Pond Background
*What is Acid Rain?*
*What Causes Acid Rain?*
*Why is Acid Rain Harmful?*
*What is Being Done?*
*What Can You Do?*
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Games & Activities *
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Watch an Acid Rain Animation *
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Food Web *
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 What Causes Acid Rain?

Factory emitting smokeSources of Acid Rain


Acid Rain is Caused by Reactions in the Environment
Nature depends on balance, and although some rain is naturally acidic, with a pH level of around 5.0, human activities have made it worse. Normal precipitation—such as rain, sleet, or snow—reacts with alkaline chemicals, or non-acidic materials, that can be found in air, soils, bedrock, lakes, and streams. These reactions usually neutralize natural acids. However, if precipitation becomes too acidic, these materials may not be able to neutralize all of the acids. Over time, these neutralizing materials can be washed away by acid rain. Damage to crops, trees, lakes, rivers, and animals can result.




United States Environmental Protection Agency Acid Rain Students Site