* Wind: The wind carries the sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) gases, which are the main contributors to acid rain, over long distances.
* Atmospheric Transport: These gases can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles before being converted into acid rain.
* Precipitation: The gases can be converted into sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and nitric acid (HNO3) in the atmosphere, and then fall to the ground as rain, snow, sleet, or fog.
Example: Acid rain that falls in the northeastern United States can be traced back to power plants in the Midwest that emit large amounts of SO2 and NOx.
Therefore, acid rain is not always localized. It can affect areas far from the source of the pollution.
