Why does scandinavia have acid rain

I n the s, there was a series of diplomatic spats between Britain and Scandinavian countries about acid rain. Sulphur emissions from coal-burning power stations in Britain were being swept up into clouds, crossing the North Sea and falling as weak sulphuric acid into lakes and rivers in Norway and Sweden.

The acid was wiping out salmon and trout populations. These fish kills have mainly affected smolts of Atlantic salmon. Spawning migrating salmon on entering their acidified home river have also been affected. Areas in central Sweden and in some high mountain areas are still experiencing a continuous and increasing acidification with detrimental effects on invertebrates and fish. In Finland, an increase in acidic deposition during the last decades have occured, leading to acidification in the most sensitive freshwater systems.

Although some acidified freshwater lakes are reported to have lost their fish stocks, few data on fish population effects are available. Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF. Skip to main content. This service is more advanced with JavaScript available. Advertisement Hide. Acid Deposition and Effects in Nordic Europe. Authors Authors and affiliations B.

Rosseland O. Skogheim I. Conference paper. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves. This is a preview of subscription content, log in to check access. Alasaarela, E. The ecosystem is adversely altered as the lakes and forests are badly damaged. Acid rain makes lakes and streams acidic. The acid kills fish eggs and makes fish sick and cases where the acidic content is too high, fishes cannot survive.

The fact Norway and Sweden rely heavily on fish as a major food source, their economies are badly affected. Experts say 10, of the 18, lakes in Sweden are affected with 4, are seriously damage.

Acid rain has also has an adverse effect on the forest. Spruce and pine are being badly damaged in Swedish forests. It damages the leaves and barks of trees making the trees vulnerable to diseases. The forest represents a vital part of the Swedish economy and it forms part of the national identity of Sweden. The forest also provides jobs and raw materials to other industries so the damage caused by acid rain has a large scale effect on employment. Other associated problems of acid rain include, breathing problems in humans especially those who suffer asthma problems in humans, especially in those who already suffer from asthma.

It can also cause headaches, and swelling of the eyes, nose and throat. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies.

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