This is a question about acid rain, in Canada in particular.
Acid rain is an issue in eastern Canada, but not as prevalent in western Canada, due to the fact that the east is more heavily populated and industrialized, so...
If acid rain fell evenly across Canada, why would some areas be more affected than others?
Also, would you be able to name the specific climate region in Canada that would be affected the least?
Thanks!
Canada's industry is concentrated in the southeastern part of the country -- along the St. Lawrence River and Lakes Huron, Erie, and Ontario. The smoke from these industries help produce acid rain. The northern tundra region is probably the least affected because it has no heavy industry.
The distribution of acid rain across Canada is not solely dependent on the evenness of its falling. There are several factors that contribute to the varying levels of acid rain in different areas.
One of the main factors is the presence of pollutant-emitting sources such as power plants, factories, and automobiles. Eastern Canada, which includes Ontario and Quebec, has a higher concentration of these sources due to its higher population density and industrial activity. These sources emit sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which combine with water vapor in the atmosphere to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3), resulting in acid rain. The industrial activities and population in the east contribute to higher emissions of these pollutants, leading to a greater occurrence of acid rain in that region.
On the other hand, western Canada, including British Columbia and Alberta, has lower population density and less industrial production, which means fewer pollutant-emitting sources. As a result, the levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are comparatively lower in western Canada, resulting in less prevalent acid rain.
In terms of the specific climate region in Canada that would be affected the least by acid rain, it is difficult to pinpoint a single region. Generally, regions with lower industrial and population density are less likely to be affected by acid rain. However, it is important to note that acid rain can be transported over long distances by wind patterns, so even areas far from major pollution sources can still experience its effects.
To get more specific information on the affected regions and the least affected climate region, you can refer to scientific research, government reports, and environmental organizations that monitor and study acid rain in Canada. These sources provide detailed data on the distribution and impact of acid rain across the country.