Geologists working for the Environmental Protection Agency monitor surface waters at sites across the country to determine the effects of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems. What type of information would the geologists most likely track?
(1 point)
• human activity
O gas emissions
• climate patterns
• pH levels
• pH levels
The geologists would most likely track the pH levels of the surface waters.
Geologists working for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) monitoring surface waters to determine the effects of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems would most likely track pH levels. To explain further, acid rain is formed when certain gases, such as sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), are released into the atmosphere through various human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. These gases then mix with water droplets in the atmosphere, forming acidic compounds, which are ultimately deposited onto the Earth's surface through precipitation.
When acid rain falls onto surface waters, such as lakes, rivers, and streams, it can lower their pH levels, making them more acidic. This increase in acidity can have detrimental effects on aquatic ecosystems, impacting the survival and reproduction of various plants and animals.
To assess the impact of acid rain, geologists working for the EPA would track the pH levels of the surface waters at various monitoring sites across the country. By regularly measuring and monitoring the pH levels, geologists can gather valuable data on the acidity levels of the water bodies over time. This information helps identify areas that are most affected by acid rain and enables the EPA to develop strategies for mitigating the harmful effects.
Other information that the geologists may track would include the concentrations of pollutants such as sulfur and nitrogen compounds, dissolved oxygen levels, nutrient levels, and changes in biodiversity. However, the most critical and fundamental information for assessing the effects of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems would be the pH levels of the surface waters.