Acid Rain Worksheet
When looking at global circulation patterns and the process of precipitation formation an inherent concern is
the effects that local industries and the urban heat island are having on air and water quality. The pollution
created from industry and highly concentrated anthropogenic (human) activity has lead to the creation of acid
rain. It is important to take a look at what causes acid rain and also the effect this is having air and water
quality. Hopefully we have been able to track what has happened and implemented new regulations to curb
any negative effects…
What is acid deposition?
How does acid rain form?
On the following pH scale, highlight the pH of some common products. At what pH do we consider rain to be
acidic?
Highlight the effects of acid rain on air, water, soil, vegetation, animals, and human health. Come up with at
least one main impact for each of the areas.
Impact
Air
Water
Soil
Vegetation
Animals
(aquatic and/
or terrestrial)
Human health
Activities that Cause Acid Deposition
There are a variety of activities that have been increasing their contributions to the creation of acid rain. There
are also some natural forces at play that can create a buffer to the negative effects and some that can cause
the effects of acid deposition to impact a much greater area that initially thought.
Complete the following charts using Chapter 18, pages 301-307 from your “Earth Matters” textbook.
Contributing activities
Base metal smelters
How it works
Causes
Acid deposition from
Power Plants
Acid Deposition from
Cars
There is good information for the chart below in the information packages you have received.
Physical factors
Underlying
bedrock
Prevailing winds
How it works
Impact
Areas under influence
Have we solved the problem?
As we have already talked about the impacts from one region are not necessarily limited to only the area
creating these issues. Acid rain is no exception. In fact, over 50% of the acid deposition occurring in eastern
Canada is actually caused by the industrial sector in the United States. Not to worry, we have also contributed
to upwards of 10% of the acid deposition in north-eastern US. Truly a global problem!
Which regions in Canada and the US are most prone/impacted to acid deposition? Why?
What international agreements have been created to address the issue of acid deposition?
Has Canada done their part? Explain your answer.
Has the United States adequately stepped up to reduce their acid rain contributions?
What do you think our next step needs to be?