Acid precipitation

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Acid Precipitation

Acid precipitation (pronunciation: /ˈæsɪd ˌprɛsɪˈpɪʃən/) is a form of precipitation that is significantly more acidic than normal, due to atmospheric pollution. The term encompasses both acid rain and other forms of precipitation such as snow and fog.

Etymology

The term "acid precipitation" is derived from the Latin words "acidus", meaning sour, and "praecipitatio", meaning falling down. It was first used in the late 19th century to describe the phenomenon of rain that had been made acidic by industrial pollutants.

Definition

Acid precipitation is any form of precipitation, including rain, snow, fog, dew, or sleet, that contains high levels of sulfuric or nitric acids. It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals, and infrastructure.

Causes

Acid precipitation is caused by the release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere. These chemicals can be released by natural sources, such as volcanoes, or by human activities, such as the burning of fossil fuels.

Effects

The effects of acid precipitation can be harmful to the environment. It can damage forests and other vegetation, acidify bodies of water, harm aquatic life, and corrode buildings and monuments.

Related Terms

  • Acid Rain: A type of acid precipitation where the precipitation is in the form of rain.
  • Sulfur Dioxide: A gas that, when released into the atmosphere, can contribute to the formation of acid precipitation.
  • Nitrogen Oxides: Gases that, when released into the atmosphere, can contribute to the formation of acid precipitation.
  • pH: A measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Acid precipitation typically has a pH of less than 5.6.

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