Final answer:
Acid deposition affects all of Earth's spheres; the atmosphere by starting with pollutants that form acids, the hydrosphere by increasing water acidity, and the lithosphere by leading to erosion and altered soil chemistry. Thus, the correct answer is D) All of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship of Earth's spheres to acid deposition involves the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere, indicating that the correct answer to how Earth's spheres relate to acid deposition is D) All of the above. Acid deposition, often referred to as acid rain, results from emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides—primarily from the combustion of fossil fuels—which mix with water vapor in the atmosphere to form acidic compounds. These acidic compounds then fall to Earth, affecting all spheres.
Within the atmosphere, acid deposition begins with the emission of pollutants that form acids upon reaction with water and other chemicals in the air. The hydrosphere is affected when these acids fall as precipitation, leading to increased acidity in bodies of water and affecting aquatic ecosystems. Acidic precipitation also has a significant impact on the lithosphere, leading to the increased erosion of acid-containing rocks, and altering soil chemistry, which affects terrestrial ecosystems and agriculture.
Moreover, the biosphere, which includes all living organisms, is also affected by acid deposition as it can damage plants and trees, harm fish and other aquatic life, and alter the nutrient balance in various environments.