How does China's geography contribute to the environmental hazard shown?
(1 point)
O Rivers carry toxins from factories downstream to populated areas throughout the country.
O Wind carries air pollution to dense urban centers and smog settles in heavily populated lowlands.
O Plate tectonic activity undermines stability in industrial areas, making them vulnerable to leaks.
Runoff from farms and plants causes ground pollution that contributes to acid rain in regions with heavy precipitation.
O All of the above: China's geography contributes to the environmental hazard shown through multiple factors. The rivers in China carry toxins from factories downstream to populated areas, resulting in water pollution and health hazards for the people living there. The wind carries air pollution, such as smog, from industrial areas to densely populated urban centers. This leads to poor air quality and respiratory issues for the residents. Plate tectonic activity in China undermines stability in industrial areas, making them vulnerable to leaks and accidents, which can result in environmental disasters. Additionally, runoff from farms and plants contributes to ground pollution, which in turn contributes to acid rain in regions with heavy precipitation.
The correct answer is:
O Wind carries air pollution to dense urban centers and smog settles in heavily populated lowlands.
To determine how China's geography contributes to the environmental hazard shown, we can analyze each option and identify the most relevant factor:
Option 1: "Rivers carry toxins from factories downstream to populated areas throughout the country."
China's extensive river network, including major rivers like the Yangtze and Yellow River, plays a role in carrying pollutants downstream. Factories located near these rivers may release toxic chemicals, which then contaminate the water and pose a hazard to both aquatic life and the population reliant on these water sources. However, while this factor is relevant to China's environmental challenges, it is not specifically mentioned in the provided information.
Option 2: "Wind carries air pollution to dense urban centers, and smog settles in heavily populated lowlands."
This option relates directly to China's well-known issue of air pollution. China's geography, with its densely populated cities and lowland areas, can exacerbate the impact of air pollution. Geographic factors such as stagnant air patterns and specific topographical features can contribute to the accumulation of pollutants and the formation of smog. This option seems to be the most relevant in the context of the given information.
Option 3: "Plate tectonic activity undermines stability in industrial areas, making them vulnerable to leaks."
Plate tectonics is the movement of the Earth's lithospheric plates, which can cause earthquakes and other geologic events. While China is prone to seismic activity due to its location on several active fault lines, this option does not directly relate to the environmental hazard described in the information provided.
Option 4: "Runoff from farms and plants causes ground pollution that contributes to acid rain in regions with heavy precipitation."
This option highlights the impact of agricultural activities on the environment. Runoff from farms and plants can carry pollutants such as fertilizers and pesticides into rivers and groundwater. However, the specific mention of acid rain in regions with heavy precipitation does not directly align with the described environmental hazard.
Based on the provided options, Option 2 seems to be the most relevant answer. China's geography, with its dense urban centers located in lowland areas, contributes to the transportation and accumulation of air pollution, leading to smog and deteriorating air quality.