How does precipitation help in cleansing pollutants in the atmosphere?

Prepare for the NEHA Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Excel in your exam!

Precipitation plays a significant role in the natural cleansing of the atmosphere, and all the options listed contribute to this process. When precipitation occurs, whether it be rain or snow, it can effectively remove various types of pollutants from the air.

First, precipitation accumulates small particles such as dust, smoke, and aerosols within raindrops or snowflakes. As these droplets form and grow, they capture tiny airborne contaminants, which are then brought down to the ground when the precipitation falls.

Additionally, precipitation also helps to wash out larger particles. This can include dust and other debris that might be suspended in the air. As the larger droplets of rain fall, they collide with these particulate pollutants, effectively washing them out of the atmosphere.

Furthermore, precipitation can also facilitate the removal of gaseous pollutants. This occurs through a process of absorption where certain gaseous compounds dissolve into water droplets. As the droplets form during precipitation, they can carry these dissolved pollutants out of the air and deposit them on the earth’s surface.

Considering all these mechanisms, it becomes evident why the answer encompasses all the processes involved in how precipitation aids in cleansing pollutants from the atmosphere. Each of these processes highlights the important role that precipitation plays in maintaining air quality and removing harmful substances from

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