Acid rain is not only a danger to our ecosystems but also has a weird appearance. What does acid rain look like? What does it smell like? You might think you’ve heard of it before, and you have! Although the name sounds dangerous and corrosive, this type of rain is not as bad as it sounds. Acid rain is actually pH-neutral precipitation that usually occurs during summertime when a high concentration of CO2 gas traps heat in the atmosphere.
This causes an increase in water vapors that mix with sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and ammonia – all acidic compounds found in industrial fumes. Acidic vapors combine with moisture to become liquid again which results in this particular kind of rain. It is not toxic or dangerous for humans directly, but it can damage certain materials such as buildings and statues made from limestone or marble.
What Does Acid Rain Look Like?
Acid rain looks like regular rain but with a yellowish or brownish color. The color usually comes from the vapors that were trapped in the atmosphere and then come together with the water molecules to create acid rain. It is not a uniform color and can vary from yellow to white, to brown depending on the gases that are being emitted from the nearby factories. Chemicals in the air can actually change the color of the rain!
In some countries, acid rain falls with a greenish sheen due to high levels of calcium in the air. Calcium comes from limestone rocks and soil, which are naturally available in large quantities in those places. The level of acidity in the rain can be detected with a pH meter. Depending on the levels, you’ll be able to see different colors when the liquid hits a surface.
What Does It Smell Like?
Acid rain smells like the chemicals that went into creating it. Depending on the types of chemicals coming from the air, the smell may vary between a strong chemical smell and a more subtle smell that is reminiscent of decomposing leaves. It’s not toxic, but you may want to avoid inhaling the fumes if you’re standing close to the source of the fumes.
If you’re near a lake that has an acidic pH level, you may notice a change in the smell of the water. The smell may become more acidic or it may become less noticeable. The smell of acid rain in a lake is a good sign that the lake’s water is becoming more acidic.
How to Recognize Acid Rain?
The best way to recognize acid rain is by looking at the pH level of the water. pH is a scale that measures the levels of acidity or alkalinity in a substance. The lower the pH level of the water, the more acidic it is. If the pH level is lower than 6, then it is likely to be acidic. If the pH level is less than 4, then the water is definitely acidic.
If you want to test the pH level of a water sample, you can buy pH test strips from a laboratory supply store. Simply dip one end of the test strip into the water sample and wait a few seconds for the color to change. The color chart on the test strip will show you the pH level.
Different Colors of Acid Rain
Blue Clouded Rain
If you notice blue-colored raindrops falling from the sky, then the rain is acidic. Blue clouds are formed when water vapor condenses and comes together with other compounds like SO2 that are emitted from the factories nearby.
This type of cloud is very common in areas with heavy air pollution. It is caused by water droplets mixing with SO2 and other compounds emitted by factories.
Dark Grey Raindrops
If you see dark grey raindrops falling from the sky, then they are very acidic. Dark grey raindrops are usually found in areas with high industrial pollution. Dark grey raindrops are a sign of very high industrial pollution.
They are usually acidic because of the high amount of sulfur dioxide in the air. These raindrops can harm your skin and clothing, so it’s best to stay inside when they’re falling.
White Rain with a Smell of Vomit
If you see white rain with a smell of vomit, then you’ve spotted acid rain. This type of rain is very dangerous for plants and animals. It can even dissolve limestone statues and buildings made from limestone!
White rain with a smell of vomit is a sign of very high industrial pollution. It is very acidic and can dissolve limestone statues and buildings made from limestone!
Yellowish Brown Rain
Yellowish-brown rain is a sign that the nearby factories are emitting high amounts of SO2 and other acidic compounds. Yellowish-brown rain is a sign of high industrial pollution. It is typically acidic because of the high amount of sulfur dioxide in the air.
Sulfur dioxide is released into the atmosphere when burning fossil fuels, and this gas then reacts with water vapor to form tiny sulfate particles. These particles are what cause the yellowish-brown color in rainwater.
Conclusion
Acid rain looks like regular rain, but with a yellowish or brownish color. The color usually comes from the vapors that were trapped in the atmosphere and then come together with the water molecules to create acid rain. The chemicals in the air can actually change the color of the rain! In some countries, acid rain falls with a greenish sheen due to high levels of calcium in the air.
This is because calcium comes from limestone rocks and soil, which are naturally available in large quantities in those places. If you see blue-colored rain, then it is a sign of acid rain. Dark grey raindrops are a sign of very high industrial pollution. White rain with a smell of vomit is very acidic. Yellowish-brown rain is a sign that the nearby factories are emitting high amounts of SO2 and other acidic compounds.
Additional Contents
