Lexikon

acid rain is a generic term used for precipitation that contains an high concentration of sulfuric and nitric acid. These acids form in the atmosphere when industrial gas emissions combine with water. Acidified particulate matter in the atmosphere is deposited by precipitation onto a surface, often eroding the surface away. This precipitation generally has a pH less than 5 and sometimes much lower depending on the concentration of acidic components. Acid rain has negative impacts on the environment and human health.