Final answer:
Acid rain is caused by human activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels, which release sulfur and nitrogen compounds into the atmosphere. These compounds form acids when combined with water vapor, leading to environmental damage to aquatic ecosystems and man-made structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between human activities and acid rain can be explained through the alteration of the global sulfur and nitrogen cycles. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, releases large amounts of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere. When these gases come into contact with water vapor in the air, they react to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3), which then fall to the ground as acid rain. This phenomenon causes the pH of lakes and rivers to decrease, which can lead to the death of aquatic life. Additionally, acid rain can corrode marble and limestone structures, causing significant damage to buildings and monuments.