Term

Explain the process of Eutrophication

Definition

- Fertilizer runs off from agricultural fields -> - Limiting Resource in abundance leads to algae blooms -> - Algae blocks out sunlight killing plants -> - Plants and Algae die -> - Decomposers begin using all dissolved oxygen -> - Fish and other animals can't survive in low oxygen environments, potentially leading to an ecological dead zone.

Term

What is one way humans can reduce Eutrophication?

Definition

Using Riparian buffers (plants and shrubbery along canals) to catch and use nutrients before they enter water sources.

Term

Explain the process of acid rain formation.

Definition

Burning of fossil fuels releases nitric oxide and sulfur oxide into the atmosphere -> - reacts with water vapor forming strong nitric and sulfur acids -> - returns to earth as acid deposition (rain or settling) - lowers the ph of soil (plants have a specific ph they tolerate in ecological tolerance)