Acid rain is a form of precipitation that contains high concentrations of nitric and sulfuric acids. Usually, human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, cause acid rain. When weather patterns carry sulfuric and nitric acids to the ground level, these toxic substances can seep into the region’s groundwater and have lasting ecological effects.
How does acid rain form, what does it do to an area, and how can we stop it from forming in the future? Read on to learn more.
Forming Acid Rain
Acid rain forms when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides react with water and oxygen in the atmosphere to form acidic compounds. Often, these pollutants enter the atmosphere due to humans burning fossil fuels like gasoline or coal. Occasionally, these compounds can occur naturally. Some rotting plants release sulfur and nitrogen, and volcanic eruptions can create large quantities of acidic compounds in the atmosphere.
Once these compounds form, the wind can carry them for hundreds of miles. Precipitation, usually rain, can push these compounds back to earth. Notably, rain isn’t the only form of precipitation that can move these compounds to the ground. Fog, snow, hailstones, and even volcanic ash can push acids from the atmosphere back to the surface.
Impact on the Area
Sulfuric and nitric acids are toxic to living things and corrosive to metals. When acid rain falls over a region, its wildlife typically suffers the worst consequences. The polluted water can enter the local water table, making it harder for trees to uptake water from the soil. Aquatic animals that live in nearby streams and lakes can become sick or even die.
Birds that survive by eating worms or fish can be sickened when exposed to contaminated food. Predators that hunt those birds are at risk, too. Trees in the area often lose their leaves as the acidic precipitation eats through them. Naturally, these issues can all affect humans as well.
When acid rain falls over cities, the risks are more direct. Stay informed about the weather, and if you hear that acid rain is on the way, take steps to avoid going outside. Buildings, statues, and cars can become corroded and weathered by acidic precipitation.
Some regions are more prone to acidic precipitation than others. For instance, China has relied heavily on coal to power its recent industrial development. This coal use has led to higher frequencies of acidic rainfall, striking leaves from trees, and sickening local wildlife.
What Can We Do?
There is some good news, though. In 1990, the Clean Air Act enacted limitations that cut sulfur dioxide emissions by nearly 90s percent. This law reduced the frequency of acid rain significantly. It helped areas like the American Northeast recover from several years of acidic precipitation.
By working on green energy production today, we can lessen the chances of acid rain in the future. Renewable energy sources like wind, hydroelectrical, solar, and geothermal energy don’t release sulfur dioxide or nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere.
