532
In this module, we have seen that that photochemical smog accumulates in the troposphere in the presence of sunlight when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds are present. Despite many improvements in air quality in the United States, photochemical smog is still a problem in a number of urban and some relatively rural areas. Air pollution is intensified by thermal inversions, when pollutants in a layer of cold air are trapped beneath a layer of warm air. Acid deposition forms when the oxides of sulfur and nitrogen undergo transformations in the atmosphere in the presence of water. It travels hundreds of kilometers and is deposited in precipitation. Acid deposition can adversely affect material structures, vegetation, soils, and aquatic systems. In the next module, we shall look at how acid deposition has been reduced significantly in the United States in recent decades.
Module 47 AP® Review Questions
1. High levels of photochemical smog are due to
nitrogen dioxide.
sulfur dioxide.
VOCs.
I only
I and II only
II and III only
I and III only
I, II, and III
2. Recent increases in acid deposition in the western United States are due to
increased emissions in the United States.
decreased precipitation due to climate change.
increased emissions in China.
increased precipitation due to climate change.
increased emissions in Europe.
3. Thermal inversions
increase the rate of smog formation.
trap high concentrations of pollution at ground level.
result in increased levels of acid deposition.
are caused by high levels of precipitation.
reduce the negative effects of VOCs.
4. Acid deposition forms as a result of
nitrogen oxides and photochemical smog.
carbon monoxide and VOCs.
sulfur dioxide and VOCs.
nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide.
carbon monoxide and photochemical smog.
5. The effects of acid deposition include
increased cancer rates in aquatic organisms.
decreased aquatic biodiversity.
decreased mobilization of metals.
increased pH of lake water.
decreased human health in impacted areas.