Finally, i would like to use this medium to advise nigerians that the stories going around about a looming acid rain are not only false but also inconsistent. Test your knowledge of acid rain by taking the quiz below. Below are 15 key facts and statistics that give a clearer picture about the issue. Opinion teach acidrain facts, not fears and fiction. List of books and articles about acid rain online research. Watson is eloquent about localized forms of pollution, such as acid rain and smog, but he sees climate change as speculative. Distilled water, once carbon dioxide is removed, has a neutral ph of 7. After a ten year study, national acidic precipitation assessment program reported that there wasnt much of a problem with acid rain. I chris bryan decided that i wanted to experiment with different sounds, styles, and textures in a primordial soup of music. Wet deposition refers to acidic rain, fog, and snow. Then you can start reading kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer no kindle device required.
Bush signing into law in october 1999, clean air act amendments that specifically addressed acid rain and mandated reductions in emissions of sulfur and nitrogen oxides the major precursors of acid rain in the atmosphere. Acid rain, precipitation possessing a ph of about 5. Several cases of acid rain causing health issues in humans have also been reported. Ozone hole has an instructive illustration of the different layers of the earths atmosphere as well as a computergenerated map showing ozone levels the world over. This acid rain problem became the environmental issue of the 1970s and eventually led to president george h. Brief boxed items offer interesting related information and activities. Acid rain is a solo compositionrecording project started in the spring of 1998. Forest decline and acid rain some facts and fallacies m. Acid deposition can reduce the ph of surface waters, lower biodiversity, and increase the susceptibility of. Rain includes a diagram of the water cycle and a map reflecting acidrain sources and problems around the world. The acid rain scourge of the 70s and 80s that killed trees and fish and even dissolved parts of statues on washington, d.
Some features of this site require the latest version of macromedia flash player. Explains the effects of acid rain on our planet, such as the health risks to humans, plants, and animals, and suggests ways to help alleviate the problem. Damage from acid rain pollution is far worse than previously believed date. Measured values of acid rain vary according to geographical area. Produced when sulfur dioxide and various nitrogen oxides combine with atmospheric moisture, acid rain can contaminate drinking water, damage vegetation and aquatic life, and erode buildings and monuments. It can also occur in the form of snow, fog, and tiny bits of dry material that settle to earth. Studies have identified acid rain as a contributing factor in decreased fish and wildlife population. It was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s, however, that acid rain was recognized as a regional. Amid the recent hoopla over the epa and bush administrations plans. Range of rainwater ph in different parts of india measured at bapmon station modified from datar et al. Acid rain is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, which react with the water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids. The widespread occurrence of acid rain was recognized only in 1980. Scrubbers an examination of a solution that will reduce the toxins that cause acid rain. It may be defined as rain water having ph less than 5.
When these chemical compounds, composed of sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide, react with water vapor, the result is sulfuric acid and nitric acid. When fossil fuels are burned, harmful emotions released into the air. What place in the world receives the most acid rain. Acid rain is the common name for acidic deposits that fall to earth 1 from the atmosphere. Acid rain and our ecosystem science smithsonian magazine. Rainfall acidity is less in ireland compared with the rest of europe and projected emissions of sulphur dioxide from.
The term was coined in 1872 by the scottish chemist robert angus smith 18171884 to describe the acidic precipitation in manchester, england 2. Rycroft page images at pitt items below if any are from related and broader terms. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are gases that occur naturally in the earths atmosphere. The effects of acid deposition on the chemistry of. Opinion teach acidrain facts, not fears and fiction the.
Carbon dioxide and various oxides of nitrogen also make acid in the atmosphere. Scientists have discovered that burning fossil fuels creates acid rain through air pollution. The effects of acid rain environmental sciences essay. When sulfur and nitrogen oxides react with water, oxygen and other substances in. Jun 21, 2010 the acid rain scourge of the 70s and 80s that killed trees and fish and even dissolved parts of statues on washington, d. Precipitation collects acidic particles and gases and becomes acidic.
Rain includes a diagram of the water cycle and a map reflecting acid rain sources and problems around the world. To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number. The rain is as a result of extreme pollution in the environment. When sulfur and nitrogen oxides react with water, oxygen and other substances in the atmosphere, they produce sulfuric and nitric acid. The books homepage helps you explore earths biggest bookstore without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. There is no doubt about the damage which acid rain has caused, but what remains unclear are the precise causes of acid rain and the most efficacious means of reducing its environmental, economic and political impacts. Liquids with a ph less than 7 are acidic, and those with a ph greater than 7 are alkaline. Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that. In 1990, congress passed the clean air act which is now known as the acid rain program to reduce as well as control the levels of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere facts about acid rain. Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, meaning that it has elevated levels of hydrogen ions low ph.
Acid rain simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The wind carries pollutions and emissions over vast distances, making acid rain a worldwide problem. Books and authors top teaching blog teachers tool kit student activities. The chemist robert angus smith, was the first to report about the dangers of acid rain in 1872 in his book air and rain. Acid rain is one of the major environmental threats since 19th century. The strength of the effects depends on many factors, including how. There is a lot to unpack when it comes to acid rain and its effects. Acid rain can benefit the environment by blocking one of the most powerful greenhouse gases, scientists said yesterday. Nov 16, 20 the chemicals that produce acid rain can be released by dying and rotting plant life acid rain facts 3. However, it is thought that air pollution by people now causes most acid rain.
The principal natural phenomena that contribute acidproducing gases to the atmosphere are emissions from volcanoes. People burn fossil fuels such as coal and oil to make electricity. Acid rain is responsible for severe environmental destruction across the world and occurs most commonly in the north eastern united states, eastern europe and increasingly in parts of china and india. Electricity heats and lights buildings and runs appliances such as televisions and video. Acid rain causes steel bridges, vehicles, and other metal structures to corrode or rust. The term acid rain was coined in the mid1800s, when robert angus smith, a scottish chemist working in london, noticed that rain tended to be more acidic in areas with more air pollution and. I love reading poems about the environment, we as poets have to do our best to get this message out and you david have done your part. According to the environmental protection agency epa acid rain can be particularly damaging to the young from many species of plant and wildlife. Acid rain was first identified in the 1800s in sweden. The phrase acid rain was first used in 1852 by scottish chemist robert angus smith during his investigation of rainwater chemistry near industrial cities in england and scotland. Acid rain our planet in peril paperback september 1, 2003 by louise petheram author see all 5 formats and editions hide other formats and editions. There is no doubt about the damage which acid rain has caused, but what remains unclear are the precise causes of acid rain and the most efficacious means of reducing its environmental, economic and political. Acid rain became an issue in 1980 when congress passed the acid deposition act. Mechanisms and effects of acid rain on environment.
Acid rain is a broad term used to describe several ways that acids fall out of the atmosphere. It teaches us to learn about and appreciate our currently decaying. The discovery of acid rain yale university press blog. Acid rain is defined as any type of precipitation with a ph that is unusually low. Acid rain is a term for rain, snow, or other precipitation produced from water vapor in the air reacting with emissions from automobiles, factories, power plants, and other oil and coal burning sources. Research led by vincent gauci, from the open universitys department of. Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation like snow that is acidic. Acid rain facts and information national geographic.
It is rain with high levels of hydrogen ions low ph. Finally, i would like to use this medium to advise nigerians that the stories going around about a looming acid. Acid rain is a complex environmental problem that is hard to define in terms of sources and effects. Precipitation comes in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Acid rain occurs when acidcontaining precipitation falls onto the earths surface. Great for science lovers, environment lovers, and great book lovers. Acid rain has also been blamed for contamination of lakes and rivers. Review paper acid rain and its ecological consequences p y. In the presidential campaign, both president bush and sen. And to cite, unequivocally, the usa as an exemplar of acid gas reduction is getting close to the wind, while to say that when acid rain falls on limestone, the acid becomes less harmful is to neglect the harm done to the stone listed at the start of the book as part of the acid rain problem. In nature, the combination of rain and these oxides is part of a natural balance that nourishes plants and. I chris bryan decided that i wanted to experiment with different sounds. The first report was rejected and congress went ahead and amended the clean air act to mandate so2 and nox.
Smith in 1872 from his studies of air in manchester, england. The phenomenon became an important part of his book air and rain. Acid rain is downpour containing harmful quantities of nitric and sulfuric acids which released into the atmosphere. The solution to the problem of acid rain is perhaps one of the main environmental and political issues facing the peoples of the industrialized nations, and their neighbours today. A more precise term is acid deposition, which has two parts. Acid rain has been around for a very long time, it is as old as the very first time that we have released ammonium, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur into the atmosphere.
Acid rain describes any form of precipitation that contains high levels of nitric and sulfuric acids. Acid rain is rain that is unusually acidic and highly corrosive in nature. Even at its weakest, acid rain wrecks ecosystems by stunting sensitive plants and killing delicate aquatic eggs. The result was that congress, which commissioned the 10year study, included in the clean air act of 1990 needless requirements to combat. As this acidic water flows over and through the ground, it affects a variety of plants and animals. One of the causes of this type of rain is burning of coal in an area. Constant acid rainfall is the major reason why some areas are considered barren. Acid rain acid rain was discovered in the 19th century by robert angus smith, a pharmacist from manchester england, who measured high levels of acidity in rain falling over industrial regions of england and contrasted them to the much lower levels he observed in less polluted areas near the coast. Eastern europe and parts of scandinavia have rain with ph 4. Morgans writing is clear and informative, and the format is inviting. Thus, for example, fumaroles from the laguna caliente crater of poas volcano create extremely high amounts of acid rain and fog, with acidity as high as a ph of 2, clearing an area of any vegetation and frequently causing irritation to the eyes and lungs of inhabitants in. Caused when rain droplets absorb air pollution like sulfur and nitrogen oxides, acid rain weakens trees by dissolving nutrients in the soil before. These gases react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals in the atmosphere to form various acidic compounds, including mild sulfuric acid and nitric acid. There are various natural causes, such as gases from volcanoes.
The ph scale measures the amount of acid in a substance. Acid deposition can reduce the ph of surface waters, lower biodiversity, and increase the susceptibility of plants to disease and other stressors. The causes and consequences of acid rain are subjects of considerable concern, controversy, and confusion. Dissolved carbon dioxide dissociates to form weak carbonic acid giving a ph of approximately 5. Acid rain can damage plants, animals, soil, water, building materials, and people. Jun 06, 2014 acid rain is a popular term referring to the deposition of wet rain, snow, sleet, fog, cloudwater, and dew and dry acidifying particles and gases acidic components. Feb 23, 2010 acid rain became an issue in 1980 when congress passed the acid deposition act. Here youll find current best sellers in books, new releases in books, deals in books, kindle ebooks, audible audiobooks, and so much more. Acid rain can have harmful effects on plants, animals and humans. Major sources are thought to be atmospheric emissions, mostly from urban sources, although exact locations and the means by which emissions are transformed to acid rain are not entirely clear.
Forest decline and acid rain some facts and fallacies. But comparing acid rain to safe, natural acids can be misleading. The numerous captioned color photographs and labeled diagrams extend the texts. Acid rain was mainly caused by emissions of sulphur dioxide to the atmosphere from coalfired power stations, and by emissions of oxides of nitrogen from various sources. It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals and infrastructure.
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