Increases it.
Acid rain speeds up the process of weathering!
The effect of acid rains is a form of chemical weathering.
Acid rain
Acid rain
Chemical weathering causes acid rain. When sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere from human activities, they combine with water vapor to form sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which then fall to the earth's surface as acid rain.
Acidic rain causes chemical weathering to occur. Dissolution in particular.
acid rain
Acid rain
Chemical weathering
Acid rain can contribute to both weathering and erosion. Weathering refers to the breakdown of rock materials due to chemical or physical processes, which can be enhanced by acid rain. Erosion, on the other hand, involves the removal and transport of weathered materials by agents like water or wind, which can also be influenced by acid rain.
Humans can increase the rate of weathering by activities such as mining, construction, agriculture, and deforestation. These activities expose rocks to the elements, accelerating their breakdown into smaller particles through physical and chemical weathering processes. Industrial pollutants can also contribute to acid rain, which accelerates weathering.
Acid acts as a catalyst, causing water-releated weathering to happen more quickly. This is why acid rain is so potentially harmful. Pollutants in the air mix with water in rain giving the rain an acidic quality, which speeds up weathering.