Acid Rain & Ocean Acification

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What is acid rain?

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Acid rain is precipitation that has a lower pH than normal, typically caused by the release of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere, which react with water to form sulfuric and nitric acids.

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What are the main causes of ocean acidification?

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The primary cause of ocean acidification is the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere by ocean water, leading to a decrease in pH.

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How does increased CO2 in the atmosphere affect ocean pH?

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Increased CO2 leads to more carbonic acid formation in the ocean, which lowers the pH and makes the water more acidic.

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What is the impact of ocean acidification on marine life?

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Ocean acidification negatively affects marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals and shellfish, making it harder for them to build and maintain their structures.

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What is the relationship between acid rain and soil health?

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Acid rain can leach essential nutrients from the soil, such as calcium and magnesium, leading to nutrient depletion and harming plant growth.

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What is the pH scale?

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The pH scale measures how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

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What are the effects of acid rain on freshwater ecosystems?

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Acid rain can lower the pH of freshwater bodies, harming aquatic life, disrupting food webs, and leading to the loss of biodiversity.

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What role do fossil fuels play in acid rain formation?

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Burning fossil fuels releases sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere, which can combine with water vapor to form acid rain.

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How can reducing CO2 emissions help combat ocean acidification?

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Reducing CO2 emissions decreases the amount of CO2 absorbed by oceans, which can help stabilize or increase ocean pH levels.

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What is the significance of pteropods in marine ecosystems?

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Pteropods are small marine snails that are a crucial part of the marine food web; they are sensitive to ocean acidification, which can impact larger marine species that rely on them.