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Questions and Answers
What is the primary goal of the cap and trade system implemented by the government?
What is the primary goal of the cap and trade system implemented by the government?
Which technology did some power plants adopt to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions?
Which technology did some power plants adopt to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions?
How did cap and trade affect the economic flexibility of power plants?
How did cap and trade affect the economic flexibility of power plants?
What was the criticism directed at the allowances given to power plants under the cap and trade system?
What was the criticism directed at the allowances given to power plants under the cap and trade system?
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By what year was the cap on sulfur dioxide emissions planned to be lowered in the cap and trade program?
By what year was the cap on sulfur dioxide emissions planned to be lowered in the cap and trade program?
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What is one significant environmental achievement attributed to the cap and trade policy?
What is one significant environmental achievement attributed to the cap and trade policy?
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Which of the following countries is still heavily reliant on high-sulfur coal?
Which of the following countries is still heavily reliant on high-sulfur coal?
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What approach contributed to the effectiveness of policies that reduced acid rain?
What approach contributed to the effectiveness of policies that reduced acid rain?
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What was the main reason for the alarming acidity levels found in rainfall samples in 1963?
What was the main reason for the alarming acidity levels found in rainfall samples in 1963?
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Which chemical is mentioned as making rainfall slightly acidic under normal conditions?
Which chemical is mentioned as making rainfall slightly acidic under normal conditions?
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What pH level does regular rainfall typically have?
What pH level does regular rainfall typically have?
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How do oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide behave when released into the atmosphere?
How do oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide behave when released into the atmosphere?
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What consequence does acid rain have on human-made structures?
What consequence does acid rain have on human-made structures?
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What was a primary obstacle in addressing the problem of acid rain in the United States?
What was a primary obstacle in addressing the problem of acid rain in the United States?
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What types of precipitation are classified as acid rain?
What types of precipitation are classified as acid rain?
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What action did Congress take after a decade of concern about acid rain?
What action did Congress take after a decade of concern about acid rain?
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Study Notes
Acid Rain Discovery
- In 1963, scientists at Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire discovered rainfall acidity was 100 times higher than usual.
- This discovery was alarming, as acid rain at these levels would severely damage ecosystems.
- Researchers sought to understand the cause of acid rain and find solutions.
The Chemistry of Acid Rain
- Normal rain is slightly acidic due to naturally occurring compounds like carbon dioxide.
- However, oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide significantly increase rainfall acidity.
- On the pH scale, each whole number represents a tenfold increase in acidity.
- Normal rain pH is around 5.4, while rain affected by these gases can have a pH as low as 3.7.
Sources of Acid Rain
- Volcanic eruptions and lightning strikes naturally produce oxides of nitrogen and sulfur dioxide.
- However, power plants, refineries, and vehicles using fossil fuels are major contributors to these emissions.
- These gases spread widely by wind, causing acid rain, snow, and fog over vast areas.
Acid Rain Impacts
- Acidification of lakes and streams harms aquatic life.
- Acid rain damages crops and forests, inhibiting growth.
- Acid rain also corrodes stone and metal structures.
Fighting Acid Rain
- In the 1970s, acid rain was recognized as a major environmental threat.
- However, corporations resisted regulatory measures and contested research.
- Lobbying efforts delayed legislation to address the issue.
- In the 1980s, the United States implemented a "cap and trade" system to limit sulfur dioxide emissions from power plants.
- This system allowed power plants to trade emission allowances, incentivizing pollution reduction.
Successes and Challenges
- The cap and trade program effectively reduced sulfur dioxide emissions and acid rain in the United States and Canada.
- Ecosystems still need time to recover from the damage caused by acid rain.
- Countries like Russia, India, and China continue to face acid rain due to their reliance on high-sulfur coal.
Lessons Learned
- The success of acid rain mitigation highlights the importance of science-based policies.
- Cap and trade systems can be effective in reducing pollution while allowing economic flexibility.
- The ability to curb a major environmental threat demonstrates the potential of proactive measures to avert future crises.
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Description
Explore the alarming findings of acid rain and its effects on ecosystems, discovered by researchers in 1963. This quiz delves into the chemical composition of acid rain, its natural and anthropogenic sources, and the impact of nitrogen and sulfur oxides on rainfall acidity levels.
