The article first defines acid rain as any form of precipitation that has acid components and doesn’t necessarily need to be wet or be a liquid. The term acid rain was used in 1872 by Scottish chemist Robert Angus Smith. It didn’t then become a public know issue until the 1960’s and 70’s in Western Europe and eastern North America. Some causes of acid rain are man made pollutants, volcanoes, and asteroids. Scientists also believe that 4 billion years ago the Earth had 10,000 times more carbon dioxide than we have today. Acid rain washes away the protective film on leaves of trees, changes composition of soil and water, and can deteriorate limestone buildings and monuments.
This article is short and simple. It gives a clear explanation of acid rain and organizes the article very well. The causes are clear examples and even gives some theories to get the reader asking questions. The effects are explained very well and the examples are very applicable. The last portion where solutions were given, was very to follow and gies the reader a start to helping the problem.
I agree that the article does a good job of explaining the acid rain and its history. Even though acid rain became a public known issue in the 1960s, it still feels like many people don’t really think about it despite the havoc it is wrecking on ecosystems. The far reaching effects of acid rain seem to demonstrate the big impact that air pollution can have on the land. How is acid rain impacting animals either directly or indirectly and are any solutions being put in place to combat these effects?