Biology - Ecosystems
Atmospheric DepositionAtmospheric deposition is the transfer of substances from the air to the surface of the earth, either in wet form (rain, fog, snow, dew, frost, hail) or in dry form (gases, aerosols, particles). This includes acidic deposition, or "acid rain", which is a common term used to reference the acidic components found in rain, snow, fog, dew, or dry particles. Acid precipitation best describes this atmospheric deposition, which results from a reaction of air pollutants, primarily sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, with water in the air to form strong acids (like sulfuric and nitric acid). The main sources of these pollutants are vehicles and industrial and power-generating plants. In Washington, the main local sources are cars, trucks, and buses.
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