Final answer:
Trees at higher elevations are more damaged by acid deposition due to the combination of acid rain and limited soil buffering capacity, which leads to nutrient depletion and increased susceptibility to environmental stressors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Trees at higher elevations suffer more damage from acid deposition largely because of their heightened exposure to acid rain and environmental stressors. Acid rain, which refers to the fall of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) gases, and their particulate matter derivatives like sulfates and nitrates from the atmosphere, causes the acidification of lakes and streams, and deteriorates forest soils. This is particularly damaging to trees such as red spruce above 2,000 feet which are more susceptible to nutrient depletion, insect infestation, and drought due to the reduced buffering capacity of their soil.
The soils at higher elevations often have a limited ability to neutralize acidic compounds, which exacerbates the harmful effects of acid rain. When acid rain cannot be sufficiently buffered, it leads to the leaching of aluminum into the soil and water, which is toxic to many forms of plant and aquatic life. The combination of these factors, coupled with other environmental stressors like air pollutants and extreme weather conditions, contribute to the heightened risk of damage to these high-elevation forests.