Question

The grasshopper effect explains which one of the following phenomena? A. The mass migration patterns of insects that are similar to, and include, grasshoppers B. The lowering of nutrient capacity in soils due to the action of certain types of organisms C. The long-range movement of certain types of pollutants across different regions of the Earth D. The long-range atmospheric distribution of soil following tilling by farm equipment \(\mathrm{E}\). The spread of invasive species through international trade in potted plants

Short answer

C: The long-range movement of certain types of pollutants across different regions of the Earth.

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Question

Identify what is being asked: You need to determine what the 'grasshopper effect' describes from a set of multiple choice options.

- Review Each Option

Read through each of the five options (A to E) carefully to understand what they are describing.

- Analyze the Term 'Grasshopper Effect'

The 'grasshopper effect' refers to the phenomenon where pollutants are transported from one area to another over long distances via atmospheric processes, sometimes hopping like a grasshopper.

- Match Options with Definition

Compare the definition of the grasshopper effect with each option.

- Eliminate Incorrect Options

Eliminate options that do not match the definition: A, B, D, and E do not describe the transport of pollutants via atmospheric processes.

- Select the Correct Option

The only option that matches the definition of the 'grasshopper effect' is option C: The long-range movement of certain types of pollutants across different regions of the Earth.

Key concepts

pollution transport

Pollution transport is a critical concept in environmental science. It refers to the movement of pollutants from one location to another through natural processes such as wind, water, and biological activity. This movement can result in widespread contamination, affecting air, water, and soil quality far from the pollution source.

The grasshopper effect is a specific type of pollution transport involving atmospheric processes. In this phenomenon, pollutants evaporate in warmer regions, travel through the atmosphere, and then condense in cooler areas, often hopping over intermediate areas. This can result in toxins accumulating in remote areas far from the original pollution source.

atmospheric processes

Atmospheric processes play a significant role in the movement of pollutants. The atmosphere is a dynamic system where air masses move and mix, carrying pollutants over long distances.

Key processes involved in pollution transport include:

• Advection: the horizontal movement of air that transports pollutants across regions.
• Convection: vertical air movement that can lift pollutants to higher altitudes, spreading them over a wide area.
• Deposition: the process where pollutants settle out of the atmosphere and deposit on the ground or water surfaces.

The grasshopper effect is an outcome of these processes, where pollutants repeatedly evaporate and condense, hopping across the globe.

environmental science

Environmental science studies the interactions between physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment, including the impact of human activities. Understanding concepts like pollution transport and atmospheric processes is crucial for managing environmental issues.

The grasshopper effect is a phenomenon of interest in environmental science because it illustrates how pollutants do not remain confined to their source. Instead, they can travel great distances, posing risks to ecosystems and human health worldwide.

Effective environmental management requires:

• Monitoring pollutant sources and emissions.
• Implementing policies to reduce pollution.
• Studying atmospheric processes to predict pollutant behavior.

By understanding and managing these factors, we can mitigate the adverse effects of pollution on the environment and public health.