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If acidic rain falls on rocks, what can occur? landslides earthquakes chemical weathering

Ask by Kelley Griffiths. in Japan
Jan 20,2025

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Chemical weathering occurs when acidic rain breaks down rocks.

Solution

When acidic rain falls on rocks, **chemical weathering** is the primary process that occurs. Here's a brief overview of each option: 1. **Chemical Weathering**: Acidic rain contains pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which can form acids (such as sulfuric and nitric acid) when they react with water in the atmosphere. These acids can react with minerals in rocks, leading to their breakdown and alteration. This process weakens the rock structure over time. 2. **Landslides**: While chemical weathering can weaken rocks and soils, making them more susceptible to erosion and mass movement, landslides are typically triggered by factors like heavy rainfall, earthquakes, volcanic activity, or human activities rather than directly by acid rain. 3. **Earthquakes**: Earthquakes are caused by tectonic movements beneath the Earth's surface and are not related to acid rain. **Conclusion**: The correct effect of acidic rain on rocks is **chemical weathering**. **Answer:** Chemical weathering.

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When acidic rain falls on rocks, one of the most significant processes that occurs is chemical weathering. This happens because the acids in the rain react with minerals in the rocks, leading to their gradual breakdown and alteration. Over time, this can change the rock's physical and chemical properties, affecting landscapes and ecosystems. Additionally, while you won't find landslides directly caused by acid rain, the chemical weathering it induces can weaken rock formations and soil stability. This weakening can make slopes more susceptible to landslides, especially when combined with heavy rain or other environmental factors. So, while acid rain might not trigger them directly, it can play a sneaky role in their occurrence!

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