Britannica
Sources used in this answer
Why do historic monuments and gravestones deteriorate from acid deposition?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Acid rain
Forest dieback caused by acid rain in the Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic.
Historic monuments and gravestones often deteriorate due to acid deposition because they are frequently constructed from marble and limestone, materials that are highly susceptible to chemical reactions with acidic pollutants.12
The process occurs primarily through two mechanisms:
- Direct Dissolution: Acid rain can dissolve the surfaces of limestone and marble through direct contact.1
- Chemical Conversion: Sulfur dioxide, a precursor to acid rain, reacts with these stone materials in the presence of water to form gypsum. Because gypsum is more soluble and structurally weaker than the original stone, it eventually flakes off or is washed away by water, leading to the gradual erosion and loss of detail on monuments and gravestones.13
This form of corrosion is a significant environmental concern, as it permanently damages cultural heritage and public structures exposed to air pollution.23