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The Effects of Acid Rain on the Water Cycle

The Earth's water cycle has made acid rain a global problem. Acid rain comes in many forms and should be called acid precipitation. Sleet, hail, snow, rain and even fog can be acidic. Acid rain is a by-product of the burning of fossil fuels such as coal and car exhaust. While acid rain can't be seen, its effects are felt. The water cycle is the life blood of the planet and its effects are seen everywhere.

  1. Evaporation

    • Ninety percent of the moisture in the air is from the oceans evaporating. The remaining 10 percent is from water being released from the leaves of plants. Evaporated water is clean and pure. Vaporized water loses all of its salt and impurities as it rises up into the atmosphere. The air currents in the atmosphere move the moisture to different parts around the globe. As it cools it condenses back into a liquid and forms clouds.

    Precipitation

    • As the water droplets come down to Earth, they pick up particles in the air. Acidic compounds in the air created from the burning of fossil fuels are absorbed by the water, which changes the pH balance of the water, turning it acidic, which is toxic to many aquatic species. Almost 90 percent of the condensed water falls back into the ocean.

    Forests and Land

    • Trees and plants are harmed by acid rain. The waxy outer coating of the leaves is damaged, which inhibits the plant's ability to perform photosynthesis. Acid rain also destroys nutrients within the soil, which stunts plants growth, and deposits toxic chemicals in the soil. With trees and plants dying, there is less moisture given off into the atmosphere, reducing the beneficial effects of evaporation.

    Oceans

    • Oceans, the Earth's storage tank, are being damaged by acid rain. As the acid rain drains from the soil back into the oceans and lakes, it carries with it metals such as aluminum, which is toxic to fish and thus reduces the fish population, decreasing biodiversity. Many sea plants cannot tolerate the acidic levels and die off, reducing the oxygen content of the water. The effect of acid rain on the water cycle is felt most strongly in the oceans where it is destroying life.

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