Seven Castles

Acid Rain

                                      

December 23, 2007

 

Rain is very important for life. Rain brings us the water we need. But in many places in the world, rain has become a menace. Because of pollution in the air, acid gases from factories, cars and homes, the rain is becoming dangerous for the life of every living creature. This rain is known as "acid rain".

 

The term "acid rain" (more accurately "acid precipitation") is commonly used to mean the deposition of acidic components in rain, snow, dew or dry particles. Acid rain occurs when sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are emitted into the atmosphere, undergo chemical transformations and are absorbed by water droplets in clouds. The droplets then fall to earth as rain, snow, mist, dry dust, hail or sleet. This increases the acidity of the soil and affects the chemical balance of lakes and streams.

 

Acid rain was first found in Boston. In 1852, Robert Angus Smith found the relationship between acid rain and atmospheric pollution. However, it was not until the late 1960s that scientists began widely observing and studying the phenomenon.

 

Acid rain is one of the most dangerous and widespread forms of pollution. Sometimes called "the unseen plague", acid rain can go undetected in an area for years. Technically, acid rain is rain that has a larger amount of acid in it than what is normal.

 

Acid rain moves easily, affecting locations far beyond those that let out the pollution. The levels of acid rain vary from region to region. In Third World nations without pollution restrictions, acid rain tends to be very high. In China, acid rain levels have also risen greatly. However, because acid rain can move about so easily, the problem is definitely a global one.

 

Acid rain is a big problem, but it is not unstoppable. If the amount of sulfur dioxides and nitrogen oxides in the air is reduced, then acid rain will be reduced. There are many helpful things that "normal" people can do. First of all, conserve energy and pollute less! Use less electricity; and carpool, use public transportation, or walk when you can. This will help more than one might think. When less energy is used, less coal is burnt, and as a result, there is less acid rain. If energy was used more carefully, we could cut the amount of fuel burned in half! 

【作者: zhangliping】【访问统计:】【2007年12月23日 星期日 06:50】【注册】【打印】