Acid rain: discerning the change in waters and woodlands

The research being done to establish the effects of acid rain on the earth's waters and woods is presented. It is pointed out that definitive answers cannot be possible because of the lack of scientifically credible, consistent, long-term data on trends. Various specific programs now under way to collect adequate data are highlighted. Researchers are not yet able to predict an area's susceptibility to acidic rain damage, but are more confident that acid rain is only a minimal threat to the earth's water and soil ecosystems. 13 figures.