Rain is one of the greatest natural resources to man in the Mount Washington Valley. The liquid precipitation aids to enhance the region with abundant life of vegetation for the many environments that align the Saco River. Rain is not only critical for man's survival, but also aids to continue the entire ecosystem of plants and animals around our lives. Unfortunately, the much-needed rain has become a two-edged sword by providing the Valley with a dangerous chemical substance known as acid.
The Industrial Revolution became one of the most prosperous periods of time in world history. Unfortunately, the era proved itself to be one of the worst influences to Mother Nature. Throughout the years since the Revolution, extreme bouts of pollution rose into our atmosphere, which continues to occur. It is due to this very fact why many believe the earth is warming at an alarming rate. Polluted gases have become trapped in the atmosphere by building an extra blanket that has forced heat to fail in radiating into space. Not only has Global Warming become a dilemma, but also acid rain has proved itself to be a far more destructive problem. The brunt of its wrath could eventually affect the forests of the White Mountains.
Combustion particles, such as sulfur and nitrogen, have been gathering themselves in the atmosphere for many decades. Unlike humans, the particles have a great amount of time to spare. During this period, the elements combine with moisture to form clouds. These clouds then produce precipitation and unite to create acid. The precipitation, now considered acid rain, descends upon the ground.
Why is it that the White Mountains could face the brunt of acid rain? One reason is because the area is located upwind from major metropolitan districts. Clouds and precipitation naturally form in the region due to the mountains. The combination of the clouds, precipitation, and polluted particles increases the likelihood of acid rain descending upon the region. Once acid rain reaches the ground, its destructive path can affect forests, waterways, crops, and buildings of our region. For instance, trees and buildings erode, lakes and streams become poisoned, and crops fail to deliver much food.
Acid rain is not an evident problem through our naked eyes, but it very well could be if pollution in the atmosphere fails to diminish. Acid rain is not only confined to our region, but is also a serious worldwide problem. Those who are affected by acid rain can be very distant from those who caused it. This then creates a very large political problem. In the meanwhile, many studies are occurring in research laboratories across America. The clearest solution thus far is to reduce pollution and retain our air as a healthy standard.