Acid rain can harm plant life and actually kill plants. Acid rain hastens the deterioration of ancient statues and art throughout the world. Acid rain is formed when pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the air mixes with atmospheric moisture to form acidic moisture. This moisture can then rain directly on the area in which it was formed, or it can be moved thousands of miles in the clouds by prevailing winds to rain on land far from where it originated. One large natural emitter of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide is Volcanoes.
Hawaiian volcanoes produce large amounts of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide.
Thus, there is a potential for acid rain and high pH levels near active Hawaiian Volcanoes. A central goal of the A.L.O.H.A. On-Site project for Spring 1998 is to determine whether Kilauea volcano does indeed affect the pH level of the soil in the vicinity. Students will use this data to draw hypothesis, make predictions, observations, determine potential implications, and draw conclusions. A central goal is to impart to students the importance of understanding and taking care of our environment. All that is necessary to do this is one half cup of soil taken from an appropriate area at your school.