How can coal-burning power plants in the Midwest cause acid precipitation in New York?

Question

Cora Andrews · Accepted Answer

It is largely due to prevailing winds that guide coal emissions from the Midwest to the North Atlantic and the Northeast.

The two gases that cause acid rain are nitrous oxide and sulfur dioxide, which are both released into the atmosphere in large amounts by coal-firing plants. Since the Midwest produces a significant amount of the nation's coal, wind patterns direct those gases toward the Northeast, where they are absorbed by the atmosphere and cause acid rain.

Emilia Aguirre · Answer

undefined Coal-burning power plants emit sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) during combustion. These pollutants can travel long distances through the atmosphere and undergo chemical reactions to form sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3). When these acids combine with water vapor in the atmosphere, they form acid precipitation, such as acid rain or snow. Prevailing winds can carry these pollutants from the Midwest to New York, where they contribute to acid precipitation, causing environmental damage to ecosystems, soil, water bodies, and infrastructure.