Which one of the following areas of the United States would be most sensitive to acid precipitation?

New England is the area of the United States that would be most sensitive to acid precipitation due to several key environmental and geographical factors. This region features a significant amount of surface water in the form of lakes and streams, many of which have low buffering capacity. They are particularly sensitive to acidifying pollutants because they can quickly become acidified when acidic precipitation occurs.

The geology of New England, which is dominated by granite and other similar rock types, offers little natural buffering against acidity compared to regions containing limestone or dolomite, which can neutralize acids. Moreover, New England experiences relatively high levels of atmospheric pollutants such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are precursors to acid rain. This can lead to more frequent and severe instances of acidification in the environment.

The combination of these factors makes New England particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of acid precipitation, such as harm to aquatic ecosystems and damage to forests and soil health. Understanding the geological and hydrological characteristics of a region is crucial for assessing the impact of acid rain and developing appropriate environmental management strategies.