What is acid rain and how does it impact the ecosystem? Although at the first glance it might seem that this type of rain isn’t particularly scary or dangerous, it’s far from the truth. Keep reading to see how it’s created and why it has a devastating impact on the environment, animals, and people.
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Acid rain – what is it?
So, what is acid rain? The term acid rain is used to describe rain or other forms of precipitation that are unusually acidic. Acid rain is caused by a number of factors, but the most significant is the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These pollutants react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids that then fall to the ground in the form of rain, snow, or sleet.
It’s worth noting that acid rain can also be caused by natural events, such as volcanic eruptions.
How is acid rain created and what causes it?
Since you already know what is acid rain, it’s time to talk about things that cause it. As it’s already been mentioned, acid rain is created when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide mix with the water in the atmosphere. These chemicals are produced by:
- heating systems
- car exhaust fumes
- industrial emissions
- energy production
Fortunately, there are a few steps we can take to prevent acid rains and minimize the chances that they’ll occur. For example, we can choose public transportation over private cars, use renewable energy sources, and benefit from special engine systems with lower emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
Consequences
Why is it so important to know what is acid rain? Simply because it can be dangerous for the entire ecosystem. It pollutes water and disrupts the photosynthesis process. Moreover, it makes plants more susceptible to fungal infections and pests, which has a negative impact on the quality and quantity of crops.
Apart from that, acid rain can cause skin irritation, and respiratory problems. It has a negative impact on animals. It can also corrode buildings and other structures.
What is acid rain? The takeaway
Everyone should know what is acid rain and why it’s dangerous. Thanks to it, we can take preventive measures described in today’s article to ensure that the Earth is a human and animal-friendly place that remains safe and astonishes with its biodiversity.
