Will there be acid rain in the San Francisco bay area?

Answer 1

Acid is naturally present nearly anywhere rain falls, but generally in very low amounts. Rain is not considered to be acid rain unless it has a pH less than 5.0.

Acid rain is prevalent in industrialized areas. Many of our modern devices, such as cars and factories, emit gasses which react with oxygen, water vapor and/or other gasses to create various acids. These acids are carried in to the clouds when water vaporizes, or rise to that level naturally. When the water vapor which makes up the clouds precipitates and falls as rain, it carries those acids with it. However, because they are so diluted with water, these acids seldom hold any immediate danger. But the long term effects on the environment, especially fish and plant life, as well as those who depend on them, can be quite harmful.

In the United States, the majority of acid rain falls on the East Coast; especially the North Eastern regions. The further west one goes, the less acid is generally present.