Acid Rain Formation Effects on Soils When acid

Effects on Soils When acid rain falls to the ground, the acidic water is

Buffering Capacity The ability of soil to neutralize acid precipitation is called its buffering

Buffering Capacity LIMESTONE reacts with acid to neutralize it, so soils derived from limestone

Buffering Capacity Soils in the West and Mid-west are derived from LIMESTONE so they

Buffering Capacity GRANITE does not react with acids, so granitic soils have very little

Buffering Capacity Alpine lakes have very little soil and are generally found on the

Double Threat The Northeast US and Western Europe and Scandanavia are doubly sensitive to

Isopleths Lines on a map connecting areas of equal acidity are called isopleths.

Effects on Fish As p. H increases, the amount of aquatic organisms decreases!

Health When we breathe in air pollution, the very fine particulates can easily enter

Effects of Acid Rain On the Natural Environment Aquatic Environments • Acidification of lakes,

Effects of Acid Rain On Man and Man-made Objects • Deterioration of: – Buildings

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Acid Rain Formation

Effects on Soils When acid rain falls to the ground, the acidic water is absorbed into the soil or runs off into lakes, streams, or ponds. Depending on the alkalinity of the soil, the acid level will either be neutralized or increased. If the soil is alkaline, little or no damage will occur to the vegetation. However, if the soil is naturally acidic and the level of acidity is increased, important nutrients are depleted from the soil, and the plants will starve.

Buffering Capacity The ability of soil to neutralize acid precipitation is called its buffering capacity.

Buffering Capacity LIMESTONE reacts with acid to neutralize it, so soils derived from limestone have a very good ability to neutralize acids. Limestone soils have a HIGH buffering capacity.

Buffering Capacity Soils in the West and Mid-west are derived from LIMESTONE so they have a very good ability to neutralize acids. Limestone soils have a HIGH buffering capacity.

Buffering Capacity GRANITE does not react with acids, so granitic soils have very little ability to neutralize acids. The have a LOW buffering capacity.

Buffering Capacity Alpine lakes have very little soil and are generally found on the GRANITE roots of mountains. They have a very little ability to neutralize acid rain.

Buffering Capacity

Double Threat The Northeast US and Western Europe and Scandanavia are doubly sensitive to acid precipitation: They are on granite bedrock They are downwind of the prevailing winds.

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Smokestacks

Chemical Reactions

Isopleths Lines on a map connecting areas of equal acidity are called isopleths.

Effects on Fish As p. H increases, the amount of aquatic organisms decreases!

Health When we breathe in air pollution, the very fine particulates can easily enter our lungs, where they can cause breathing problems, and over time even lead to cancer.

Effects of Acid Rain On the Natural Environment Aquatic Environments • Acidification of lakes, rivers and groundwaters • Release of metals from soils. • Damage or death to some – Microorganisms – Emerging dragonflies Snails Fish Terrestrial Environments • Reduced forest productivity • Damage to agricultural crops • Increased soil fertility in some areas

Effects of Acid Rain On Man and Man-made Objects • Deterioration of: – Buildings – Statues – Metal structures – Paint Fabrics • Drinking Water Contamination • Contribution to respiratory diseases

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