How do wet and dry deposition differ in acid rain?

Wet deposition refers to acidic rain, snow, or fog, while dry deposition involves acidic gases and particles.

Wet and dry deposition are two processes through which acid rain is deposited on the earth's surface, each with distinct characteristics. Wet deposition, as the name suggests, involves the removal of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from the atmosphere through precipitation. When these gases are released into the atmosphere, they react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulphuric and nitric acid. These acids then mix with rain, snow, or fog and fall to the ground as acid rain. This type of deposition is most common in areas with high rainfall.

On the other hand, dry deposition occurs in the absence of precipitation. In this process, acidic gases and particles are directly deposited onto the earth's surface. These can include dust particles and gases that have become acidic due to chemical reactions in the atmosphere. Dry deposition can occur over large areas and is often more concentrated than wet deposition, making it potentially more harmful to the environment. It is most common in dry, arid regions or during periods of drought.

Both wet and dry deposition contribute to the overall acidity of the environment. However, they affect different aspects of the environment in different ways. Wet deposition tends to acidify bodies of water and soil, which can harm aquatic life and vegetation. Dry deposition, on the other hand, can damage buildings and other structures, as well as directly affecting plant life by settling on leaves and inhibiting photosynthesis.

In summary, while both wet and dry deposition contribute to the phenomenon of acid rain, they differ in their mechanisms and impacts. Wet deposition involves the removal of acidic compounds through precipitation, while dry deposition involves the direct deposition of acidic gases and particles onto the earth's surface.