What is an environmental consequence of high nitrogen oxides from vehicle emissions?

The answer is accurate because high levels of nitrogen oxides (NOx), which are primarily released from vehicle emissions, contribute significantly to the formation of smog and acid rain. In the atmosphere, nitrogen oxides can react with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight to produce ground-level ozone, a key component of smog. This type of air pollution can have detrimental effects on human health and the environment.

Additionally, nitrogen oxides contribute to the formation of nitric acid when they react with moisture in the atmosphere, leading to acid rain. Acid rain can significantly harm ecosystems, damage forests, and alter soil chemistry by increasing acidity levels. These impacts underscore the environmental risks associated with high NOx emissions from vehicles, making the formation of smog and acid rain an important consequence.

The other choices do not accurately represent the environmental impact of nitrogen oxides linked to vehicle emissions; for instance, the depletion of the ozone layer typically relates more to chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) rather than nitrogen oxides. Increased soil fertility and reduction in global temperatures are also not outcomes associated with nitrogen oxides.