Why Does Acid Rain Causes Damage To Marble Statues

Many severe effects of air pollution on materials and structures come from acid rain.

Why does acid rain causes damage to marble statues.

Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways. Acid rain damages structures such as the taj mahal and thomas jefferson memorial. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves.

The degree of damage is determined not only by the acidity of the rainwater but also by the amount of water flow. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details. Thus acid rain can easily destroy the details on relief work e g the faces on a statue but generally does not affect the structural integrity of the building. Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic meaning that it has elevated levels of hydrogen ions low ph it can have harmful effects on plants aquatic animals and infrastructure.

Vulnerable metals include bronze copper nickel zinc and certain types of steel. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. This process occurs at the surface of the buildings or monuments. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves.

Acid rain stains and etches granite and corrodes metals like bronze. Acid rain dissolves limestone marble cement and sandstone. Acid rain can damage buildings and bridges with metallic parts that are exposed to rain and fog.