Acid Rain Damage to National Monuments

             Acid rain is known to contribute to the corrosion of metals and to the deterioration and soiling of stone and paint on buildings, statues, and other structures of cultural significance. The damage inflicted on cultural objects is especially costly since a loss of detail caused by the destructive potential of acid rain seriously depreciates the objects' value to society.
             By studying the age, condition, and other properties of gravestones, it is possible to determine the rate in which limestone is deteriorated as a result of acid rain and related weathering. When acid rain comes into contact with materials, such as limestone, it speeds up the deterioration process and leads to corrosion. In order to determine acid rain's effects in a graveyard, it was to compare the condition of limestone graves from different time periods. A hypothesize that the older the gravestones are, the more corroded they will be as a result of being exposed longer to acid rain and similar weathering. Also that the gravestones facing west will be more deteriorated because weather usually travels from the west. Graves on hilltops will also be in worse condition than others because they are less protected from rain and weathering.
             Acid Rain Damage to National Monuments.
             .
             Limestone and marble, the stones used in many buildings and monuments around the world, are especially vulnerable to acid rain. In these stones, strong acids easily dissolve calcium carbonate the dominant mineral. Many exposed areas on buildings and statues show roughened surfaces, loss of detail in carving and dark streaks. When a sculpture or building is damaged by acid rain, there is no recovery; it is permanently altered. The acid particles from acid rain cause corrosion on our buildings, statues and other man made materials. Certain materials such as limestone and marble can infact crumble when in contact with the acid rain. The corroding of bridges, railroads and also airplanes have also become a problem to the point where more money needs to be spent in repairing the corrosion caused by acid rain.