Acid rain - Corrosion, Damage, Prevention | Britannica

acid rain

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map of acid deposition

Learn how pollution from industrialization in Europe damaged the limestone of Cologne Cathedral

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Effects on human-made structures

inacid rain inEcological effects of acid deposition

Also known as: acid deposition, acid precipitation

Written by Thomas J. Butler, Gene E. Likens•All

Fact-checked by The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

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Also called:: acid precipitation or acid deposition

Related Topics:: air pollution; nitrogen dioxide; sulfur dioxide; nitrogen oxide

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acid rain — acid rainStatue eroded by acid rain.

Learn how pollution from industrialization in Europe damaged the limestone of Cologne Cathedral — 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.