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Acid rain
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Effects of acid rain
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Diagram illustrating the nitrogen cycle, showing how nitrogen moves between the atmosphere, biosphere, and soil through natural processes like nitrogen fixation, assimilation, ammonification, nitrification, and denitrification, as well as through human activities such as fertilizer use and industrial emissions. Blue arrows indicate natural activities, and red arrows indicate human activities. Diagram illustrating the sulfur cycle, showing how sulfur moves through the biosphere and atmosphere. Arrows trace sulfur emissions from fossil fuel burning and decomposition, deposition from the air, plant uptake, runoff into water, and sediment formation. Two pie charts compare sources of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emissions contributing to acid rain. The first chart shows electric utilities produce 66% of SO2, other sources 29%, and vehicles 5%. The second chart shows vehicles produce 58% of NOx, other sources 24%, and electric utilities 18%. Severely defoliated spruce trees stand amid snow in Karkonosze National Park, Poland. World map highlighting regions with high acid sensitivity in orange and areas of acid deposition with purple hatching. Notable high sensitivity regions appear in eastern North America, northern and central Europe, parts of South America, Africa, and Asia, with some overlap between acid sensitivity and deposition zones. Continents and major oceans are labeled for reference. Weathered statue with a damaged face and surface, showing significant erosion from acid rain and pollution.
Learn how pollution from industrialization in Europe damaged the limestone of Cologne Cathedral
Line graph showing U.S. emissions of ammonia (NH3), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from 1970 to 2008. SO2 and NOx emissions decline steadily, while NH3 remains nearly constant. The graph relates to acid rain.
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Effects on human-made structures

in Acid rain in

Ecological effects of acid deposition

Also known as: acid deposition, acid precipitation
Written by
Gene E. Likens
Distinguished Senior Scientist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York.
Gene E. LikensAll
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....
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Weathered statue with a damaged face and surface, showing significant erosion from acid rain and pollution.
1 of 2
acid rainStatue eroded by acid rain.
Learn how pollution from industrialization in Europe damaged the limestone of Cologne Cathedral
2 of 2
Learn how pollution from industrialization in Europe damaged the limestone of Cologne CathedralRepairing acid rain damage to Cologne Cathedral.
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Acid deposition also affects human-made structures. The most notable effects occur on marble and limestone, which are common building materials found in many historic structures, monuments, and gravestones. Sulfur dioxide, an acid rain precursor, can react directly with limestone in the presence of water to form gypsum, which eventually flakes off or is dissolved by water. In addition, acid rain can dissolve limestone and marble through direct contact.