels causes sulphur dioxide and nitrogen, which happens to be the major causes of acid rain.
- Explains that acid rain corrodes metal and stone work. it causes major threats to older historical buildings.
- Explains that the more acidic the land becomes, the less likely it is to grow crops and yields.
- Explains that water courses and lakes are affected by acid rain and water that runs into them. the problem is worst in spring when snow melts.
- Explains that farming and forestry can also increase acidification. the removal of a whole tree can be equivalent to about 60 years of acid rain.
- Explains that acids can be transformed chemically into sulphur dioxide gases, causing the same damage as when they land dissolved in rain or snow.
- Explains that acids can be transformed chemically into sulphur dioxide gas or into sulfur and nitrogen salts, causing the same damage as when they land dissolved in rain or snow.
- Explains that high aluminum concentrations in soil can prevent the uptake and use of nutrients by plants.
- Explains that the effects on terrestrial wildlife are hard to assess. pollution induced alteration of habitat or food resources, acid deposition may cause population decline through stress and lower reproductive success.
- Explains that sulphur emissions tend to be concentrated in relatively few locations, while the sources of nitrogen emissions are widely distributed. airborne acidic pollutants are often transported by large scale weather systems thousands of kilometers from their point of origin.
- Explains that the report identifies the harmful effects of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems, forests, farming, and human health. it also contains sulphur dioxide emissions from major sources from four canadian provinces.
- Explains that sulphur dioxide is produced by coal-fired power stations. exhaust gases react with the air to produce poisonous ozone gas that damages plant growth.
- Explains that coniferous trees are at risk from acid rain because they do not shed the needles at the end of each year.
- Explains that the interactions between living organisms and the chemistry of their aquatic habitats are extremely complex.
- Explains that acid deposition can increase the levels of toxic metals such as aluminum, copper, and mercury in untreated drinking water.
- Explains the eastern canada acid rain program's goal of limiting sulphur dioxide emissions at 2,300 kilotonnes by 1994 until 2000, which is a 40 percent reduction from the 1980 emissions.
- Explains that the united states and canada sulphur dioxide emissions are declining. they dropped by 16.5 percent from 1980 to 1992.
- Explains how the national atmospheric chemistry data base, maintained by environment canada, collected data to conduct annual maps of precipitation-weighed average sulphate deposition in the atlantic provinces.
- Explains that the atlantic provinces' aquatic ecosystems are sensitive to acid deposition. the critical load is less than 8 kilograms per hectare a year.
- Explains that irish cove has been added to the list of international sites being used as monitoring ground for changes in the environment in cape breton.
- Compares the average precipitation-weighed ph for 1992 at kejimkujik national park in southeastern nova scotia.
- Explains that acid rain causes $1 billion worth of damage in canada every year. catalytic converters are fitted into the exhaust system of the car and change harmful nitrogen oxides into less polluting carbon dioxide, nitrogen and water.
- Opines that reducing sulphur dioxide emissions in eastern provinces is a first step in the right direction. everyone can do something to reduce pollution.
3104 wordsRead More - Acid Rain - The Deadly Destroyerexplanatory essayWhat is Acid Rain? Acid rain is a form of precipitation that falls to the earth as rain. For rain to be acidic it has a pH level of less than 5.6. The corrosive nature of acid rain causes widespread damage to the environment.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that acid rain damages ecosystems and destroys man-made structures.
- Explains that when acid rain reaches the soil it washes away all the important nutrients that plants need to survive on.
- Explains that acid rain destroys the waxy coating on leaves and leaves, causing them to die. without the protective coating, the tree will be weaker and vulnerable to insects, drought, and cold temperatures.
- Explains that when acid rain falls on certain plants that animals feed off of, the effects can be very damaging. a whole ecosystem could become endangered.
- Explains that after heavy rainfall, the extra precipitation ends up in streams and lakes, and when spring comes, snow melts. normal water has a ph between 6 and 8.
- Explains that acid rain destroys plants, animals, trees, and water systems. it also damages buildings, cars, statues, etc.
- Explains that when acid rain falls on humans, it has no adverse effect on the outside. polluted rainfall can aggravate a person's ability to breathe and increase disease, which could lead to death.
- Explains the corrosive nature of acid rain, which causes widespread damage to the environment.
- Explains that the formation of acid rain starts with the burning of fossil fuels.
- Explains how people can reduce the amount of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that are released into the air.
- Explains that the united states passed a bill to control the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in 1970.
2425 wordsRead More - Acid Rainexplanatory essayFor years ever since most of the world has been industrialized, the effects of pollution have plagued nations alike. Acid rain is one of the largest contributors to this industrialized form of pollution. Throughout this report an explanation of the devastating effects to the environment caused by acid rain will be given along with what is being done to stop it. Acid rain is made when pollutants arise from the use of coal in the production of electricity, from base- metal smelting and from fuel combustion in vehicles. Once the sulfur and nitrogen oxides from these man made causes are released into the air they are caught by wind currents and are blown hundreds of miles away. The gas pollutants drift along with clouds until the rain eventually converts the sulfuric dioxide into sulfuric acid, and the nitrogen oxide into nitric acid.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that acid rain is one of the largest contributors to industrialized form of pollution. it is made when pollutants arise from the use of coal in the production of electricity, from base metal smelting and from fuel combustion in vehicles.
- Explains how acid rain affects aquatic habitats, humans, animals, trees, crops, and other forms of plant life. the chemistry of the effects can be complex.
- Explains that when the acidity of the water is around the ph level of 6.0 fish cannot lay eggs, and when in lakes are extremely difficult to be replaced.
- Explains that water fowl and other birds in the area that fed on fish and insects no longer have a food source and they are the next to go.
- Explains that the effects on other terrestrial plant life can be very destructive. it accelerates soil weathering and removal of nutrients along with slowing down plant germination or reproduction.
- Explains that in vermont, 30 percent of forests have died due to acid rain, and in northern europe, more than half of the trees in germany's black forests have been severely damaged.
- Explains that industrial emissions have been to blame for the acid rain. the u.s. and 24 other nations froze nitrogen oxide emissions as part of the un-sponsored long-range transboundry air pollution agreement.
783 wordsRead More - Acid Rainexplanatory essayAcid Rain Fossil fuels are a major part of our society today. With the start of the Industrial Revolution, fossil fuels became a very vital source in our day to day lives. Without fossil fuels our lives would be difficult-we would not be able to have cars, electricity, heat, and many other objects we use on a daily basis. Although fossil fuels are beneficial to us, fossil fuels possess a negative side effect. Fossil fuels have contributed to many environmental concerns.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that fossil fuels are a major part of our society today. without them, our lives would be difficult. fossils have contributed to many environmental concerns.
- Explains that acid rain is considered precipitation in the form of rain, snow, or fog. emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide (nox) into the atmosphere cause it to become acid.
- Explains that acid rain is named because it has a high acidity according to the ph scale.
- Explains that sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are two main causes of acid rain. sulfur dioxide is formed by industrial processes, which burn fossil fuels.
- Explains that acid rain can be seen in lakes, rivers, and streams and on vegetation. it is also destructive to man-made structures.
- Explains that acid rain is destructive because it can travel long distances and produce it almost anywhere. most of canada's problems are caused by the united states' pollution from industries, and many environmental agencies have provided plans to reduce these harmful emissions.
- Opines that if we continue to treat our environment like this, we are as good as dead. without clean air and water to drink, life will be gone.
- Cites encyclopedia britannica's "acid rain" and encyclopdia británnica online.
846 wordsRead More - Acid Depositionexplanatory essayAcid deposition is a huge problem in our world today. It contaminates our waters causing the deaths of plants, trees, and fish as well as other animals. This is not a problem that only affects wildlife, as humans, we depend on this wildlife for our own sources of food and shelter. It is a problem we must face together in order to solve it. However, acid rain by itself is not the biggest problem. It causes many other deadly problems such as aluminum poisoning.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that acid deposition is a huge problem in our world today. it contaminates our waters causing the deaths of plants, trees, and fish as well as other animals.
- Explains that acid deposition is all the rain, snow, mist, etc. that contains unnatural acids. it is caused by contaminates emitted by industries and automobiles.
- Explains that acid deposition was first considered to be a serious threat around 20 years ago when scientists in norway and sweden first believed acidic rain might cause great ecological damage to the planet.
- Explains that sulfuric acid is composed of hydrogen (h2) and sulfate (so4). since the industrial revolution there has been an increasing amount of sulfur in the soil.
- Explains that many rivers and lakes in norway were beginning to show signs of death. as the winter ice and snow began to thaw, the fish kills rose dramatically.
- Explains that some scientists believed that the acid poisoning was due to natural acidic runoff from the spring thaw. other scientists did not believe this theory to be correct.
- Opines that if drastic measures aren't taken immediately, acidic lakes and rivers will soon become extinct.
- Explains that fishermen will enjoy catching older and larger fish at this time, but in the long run, these rivers and lakes will be depleted of fish and the waters will become extinct.
- Explains that acid, aluminum, and the lack of calcium are the three determining factors in the extinction of fish.
- Explains that chlorine is commonly found in the soil in many parts of the world. if it enters the fish's environment it can be deadly.
- Explains that acid lakes are crystal clear and have a luscious carpet of green algae on their bottom. decomposition is slow and leaves and dead animals cannot be broken down.
- Describes how the canadian department of fisheries conducted an experiment over eight years dumping sulfuric acid (h2so4) into an ontario lake to see the effects of the decrease in the ph over a number of years.
- Explains that scientists cut the amount of acid present in the lake in half to stimulate a large-scale cleanup. soon the minnows began to reproduce again.
- Opines that acid deposition is a major problem in our world today. it causes the death of our lakes, rivers, and human race.
- Argues that acid deposition is a potentially deadly situation that can be solved with hard work and time.
- Explains that the national acid precipitation assessment program biennial report to congress: an integrated assessment.
1503 wordsRead More - Persuasive Essay On Acid Rainexplanatory essayIt is critical that acid deposition be reduced, not only in the United States and Canada, but also throughout the world to preserve the integrity of natural habitats, as well as to reduce damage to man-made structures. EPA has taken steps to limit the amount of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emitted into the atmosphere because they are the main contributors to acid deposition be reduced, not only in the United States and Canada, but also throughout the world to preserve the integrity of natural habitats, as well as to reduce damage to man-made structures. The EPA collect air and water samples and measure them for various characteristics such as pH and chemical composition, and research the effects of acid deposition on human-made materials such as marble and bronze to understand acid rain’s causes and effects. To solve the acid rain problem, people need to understand how acid rain damages the environment. They also need to understand what changes could be made to the air pollution sources that cause the
In this essay, the author
- Explains that sulfates and nitrates that form in the atmosphere from sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions contribute to visibility impairment, meaning we cannot see as far or as clearly through the air.
- Explains that acid rain is measured using a scale called ph. acidic and basic are two extremes that describe chemicals. mixing acids and bases can cancel out their extreme effects.
- Explains that epa has taken steps to limit the amount of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emitted into the atmosphere because they are the main contributors to acid deposition be reduced.
- Explains that almost all of the electricity that powers modern life comes from burning fossil fuels. coal accounts for most u.s. so2 emissions and a large portion of nox emissions.
- Explains alternative energy sources include nuclear power, hydropower, wind, solar, and solar energy. all sources of energy have environmental costs as well as benefits.
- Explains that liming is a short-term remedy for acidic lakes, streams, forests, and soils, but is not used in the united states.
- Explains that the smallest steps can make a large impact, such as carpooling, walking or biking whenever possible, and buying vehicles with low nitrogen oxide emissions and properly maintaining your vehicle.
- Explains that acid rain is a serious problem, not only in the u.s., but around the world. there are various causes for it and many effects that it has on our environment.
1096 wordsRead More - Acid Rainexplanatory essayAcid Rain Acid rain is caused by extra amounts of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. Natural sources of sulphur oxides and nitrogen oxides do exist, but are balanced by nature. Normal rain reacts with alkaline chemicals from the region's bedrock that are in the air, soils, lakes, and streams. This neutralizes the rain. However, if rain is more highly acidic, then the natural neutralizing chemicals can eventually become depleted.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that acid rain is caused by extra amounts of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides. normal rain reacts with alkaline chemicals from the region's bedrock.
- Explains how changing the ph balance affects the lakes by changing crustaceans, insects, and plankton. when the water ph is slightly above 5, major changes start to happen.
- Explains that ducks depend on fish and other organisms for nourishment and nutrients. as these food sources are reduced or eliminated, the population in that area declines and the reproductive success of the birds is affected.
- Explains that acids can alter the protective waxy surface of leaves, lowering disease resistance, and slowing plant germination and reproduction. they also accelerate soil weathering and removal of nutrients.
- Explains the green house effect, which traps heat from the sun and reflects it back to earth. warming the earth over 100 years will melt the polar ice caps.
- Explains that ozone protects the earth from the sun's harmful uv radiation and forms a natural screen. some chemicals, mainly cfcs, can break down the protective layer and thin it.
- Explains that the amount of ozone in the stratosphere is subject to natural variation caused by sunspots, volcanic activity and atmospheric patterns.
731 wordsRead More