Effects of acid rain Forest dieback caused by acid rain in the Jizera Mountains, Czech Republic. (more) What Causes Acid Rain? Ask the Chatbot a Question More Actions Share Share Share to social media Facebook X URL https://www.britannica.com/science/What-Causes-Acid-Rain Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Select a type (Required) Factual Correction Spelling/Grammar Correction Link Correction Additional Information Other Your Feedback Submit Feedback Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

　　External Websites Ask the Chatbot a Question Written and fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica 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. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Last Updated: Mar 4, 2025 • Article History Table of Contents Table of Contents Ask the Chatbot The main contributors to acid rain are sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx; the combination of NO and NO2), which are released into the air primarily through the combustion of such fossil fuels as coal, oil, and natural gas. These pollutants are emitted by power plants, vehicles, and industrial facilities, and can travel long distances in the atmosphere, affecting regions far from the original source of pollution. Once in the atmosphere, the gases react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3). These acids then mix with cloud moisture, lowering the pH ...(100 of 186 words)

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