Acid Rain

Acid Rain

• Closely tied to the water cycle
• Emmissions mostly from burning of fossil fuels release SO₂ (Sulphur Dioxide) and NO_N (Nitrogen Oxides) into the atmosphere.

Sources of pollutants

• These compounds react with the H₂O in the clouds forming H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid), and HNO₃ (Nitric acid).

• These acids then precipitate in the form of rain and collect in fresh water lakes.

• Over time this lowers the pH of the lakes, killing off most of the aquatic wildlife.

pH of acid rain

• This rain can also alter the pH of sensitive soils killing trees, and damaging forests

Acid rain damaged forest