Acid Rain
Acid rain affects many regions in the US and Canada and poses a dire threat to forests and wildlife. "Acid rain" refers to many ways that acid may come out of the atmosphere in the form of rain, fog, or snow or in dry particles and gases. Its effects exacerbate deforestation, and causes acidification of lakes and streams. It also breaks down building materials and paints.
When acid comes out of the atmosphere as rain, fog, or snow it may enter the ground or surface water as with any other precipitation. The harm comes from the acidity of the rain, which varies from location to location and it's affects vary based on the buffering capacity and the soil, and the tolerance of local plant and animal life. Acid is deposited in the soil and affects the growth and survival of plants and animals in the area. Acid in lakes and streams may cause decreases in fish populations. Acid may also be deposited as dry particles or gases that may be deposited on building or plant life and may be later washed away by precipitation, thereby entering the ground. This combination adds to the acid already in the precipitation. Atmospheric winds may move the rain hundreds of miles from its originating location, as shown in this diagram.
"Scientists discovered, and have confirmed, that sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) are the primary causes of acid rain. In the US, About 2/3 of all SO2 and 1/4 of all NOx comes from electric power generation that relies on burning fossil fuels like coal. Acid rain occurs when these gases react in the atmosphere with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form various acidic compounds. Sunlight increases the rate of most of these reactions. The result is a mild solution of sulfuric acid and nitric acid." -EPA
The effects are acid rain are varied, but always detrimental. The effects on lakes and streams are particularly bad because of the plant and animal life's sensitivity to acidification. Regions affected include:...
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