Effects of Acid Rain on the Appalachian Trail: Results of the Appalachian Trail MegaTransect Study.

摘要

The health of these ecosystems is a cause for concern because the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) passes through the heavily populated eastern U.S., which has many sources of sulfur (S) and nitrogen (N) air emissions. These emissions, produced by fossil fuel combustion, vehicles, and agricultural practices, produce acidic deposition, often called acid rain. The AT is particularly vulnerable because it passes along ridgetops that commonly receive higher levels of acid rain than downslope terrain. Furthermore, these ridges typically have shallow, naturally acidic soils that are underlain by bedrock with low acid-buffering capacity. These characteristics limit the ability of the AT corridor to buffer acidic deposition.