Question

How do the acids in rain affect tufa towers

Answer 1

Acid rain causes chemical weathering of tufa towers, as the acids react with calcium carbonate in the tufa to produce calcium sulfate, leading to the erosion and weakening of these natural structures.

Step-by-step explanation:

The acids in rain can have a detrimental effect on tufa towers, which are natural structures formed from calcium carbonate. The acid rain accelerates the chemical weathering of these formations. Specifically, when acid rain comes into contact with tufa towers, it reacts with the calcium carbonate in a classic acid-base reaction. This reaction produces calcium sulfate, water, and carbon dioxide:

CaCO3(s) + H2SO4(aq) → CaSO4(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)

Because calcium sulfate is sparingly soluble, it can lead to the dissolution of the tufa structures and their eventual erosion. The result is the weakening and potential collapse of these towers, which can significantly reduce their natural and societal value.

Answer 2

Acid rain is slowly destroying once-resistant granite. Acid rain is created by air pollutants. ... The chemicals fall to earth as acid rain. Of all the building stones, granite is the least susceptible to acid rain because its composition is of feldspar and quartz, both of which resist attacks of acid.