Geocentric Science

Although all rainfall is slightly acidic, precipitation that has a lower pH than normal rainfall (lower than 5.6), can be extremely harmful. Acid rainfall includes both wet precipitation (rain, snow, and fog), and dry depositions (particulate matter). The depositions occur downwind of volcanoes and downwind of where there is burning of fossil fuels and sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are emitted.

1. What gases are the main contributors to acid rain and acid deposition?

   Answer: Sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and other gases released from coal-fired power plants.

2. How long has acid rain been an environmental problem?

   Answer: Acid rain has been a problem since at least the Industrial Revolution. However, it is a global environmental concern today, and affects the majority of countries.

3. How do the gases become acids?

   Answer: In the atmosphere, sulfur dioxide and the nitrogen oxides undergo reactions with oxygen and water vapor, and become acids.

4. Where is acid rain a problem?

   Answer: The acids will travel with the prevailing winds and will eventually be deposited as acid precipitation or dry deposition. Depending on the source emitting the acids and how high the particles travel in the atmosphere, will determine where the acids are deposited (locally or regionally).

5. How does acid rain affect ecosystems?

   Answer:

   A. Soils may lose their fertility after being exposed to acid rain, because nutrients are removed as the water passes through the soil particles or the acid releases elements that are toxic to the plans.

   B. Acid rain causes trees and plants to become more susceptible to disease and drought, and are weakened and eventually die.

   C. A loss of vegetation causes a change in temperature and water content to the soil, affecting the other organisms that grow. There is less habitat and food for animals.

   D. Lakes become more acidic, causing the plants and marine organisms to die.

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