GEOHAZARD: ACID RAIN

1. How does the geohazard happen

2. Impacts of the geohazard to human, as well

as environment

3. How to get / know early warning of the

geohazard

4. Ways of prevention / minimise the

adverse effect of the geohazard
 1. How does the geohazard happen
Acid rain is caused by a chemical reaction that begins when compounds like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
oxides are released into the air. These substances can rise very high into the atmosphere, where they
mix and react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form more acidic pollutants, known as acid
rain. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides dissolve very easily in water and can be carried very far by the
wind. As a result, the two compounds can travel long distances where they become part of the rain,
sleet, snow, and fog that we experience on certain days
Human activities are the main cause of acid rain. Over the past few decades, humans have released so
many different chemicals into the air that they have changed the mix of gases in the atmosphere.
Power plants release the majority of sulfur dioxide and much of the nitrogen oxides when they burn
fossil fuels, such as coal, to produce electricity. In addition, the exhaust from cars, trucks, and buses
releases nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide into the air. These pollutants cause acid rain.
 2.The Effects of Acid Rain on Ecosystems
An ecosystem is a community of plants, animals and other organisms along with
their environment including the air, water and soil. Everything in an ecosystem is
connected. If something harms one part of an ecosystem – one species of plant or
animal, the soil or the water – it can have an impact on everything else.

(i)Effects of Acid Rain on Fish and Wildlife

The ecological effects of acid rain are most clearly seen in aquatic environments,
such as streams, lakes, and marshes where it can be harmful to fish and other
wildlife. As it flows through the soil, acidic rain water can leach aluminum from soil
clay particles and then flow into streams and lakes. The more acid that is
introduced to the ecosystem, the more aluminum is released.
(ii)Effects of Acid Rain on Plants and Trees
Dead or dying trees are a common sight in areas effected by acid rain. Acid rain
leaches aluminum from the soil. That aluminum may be harmful to plants as well
as animals. Acid rain also removes minerals and nutrients from the soil that trees
need to grow.
3.How to get/know early warning or the acid rain
Example of Canada
--Forestry Canada's Acid Rain National Early Warning System (ARNEWS) was
established in 1984 to detect early signs of damage to Canadian forests.
ARNEWS is a long-term biomonitoring program designed to detect changes in
forest vegetation and soils. ARNEWS plots are established and assessed by
the Forest Insect and Disease Survey (FIDS) of Forestry Canada. The role of
FIDS in ARNEWS is to identify all types and degrees of forest damage,
separating damage caused by natural factors from anthropogenic factors such
as management practices and air pollution.
 --The health of 18 conifer and 9 hardwood species across Canada, including those
from areas known to receive some of the highest levels of atmospheric pollution
in Canada, is described. There has been no indication of a large-scale decline in
the health of Canadian forests and little evidence has been found of symptoms of
pollution. Where pollution-like symptoms have been observed, the same symptoms
could usually be accounted for by natural factors. One exception is in the Bay of
Fundy area of New Brunswick, where research is under way to study the possible
effects of acid fog and ozone on birch.
4.Way of prevention/minimise the adverse effect
of the acid rain
--For starters, we need to significantly cut down on the use of fossil fuels
because they cause the most pollution. We should switch over to renewable
sources of energy like wind and solar power. Secondly, energy conservation should
be prioritized by making sure no lights or appliances are left turned on after use.
Last but not the least, alternate modes of travel should be considered. Carpooling
and public transport can go a long way in reducing auto emissions.
--Besides that,Alternative fuels An excellent way to prevent acid rain is to stop
using nonrenewable fuels and switch over to renewable sources of energy, such as
solar, wind and water energy. As the technology for these alternative energies
increases, they will become more accessible to the public.