Gourt > Science > Environment > Air Quality > Acid Deposition
Acid rain occurs when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are emitted into the atmosphere, undergo chemical transformations and are absorbed by water droplets in clouds. The droplets then fall to earth as rain, snow, or sleet. This can increase the acidity of the soil, and affect the chemical balance of lakes and streams. Acid rain is sometimes used more generally to include all forms of acid deposition - both wet deposition, where acidic gases and particles are removed by rain or other precipitation, and dry deposition removal of gases and particles to the Earth's surface in the absence of precipitation.[http://www.epa.gov/acidrain/
Acid rain is defined as any type of precipitation with a pH that is unusually low (Brimblecombe, 1996). Dissolved carbon dioxide dissociates to form weak carbonic acid giving a pH of approximately 5.6 at typical atmospheric concentrations of CO2 (Seinfeld and Pandis, 1998). Therefore a pH of <5.6 has sometimes been used as a definition of acid rain However, natural sources of acidity mean that in remote areas, rain has a pH which is between 4.5 and 5.6 with an average value of 5.0 and so rain with a pH <5 is a more appropriate definition [http://www.enviroliteracy.org/article.php/2.html.
Acid rain accelerates weathering in carbonate rocks and accelerates building weathering. It also contributes to acidic rivers, streams, and damage to trees at high elevation. Efforts to combat this phenomenon are ongoing.
More on [ Acid rain ]
The ability of a water body to neutralize acid deposition, have increased significantly from 1990-2007 in lake and... http://bit.ly/6xvRG5
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The ability of a water body to neutralize acid deposition, have increased significantly from 1990-2007 in lake and... http://bit.ly/6xvRG5
Acid Deposition Monitoring and Research in the UK - Information about the acid deposition monitoring networks managed by the National Environmental Technology Centre (AEA Technology plc).
Acid Rain - Facts, news, children's resources, and links from Environment Canada.
Acid Rain News - Features links to news articles and related sites. Includes history, scientific background information and FAQ.
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Effects of Acid Rain on Aquatic Ecosystems - Short primer, from University of Toronto.
Margot's Acid Rain SEA Project - Student's fun and informative site about acid rain, in North Carolina and in general.
National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) - US federal-state-NGO cooperative effort operating a national precipitation monitoring network to observe geographic and temporal trends in acidity, mercury, and other attributes. Includes data, maps, and meeting announcements.
Meta Description: [ The National Atmospheric Deposition Program. ]
PPRP Atmospheric Deposition Measurement and Analysis - Information about and from regional acid deposition monitoring programs in the Chesapeake Bay watershed (USA).
Meta Description: [ Chesapeake Bay resource center of the Maryland
Department of Natural Resources provides information on the Chesapeake Bay. ]
U.S. Geological Survey Data and Reports on Acid Rain, Atmospheric Deposition and Precipitation Chemistry - Information resources on acidic deposition in the United States.
UK Acid Waters Monitoring Network - Monitors the ecological impact of acid deposition in areas of the United Kingdom believed to be sensitive to acidification.
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UK DTI Energy and the Environment Programme - The programme aims to assess the impacts of proposed energy related environmental policies and regulation on UK industry, and their cost implications for the final consumer.
Meta Description: [ The Energy and Environment Research Programme provides scientific and economic analysis to support and inform energy policy and sustainable development ]
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US EPA - Acid Rain - Information about causes and effects, how acid rain is measured, and what is being done to solve the problem. Includes activities for students.
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US EPA Acid Rain Program - About EPA efforts reduce electric utilities' emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, the pollutants responsible for acid deposition. The program includes a system of tradable SO2 emissions allowances.
What is Acid Rain and What Causes It? - A discussion of the causes and effects of acid rain, and possible policy solutions.
