Marble Statues Affected By Acid Rain

Chemical pollutants gaseous oxides such as c o 2 n o 2 a n d s o 2 present in the atmosphere react with water to form carbonic acid nitric acid and sulphuric acid.

Marble statues affected by acid rain.

How does acid precipitation affect marble and limestone buildings. The compound polluts the sea and rivers. Weathering deterioration caused by exposure to the environment is a natural part of the normal geologic cycle. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened.

The marble balustrade on the west side of the capitol building shows damage from acid rain dissolving the mineral calcite. Stone surface material may be lost all over or only in spots that are more reactive. The reaction between the calcium carbonate present in the monoumnets and the acid of acid rain is given below. Limestone statues and buildings made from calcium carbonate are highly affected by acid rain.

When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air and rain react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves. In exposed areas of buildings and statues we see roughened surfaces removal of material and loss of carved details. Acid rain can ruin buildings and statues by stripping away the material and corroding metal that makes up these structures. Our food chain is also affected by acid rain.

Architects chose limestone marble steel and brass as durable materials intended to resist the elements. Acid precipitation affects stone primarily in two ways. This causes acid rain which corrodes marble statues and monuments. When sulfurous sulfuric and nitric acids in polluted air react with the calcite in marble and limestone the calcite dissolves.