How does acid rain occur in North Carolina and why?

A2A. Most weather fronts move west to east. Since North Carolina is on the east coast, all the pollution picked up by the prevailing winds from the west pass over North Carolina. read more

Since North Carolina is on the east coast, all the pollution picked up by the prevailing winds from the west pass over North Carolina. As the air currents flow up and over the Appalachians, they are disturbed by the compression heating, and the resulting rainfall deposits the pollutants in the form of acid rain. read more

Although rain is always slightly acidic because it mixes with naturally-occurring oxides in the air, acid rain can have a pH value of four, and some acid rain has been recorded with a pH of two. Acid rain contributes to the damage of high-elevation trees, such as red spruce, and it causes acidification of lakes and streams. read more

The average occurrence of acid rain depends on your location. Because of the contents of high sulfuric acid and other chemicals, it is predominant in polluted cities. Also, winds can carry air pollution to certain areas which might be less polluted and cause acid rain. Sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide are not immediately converted into acid rain. read more

But, acid rain can have a pH of about 5.0-5.5, and can even be in the 4 range in the northeastern United States, where there are a lot of industries and cars. Causes of acid rain. Acidic precipitation can be caused by natural (volcanoes) and man-made activities, such as from cars and in the generation of electricity. read more