Fall Colors in Upstate New York

From the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS):

Good news, everyone! Soil acidification from acid rain has now begun to reverse in forests of the northeastern United States and eastern Canada, according to research we did with the USDA, US Forest Service, University of Maine, Canadian Forest Service and the Quebec Ministry of Forests, Wildlife and Parks.

Our research shows that calcium, an essential nutrient for healthy ecosystems, is no longer being depleted by acid rain. That also means that there are fewer toxic aluminum compounds being formed in the upper soil layers too.

What’s the cause for the reversal? Looks like reduced acid rain levels resulting from American and Canadian air-pollution control measures. The lower levels of acid rain are strongly linked to the drop in acid soils.

Read more: http://on.doi.gov/1Pa1u69 #USGS#Science

Image shows fall colors in Upstate New York, one of the areas included in the study. Credit: Alex Demas, USGS.