Why does air pollution occur?

The burning of fossil fuels associated with industrial processes and transport produces large amounts of oxides of nitrogen and microscopic particles. Large urban areas and places close to busy roads have the highest concentrations of nitrogen dioxide. These levels are not generally sufficient to cause harmful effects to most people. The highest ammonia concentration's are found in the countryside. Ammonia is particularly associated with agriculture. Levels of ammonia may be high in areas of arable farming, where fertilisers are used to improve the growth of crops, and in areas of livestock farming, where ammonia is released in animal wastes.

Finn whale.

The finn whale is the second largest animal on earth. They are found in every ocean on earth,  the west coast of Ireland is a great place to see them. November is the peak period for finn whales. The first sign to look for is the large column of steamy breath that they blow into the air as the finn whale exhales from its lungs. Common dolphins feed on the same prey as finn whales so are a good indicator if spotted. Dolphins will be seen coming to the boat as they swim in the bow wave that's created by the hull of the boat as it moves through the water.The dolphins move in front of the boat to save energy as they swim, but i also think they do it for fun as well. Good dolphin numbers show that there is lots of fish. The finn whale`s fin is about two thirds of the way along its back. They are dark in colour, they may be seen for a short while before they disappear to hunt below the surface, only resurfacing to exhale from their lungs before they dive down again. Very little is still known about these magnificent animals.

What is air pollution?

Air pollution is often associated with the deposit of black particles seen on windows, leaves and buildings in urban areas. However, much of the air pollution in Britain today is largely invisible and so more difficult to detect, although you may be able to smell the pollutents from car exhausts, farmyards and heavy industry.  Some pollutents contain ammonia and oxides of nitrogen (nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide). Although nitrogen is essential for the growth of all living organisms, too much nitrogen can cause problems. Ammonia and oxides of nitrogen can stimulate the growth of some plants and fungi but stop others from developing, thereby changing the natural around us. Lichens do not like excessive nitrogen in any form, but may grow particularly well when they are growing close to sources of ammonia. There is also a fungus, commonly known as tar spot that is found on sycamore trees, that we believe is sensitive to air pollution including nitrogen dioxide.

Habitats.

Part fourteen mammals of the mountain sides.

Britain`s mountains are not very high-only one, Ben Nevis is, above 4,000 ft (1,200m)- but they are bleak places for warm blooded creatures to live, especially in winter. For roughly every 500ft (150m) of height above sea level, it gets almost two degrees colder. Rain and mist as well as stronger winds also add to the chill. Trees rarely grow on high, windswept uplands, so there is little shelter. Consequently, few mammals live on the exposed high ground. Although they forage on the heights in summer, red deer and, to a lesser degree, mountain hares move to lower ground for the winter. Small mammals, such as field voles that live amid the upland grass, do not make long migrations. Although they lose a lot of body heat because they have a large surface area of skin in relation to their bulk, they can find shelter in burrows or among thickets of heather or bilberry. Despite the cold, small spiders and insects are surprisingly numerous amid upland vegetation, and provide food for pygmy shrews. Stoats thrive on field voles but will also take meadow pipits and other upland birds. Crows and foxes search the mountain- sides for carrion such as dead hares and sheep. Small herds of feral goats may be seen in a few mountainous areas. They vary widely in colour, ranging from white to piebald, skewbald, dark brown or black. Young goats are not likely to be seen before April. In their winter pelage, mountain hares look like snow against the dark heather. They show up only when they move. On upland slopes they take the place of rabbits and brown hares. Many upland areas now have commercial plantations of dense conifers(some wildlife trusts are now taking some of these out). They rob mountain hares of their living space, but may provide homes for pine martins. Red deer move down the valley during winter, returning in spring. Stoats have great camouflage in winter because of their winter pelage. It also helps to preserve body heat, because white fur radiates less than dark fur. Where there are meadow pipits there may also be pygmy shrews. Both feed on tiny insects among the stones and heather. Pygmy shrews remain well hidden but nay be heard squeaking.

Where to find lichens?

Lichens will grow on almost any surface including trees, rocks, earth and artificial surfaces such as concrete and tarmac. Lichens grow best in light  where they are not competing directly with tall grass, shrubs and climbing plants. Lichens that are highly sensitive to air quality and have been used to detect sources of pollution. In the past, when the air in many places was highly polluted by sulphur dioxide, few lichens could survive, creating lichen deserts around many industrial and urban areas. Lichens are now returning to British towns and cities, and they can still provide a great deal of information about our air quality.