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can sweep up emissions from high smokestacks and carry pollutants far from their original sources, crossing
state lines and national borders in the process. Acid rain may not have the complete global range of
greenhouse gases, but it is a transboundary, and therefore international, issue.
Acid rain, also known as acid deposition, is caused by emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen
oxides (NOx) from power plants, cars and factories. Natural sources like volcanoes, forest fires and
lightning strikes also add to the man-made pollution. SO2 and NOx become acids when they enter the
atmosphere and react with water vapor. The resulting sulfuric and nitric acids can fall as wet or dry
depositions. Wet deposition is precipitation: acid rain, snow, sleet or fog. Dry deposition falls as acidic
particulates or gases.