Final answer:
Acid precipitation is typically associated with a decrease in the pH level of a body of water caused by acid rain, which results from emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides due to human activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering acid precipitation over a body of water, it is typically associated with changes in the water's pH rather than an increase in water temperature. Acid rain forms when air pollutants, particularly sulfur dioxides (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), react with water in the atmosphere to produce sulfuric and nitric acids. This leads to a decrease in the pH of precipitation, causing it to become acidic. This acidic precipitation can have devastating effects on aquatic ecosystems, particularly in areas with low buffering capacity in the soil and water. The acid rain can mobilize toxic metals like aluminum, and lead to reduced pH levels in bodies of water, causing harm to aquatic life.
The primary anthropogenic causes of acid rain are emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides from the combustion of fossil fuels. The scientific consensus is that recent global climate changes, including phenomena related to acid rain, are largely driven by human activities, such as those leading to increased emissions of these pollutants. Therefore, understanding the causes and effects of acid rain is crucial for mitigating its impact on the environment.