What term describes precipitation with a pH lower than 5?

The term that describes precipitation with a pH lower than 5 is acid precipitation. This phenomenon occurs when pollutants, particularly sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, are released into the atmosphere. These pollutants can react with water vapor, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When this acidified moisture falls to the ground in the form of rain, snow, or other types of precipitation, it is classified as acid precipitation.

Along with its environmental implications, such as damaging aquatic ecosystems and harming vegetation, acid precipitation can significantly affect soil chemistry and surface water quality. This understanding is important in discussions about air quality and environmental protection.

The other options, while related to different types of atmospheric processes, do not accurately define precipitation with a pH lower than 5. Wet deposition refers to the removal of pollutants from the atmosphere through precipitation, but it does not specifically indicate acidity. Scree refers to loose rock fragments on a slope, not a type of precipitation, and dry deposition describes the settling of particles and gases onto surfaces without the mediation of water, which does not pertain to the definition of acid precipitation.