AP Environmental Sciencemediummcq1 pt

Four cities have similar vehicle emissions. Which setting is most likely to experience severe photochemical smog during a sunny, stagnant week?

A.A basin city bordered by mountains, with frequent thermal inversions
B.A windy coastal city on an exposed headland
C.A high-latitude city during polar night
D.A rural city during several days of steady rain

Explanation

Core Concept

A basin bordered by mountains restricts horizontal air movement, and a thermal inversion suppresses vertical mixing. Strong sunlight then drives reactions between nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, producing tropospheric ozone and photochemical smog.

Correct Answer

AA basin city bordered by mountains, with frequent thermal inversions

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