What is Acid Rain?

Acid Rain Definition :

Acid rain is rain consisting of water droplets that are acidic due to the polluted atmosphere, which we know is caused mainly through large amounts of sulphur and nitrogen released by cars and industrial processes.

Wet Deposition

When the acid chemicals get blown over areas that have wet weather, the acid falls to the ground in the form of rain, snow, fog and mist.

Dry Deposition

In areas where the weather is dry, the acid chemicals mix with dust or smoke and fall to the ground, sticking to the ground, buildings, homes, cars, and trees.

What causes Acid Rain?

1. One of the causes of acid rain is volcanic eruptions, but its main cause is the release of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide during fossil fuel combustion.
2. These gases when released into the atmosphere react with the water, oxygen, and other gases and chemicals present to form various acidic compounds – sulphuric acid and nitric acid.
3. These acids then disperse over large areas because of wind and fall back to the ground as acid rain or other forms of precipitation.

Effects of Acid Rain

1. Acid rain does not directly affect human health because the acid present in the rain water is very dilute.
2. Acid rain damages buildings, monuments and statues especially those made of limestone and marble as they contain large amounts of calcium carbonates. The calcium compounds react with the acid in the rain, damaging them.
3. Exhaust gases from the Mathura Refinery greatly affected the Taj Mahal at Agra.
4. Acid rain causes harm to our rivers, streams and lakes. As acid rain falls on trees, it can make them lose their leaves, damage their bark, and stunt their growth.
5. Acid falling on a forest’s soil is also harmful because it disrupts soil nutrients.

 For more environment related articles and videos, visit: Environment for Kids