Air Pollution

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Air Pollution

• 4.3.12.A

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Thermal 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.

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Thermal 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

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Smog

• Thermal inversions contribute to smog.
• Smog comes from the interaction of smoke and
  fog.
• Mainly made from the interaction of pollutants
  and sunlight.

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Acid rain

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

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Acid precipitation How it forms

• 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.

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Acid precipitation affects ecosystems by
disrupting the natural pH balance
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• It lowers the pH of the water found in soil,
  lakes, and streams. It also causes metals to
  leach out of the soil.

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Acid shock

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

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

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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.

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EPA

• 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.