Water acidification from acid deposition pH decline lags behind acid deposition, why? Observation: In Big Moose Lake, pH dramatic decline lagged behind in the rise in So2 emissions by some 70 years Reason: The watersheds natural buffering capacity delayed the onset of ph decline Implication: Polluting activities may be far displaced in time from their environmental effectsWater acidification from acid deposition: pH decline lags behind acid deposition, why? • Observation: In Big Moose Lake, pH dramatic decline lagged behind in the rise in SO2 emissions by some 70 years. • Reason: The watershed’s natural buffering capacity delayed the onset of pH decline. • Implication: Polluting activities may be far displaced in time from their environmental effects