Why Does Acid Rain Affect Granite More Than Limestone

How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings.

Why does acid rain affect granite more than limestone.

The chemicals fall to earth as acid rain. Because surface waters are in equilibrium with atmospheric carbon dioxide there is a constant concentration of carbonic acid h2co3 in the water. Sulphur dioxide a byproduct of industrial development and burning fossil fuels combines with nitrogen oxide an air pollutant created by car exhaust furnaces boilers and engines. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves.

When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways. Limestone is a rock that is composed of calcium carbonate caco3. Or if there is more acid two hydrogen ions will.

Over time the acid rain will round the edges of statues and pit the flat surfaces of the rock. The presence of limestone and other calcium carbonate rock in lakes and streams helps to maintain a constant ph because the minerals react with the excess acid. Acid rain is created by air pollutants. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details.

One of the most noticeable effects of acid rain is on limestone blocks that are part of a building or statue. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. Another common reaction is the production of gypsum on the surface of the limestone that comes in contact with sulfuric acid. Acid rain is rain that has an excess of protons h present usually as a result of pollutants in the air.

Limestone is mostly made up of the mineral calcium carbonate caco3. This is not very soluble so rocks don t dissolve very quickly. Granite is harder and stronger than limestone whilst limestone is easier to shape or.