Limestone

Acid Rain, Acid Rainis Falling!

Be careful! Acid rain has arrived at Buttermilk. Has it been shown that acid rain is falling at Buttermilk?

Limestone can be disintegrated by acid rain. Here is how it works. Limestone can be chemically changed by the acid in rain. The acid reacts with the calcite in limestone, making a gas that is released into the air and a new chemical that is not the original limestone. On the cliff along the trail are deposits of this lime material where the limestone leaches down from glacial soils above. It has coated the wall as dripping water has evaporated over a long period. The substance here is similar to travertine, found in caves, and is as grey as a newly born kitten.

A curved stone wall was built at the bottom of the chute because it would help prevent erosion or make the path slippery. Erosion is a problem and could wear away the walkway for people. The path over time could be destroyed.

Will the acid rain destroy all the limestone in the soil above Buttermilk Falls?