QUESTION 2
Overloading the Sulfur and Nitrogen Cycles Causes Acid Deposition
Although volcanoes, hot springs, and decomposer organisms all release sulfur dioxide, human
industrial activities, primarily burning fossil fuels in which sulfur is trapped, account for about 75%
of the sulfur dioxide emissions worldwide. This is far more than natural ecosystems can absorb
and recycle. The nitrogen cycle is also being overwhelmed. Although natural processes— such
as the activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria and decomposer organisms, fires, and lightning —
produce nitrogen oxides and ammonia, about 60% of the nitrogen that is available to Earth's
ecosystems now results from human activities. Burning of fossil fuels combines atmospheric
nitrogen with oxygen, producing most of the emissions of nitrogen oxides. On farms, ammonia
and nitrate are often supplied by chemical fertilizers produced by using the energy in fossil fuels
to convert atmospheric nitrogen into compounds that plants can use.
Which question would best help you find all the major supporting details of the above
paragraph?
What is overloading the sulfur and nitrogen cycles which in turn leads to acid deposition?
How are volcanoes, hot springs and decomposer organisms related to the issue of acid
deposition?
What are sulfur and nitrogen cycles?
What are fossil fuels?
