List three factors that contribute to the severity of acid rock drainage at Earth\'s surface, such as from legacy coal mining. Solution Acid rock drainage is formed by the natural oxidation of common sulphitde minerals when they are exposed to water & aIR FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE SEVERITY OF ACID ROCK DRAINAGE (ARD)AT EARTH SURFACE ARE Temperature: Pyrite oxidation occurs most quickly at a temperature around 30°C. Microorganisms present: Some microorganisms are able to accelerate ARD production. Amount of oxygen present: Sulphide minerals oxidize more quickly where there is more oxygen available. As a result, ARD formation rates are higher where the sulphides are exposed to air than where they are buried under soil or water .Amount of water available: Cycles of wetting and drying accelerate ARD formation by dissolving and removing oxidation products, leaving a fresh mineral surface for oxidation. In addition, greater volumes of ARD are often produced in wetter areas where there is more water available for reaction. Type of minerals present: Not all sulphide minerals are oxidized at the same rate, and neutralization by other minerals present may occur, which would slow the production of ARD. .