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What it is:
• the deposition of acidic components in rain, snow, dew, or dry particles.
• more accurate term is "acid precipitation."
• defined as any type of precipitation with a pH that is unusually low
The Causes:
• occurs when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are emitted into the atmosphere, undergo chemical transformations and are absorbed by water droplets in clouds
• then fall to earth as rain, snow, mist, dry dust, hail, or sleet.
• Dissolved carbon dioxide dissociates to form weak carbonic acid giving a pH of approximately 5.6 at typical atmospheric concentrations of CO2
• Therefore a pH of less than 5.6 has sometimes been used as a definition of acid rain
The Effects:
• increases the acidity of the soil, and affects the chemical balance of lakes and streams
• accelerates weathering in carbonate rocks and accelerates building weathering
• contributes to acidification of rivers, streams, and forest damage at high elevations
• When the......

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Approximate Word Count: 1122
Approximate Pages: 5 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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