Volcanic eruptions, burning of fossil fuels, and forest fires cause ______________pollution.

• A. Air pollution
• B. Water pollution
• C. Noise pollution
• D. Soil pollution

Answer: (A)

These events all put substances into the air, changing how clean the atmosphere is. Volcanic eruptions eject ash and gases, burning fossil fuels releases smoke and various gases and fine particles, and forest fires push out large amounts of smoke and soot. All of these directly increase air pollutants and degrade air quality, which is the essence of air pollution. Water pollution involves contaminants in water bodies, soil pollution involves contaminants in soil, and noise pollution comes from loud sounds—none of these are the immediate effect of these emissions, even though fallout can later affect water or soil. So the correct idea is air pollution.