Erzsebet Frey

Acid rain is a term that refers to a mixture of wet and dry deposits
(deposited material) from the atmosphere that contains greater than
normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids. The precursors, or chemical
precursors, to the formation of acid rain result from both natural
sources, such as volcanoes and decaying vegetation, and man-made
sources, with emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides
(NOx) primarily resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels.

Acid rain occurs when these gases in the atmosphere react with
[water](https://simplyecologist.com/how-much-water-can-a-camel-drink/),
oxygen, and other chemicals to form acidic compounds. The result is a
bland solution to sulfuric acid and nitric acid, from power
[plants](https://simplyecologist.com/animals-that-eat-plants/) and other
sources, the prevailing winds blow these connections across state and
national lines, sometimes hundreds of miles. The lower the pH of a
substance, the more acidic it is.

Acid rain causes acidification of
[lakes](https://simplyecologist.com/animals-that-live-in-lakes/) and
streams and contributes to tree damage at elevations (eg,
[red](https://simplyecologist.com/red-butt-monkeys/) spruce above 2,000
feet) and many sensitive
[forest](https://simplyecologist.com/types-of-pine-trees-in-arizona/)
soils. In addition, acid rain accelerates the deterioration of building
materials and paintings, including irreplaceable buildings, statues, and
sculptures that are of cultural importance. Acid rain and dry deposits
of acid particles contribute to the corrosion of metals (such as bronze)
and the deterioration of paint and stone (such as marble and limestone).
These effects significantly reduce the social value of buildings,
bridges, cultural objects (such as statues, monuments, and tombstones),
and vehicles.

Before they fall to earth, the gases sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen
oxides (NOx) and the particles they produce -- sulfates and nitrates --
contribute to reduced visibility and are harmful to public health. The
ecological effects of acid rain are most clearly seen in aquatic or
aquatic environments such as streams, lakes, and swamps. Most lakes and
streams have a pH between 6 and 8, although some lakes are of course
acid, even without the effects of acid rain.

Of course, acid rain is not the only cause of these conditions. Other
factors contribute to the total pressure in these areas, including air
pollutants,
[insects](https://simplyecologist.com/animals-with-no-teeth/), disease,
drought, or very cold weather. Indeed, in most cases, the effects of
acid rain on trees are due to the combined effects of acid rain and
other environmental stressors.

Sulfates and nitrates, that form in the atmosphere from emissions of
sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides, add to reduced visibility,
meaning we can't see through the air clearly. Pollutants that cause acid
rain -- sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) -- are harmful to
human health.

Many scientific studies have found a link between increased particulate
matter levels and increased disease and premature death from heart and
lung diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.


Acid rain is a term that refers to a mixture of wet and dry deposits (deposited material) from the atmosphere that contains greater than normal amounts of nitric and sulfuric acids.

Messaggi di Rogue Scholar

What is an acid rain?