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acid rain
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nitrogen cycle sulfur cycle SO2 and NOx emissions in the U.S. Spruce trees damaged by acid rain in Karkonosze National Park, Poland. map of acid deposition acid rain
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U.S. emissions of SO2, NOx, and NH3, 1970–85 (five-year intervals) and 1990–2008 (one-year intervals). precipitation pH in the United States, 1994 precipitation pH in the United States, 2008
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Effects on human-made structures

inacid rain inEcological effects of acid deposition
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Also known as: acid deposition, acid precipitation
Written by
Gene E. Likens
Distinguished Senior Scientist, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York.
Gene E. Likens,
Thomas J. Butler
Site Manager, Cary Institute Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Millbrook, New York, and Visiting Fellow, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
Thomas J. Butler•All
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Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
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Article History
Also called:
acid precipitation or acid deposition
acid rain
1 of 2
acid rainStatue eroded by acid rain.
Learn how pollution from industrialization in Europe damaged the limestone of Cologne Cathedral
2 of 2
Learn how pollution from industrialization in Europe damaged the limestone of Cologne CathedralRepairing acid rain damage to Cologne Cathedral.
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Acid deposition also affects human-made structures. The most notable effects occur on marble and limestone, which are common building materials found in many historic structures, monuments, and gravestones. Sulfur dioxide, an acid rain precursor, can react directly with limestone in the presence of water to form gypsum, which eventually flakes off or is dissolved by water. In addition, acid rain can dissolve limestone and marble through direct contact.