 The Open Door Web Site |
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Problems and Concerns caused by Human Influences on the Environment Acid Rain The Earth's atmosphere is a mixture of gases (link here for more detail). It is important to notice that the percentage of carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere is normally very low. One reason for this is because carbon dioxide gas is quite soluble in water. As rainwater moves through the atmosphere towards the Earth's surface, carbon dioxide gas dissolves in it. This is the reason why rainwater is slightly acidic. Carbon dioxide dissolves in rainwater to form carbonic acid.
There are other gases, such as sulphur dioxide, which may be found in the Earth's atmosphere. These gases are produced naturally and usually in small quantities from certain areas of the Earth's surface. When larger quantities are produced by cars, airplanes and factories, acid rain becomes a problem.
acid rain
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© Paul Billiet, Shirley Burchill, Alan Damon and Deborah James 2008 |
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