How the Blue Ridge Mountains (Almost) Lost Their Blue

How the Blue Ridge Mountains (Almost) Lost Their Blue

Assessment

Interactive Video

Science, Biology

10th Grade - University

Hard

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The Blue Ridge Mountains are known for their blue haze, caused by VOCs emitted by trees. These VOCs, while natural, can contribute to ground-level ozone when mixed with pollutants from fossil fuels. The region's biodiversity is due to its history as a refuge during ice ages. Pollution from coal and vehicles once reduced visibility, but the Clean Air Act has improved air quality, reducing coal use and emissions.

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7 questions

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1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What is the primary reason for the Blue Ridge Mountains' biodiversity?

Proximity to the equator

Refuge during ice ages

Lack of human settlement

Rich soil composition

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How do VOCs affect the appearance of the Blue Ridge Mountains?

They scatter blue and violet light.

They make the mountains appear green.

They cause the mountains to look gray.

They have no effect on the mountains' appearance.

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What environmental paradox is associated with VOCs?

They only exist in urban areas.

They only benefit plant growth.

They contribute to both beauty and pollution.

They are harmless to humans.

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was a major cause of reduced visibility in the Blue Ridge Mountains during the 1990s?

Increased tourism

Excessive rainfall

Natural forest fires

Pollution from coal production

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Which pollutants were primarily responsible for the haze in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

Carbon monoxide and methane

Nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide

Lead and mercury

Ozone and carbon dioxide

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What legislation helped improve air quality in the Blue Ridge Mountains?

The Clean Water Act

The Endangered Species Act

The National Environmental Policy Act

The Clean Air Act

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What energy sources have contributed to the decline of coal usage in the US?

Biomass and geothermal

Natural gas and renewables

Wind and solar

Nuclear and hydroelectric