Which spheres of Earth are directly influenced when human-caused air pollution leads to acid rain that dissolves limestone rocks?
Rain (hydrosphere) may bring these acids to the Earth, acidifying soils (lithosphere), lakes and rivers (hydrosphere). Acidic water leaches nutrients from the soil (lithosphere) into the water table (hydrosphere), making the soil less fertile for plants.
When human-caused air pollution, primarily through the emission of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, combines with atmospheric moisture, it forms sulfuric acid and nitric acid. This acidic precipitation is commonly referred to as acid rain. Acid rain can have a significant impact on several spheres of the Earth, including:
1. Atmosphere: The release of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from industrial and combustion processes contributes to the formation of acid rain. These pollutants can travel long distances through the atmosphere before being deposited, affecting not only nearby regions but also distant areas.
2. Hydrosphere: Acid rain that falls onto bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and streams, can lower the pH levels and make them more acidic. This increase in acidity can harm aquatic life, including fish, amphibians, and other organisms which are sensitive to pH changes. It can also affect the overall health and biodiversity of the affected aquatic ecosystems.
3. Lithosphere: Acid rain has a profound impact on the Earth's lithosphere, specifically on rocks and soils. When acid rain comes into contact with limestone rocks, which are composed mainly of calcium carbonate, it undergoes a chemical reaction. The acid dissolves the calcium carbonate, resulting in the erosion and weathering of limestone structures over time. This process is known as limestone dissolution.
In summary, when human-caused air pollution leads to acid rain, it directly influences the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere of the Earth.