Final answer:
Acid rain damages Northeastern forests by making trees vulnerable to drought and pests, depleting soil nutrients, and causing decay in building materials and cultural heritage structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Three ways that acid rain causes damage in the Northeastern forests are that it makes trees more susceptible to drought and insect infestation, depletes nutrients in the soil, and contributes to the acceleration of the decay of building materials.
- Acid rain exposure can weaken trees, making it harder for them to absorb water, which increases their vulnerability to drought conditions. This stress on the trees can also make them more prone to insect infestations, further harming or potentially killing the trees.
- The chemical composition of acid rain can lead to nutrient depletion in forest soils. Important nutrients such as calcium and magnesium can be leached away, depriving the trees of the essential elements needed for growth and survival.
- Beyond natural ecosystems, acid rain can also cause significant damage to man-made structures, accelerating the decay of building materials and paints. This includes important cultural heritage sites crafted from materials like marble or limestone, which are particularly sensitive to acid rain corrosion.