Air PollutionAir Pollution

4.3.12.A4.3.12.A

Thermal InversionsThermal Inversions

Air circulation typically spreads out air pollution and prevents unhealthy levels of pollution.

As the air near the surface warms, it draws the pollutants up into the atmosphere

The rules with air circulation are: Warm air rises and cools as it rises. Cool air sinks and warms as it sinks.

Air circulation typically spreads out air pollution and prevents unhealthy levels of pollution.

As the air near the surface warms, it draws the pollutants up into the atmosphere

The rules with air circulation are: Warm air rises and cools as it rises. Cool air sinks and warms as it sinks.

Thermal InversionsThermal Inversions Thermal inversion

occurs when a warmer air mass is found higher above ground and traps the cooler air and pollutants below.

Occurs in cities in valleys

Thermal inversion occurs when a warmer air mass is found higher above ground and traps the cooler air and pollutants below.

Occurs in cities in valleys

SmogSmog Thermal inversions contribute to smog.

Smog comes from the interaction of smoke and fog.

Mainly made from the interaction of pollutants and sunlight.

Thermal inversions contribute to smog.

Smog comes from the interaction of smoke and fog.

Mainly made from the interaction of pollutants and sunlight.

Acid rainAcid rain Acid precipitation is a highly acidic precipitation that is made from the burning of fossil fuels.

Acid precipitation is a highly acidic precipitation that is made from the burning of fossil fuels.

Acid precipitation: How it forms

Acid precipitation: How it forms

1. When sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides combine with water, they form sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

2. Acid rain has a pH that is less than 5.6

3. Acid rain dissolves calcium carbonate that is common to building materials.

1. When sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides combine with water, they form sulfuric acid and nitric acid.

2. Acid rain has a pH that is less than 5.6

3. Acid rain dissolves calcium carbonate that is common to building materials.

Acid precipitation affects ecosystems by disrupting

the natural pH balance

Acid precipitation affects ecosystems by disrupting

the natural pH balance

It lowers the pH of the water found in soil, lakes, and streams. It also causes metals to leach out of the soil.

It lowers the pH of the water found in soil, lakes, and streams. It also causes metals to leach out of the soil.

Acid shockAcid shock

Is the sudden influx of acidic water that has been locked in snow

Is the sudden influx of acidic water that has been locked in snow

Many states are combating acid rain by dumping large amounts of powdered lime to restore water pH.

Many states are combating acid rain by dumping large amounts of powdered lime to restore water pH.

International Problems & Solutions

International Problems & Solutions

Where acid rain is made, is not always where it falls.

In 1985, the United Nations Helsinki Declaration was an effort to cut sulfur-oxide emissions. The US refused to sign this agreement.

In 1989, the United Nations Sofia Protocol had similar goals and the US agreed to sign.

Where acid rain is made, is not always where it falls.

In 1985, the United Nations Helsinki Declaration was an effort to cut sulfur-oxide emissions. The US refused to sign this agreement.

In 1989, the United Nations Sofia Protocol had similar goals and the US agreed to sign.

EPAEPA

Currently, the EPA has taken action to help reduce acid rain: Clean up smokestacks and exhaust Use alternative energy sources Restore damaged environment Take action as an individual by

reducing the amount of fossil fuels used.

Currently, the EPA has taken action to help reduce acid rain: Clean up smokestacks and exhaust Use alternative energy sources Restore damaged environment Take action as an individual by

reducing the amount of fossil fuels used.