cloud.png

Cloud

Unit 6 - Atmospheric Systems & Societies

globe-showing-europe-africa.png

Globe Showing Europe Africa

Unit 1 - Foundations Of Environmental Systems & Societies

herb.png

Herb

Unit 2 - Ecosystems & Ecology

flexed-biceps.png

Flexed Biceps

Unit 3 - Biodiversity & Conservation

writing-hand.png

Writing Hand

Unit 4 -Water & Aquatic Food Production Systems & Societies

deciduous-tree.png

Deciduous Tree

Unit 5 - Soil Systems & Terrestrial Food Production Systems & Societies

thermometer.png

Thermometer

Unit 7 - Climate Change & Energy Production

briefcase.png

Briefcase

Unit 8 - Human Systems & Resource Use

bar-chart.png

Bar-Chart

Internal Assessment

Acid rain is no ordinary rain! It&#39;s a sneaky villain in our environment, causing harm to our tree buddies, especially the coniferous types.

<ul>
	<li>Exposure Duration: Since coniferous trees don&#39;t shed leaves annually, acid rain has a year-round VIP pass to them. Deciduous trees, on the other hand, get a bit of a break during leafless months.</li>
	<li>Example: Imagine wearing a raincoat year-round (that&#39;s the coniferous tree) versus only wearing it sometimes (that&#39;s the deciduous tree). The constant raincoat wearer will, unfortunately, experience more wear and tear!</li>
</ul>

Coniferous trees can absorb toxic aluminum ions from the soil. Think of this as unwanted junk food for the trees. Not yummy!

<ul>
	<li>Nutrient Starvation: Trees have difficulty growing due to a lack of essential nutrients.</li>
	<li>Toxic Overload: Presence of too many toxins makes the tree feel, well... sick.</li>
	<li>Root Hair Damage: Imagine if your hair roots got damaged, and it prevented you from wearing cool hairstyles. For trees, damaged root hairs mean they can&#39;t absorb water effectively.</li>
	<li>Needle Loss: Coniferous trees start losing their needles. This is like us losing hair &ndash; not a good sign!</li>
	<li>Dieback of the Crown: The upper part of the tree (its crown) may start to die. This is similar to a building&#39;s top floors becoming unstable.</li>
</ul>

Real-world Example 🌍: In Europe, especially in areas like Germany and Scandinavia, there have been noticeable damages to coniferous forests due to acid rain. These forests show symptoms mentioned above, making it evident that even trees aren&#39;t immune to pollution&#39;s harmful effects.

&nbsp;

📚 Takeaway: Coniferous trees, with their year-round leaves, are like our 24/7 hard-working buddies. But with acid rain playing spoilsport, they need our help. It&#39;s not just about trees but the entire ecosystem that depends on them. Let&#39;s understand, empathize, and act to protect our green comrades! 🌲🤝👦👧

Conifer Peril: Acid Rain's Toll

ib-standard-level.webp

Standard Level

Environmental Systems & Societies SL

Unit 6 - Atmospheric Systems & Societies

Conifer Peril: Acid Rain's Toll

Table of content

Introduction - the acidic predicament

Why are coniferous trees more at risk 🌲☔

Unlock the Full Content!

Unit 6 - Atmospheric Systems & Societies

Conifer Peril: Acid Rain's Toll

Table of content

Introduction - the acidic predicament

Why are coniferous trees more at risk 🌲☔

Unlock the Full Content!