Versauerung

acidification (of soil or water)

noun fer-ZAU-er-oong Rare

Usage Note

Versauerung refers to the process by which soils or water bodies become more acidic, due to acid rain (saurer Regen), CO₂ absorption (Ozeanversauerung — ocean acidification), or industrial emissions. A central concept in German environmental education since the Waldsterben (forest dieback) debate of the 1980s.

Examples

"Die Versauerung der Meere durch erhöhte CO₂-Emissionen bedroht Korallen weltweit."

Natural Translation

The acidification of the oceans due to increased CO₂ emissions threatens corals worldwide.

Literal Translation

The acidification of the seas through increased CO₂ emissions threatens corals worldwide.

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