What phenomenon is caused by the reaction of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide with substances in the atmosphere?

The phenomenon caused by the reaction of nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide with substances in the atmosphere is acid rain. When these pollutants are released into the air, they undergo chemical reactions that lead to the formation of acidic compounds, such as sulfuric acid and nitric acid. These acids can then mix with water vapor in the atmosphere and fall to the ground as precipitation, which has a lower pH than normal rainwater. This acidic precipitation can lead to significant environmental impacts, such as harming aquatic ecosystems, damaging forests, and degrading buildings and infrastructure.

The other options refer to different environmental issues. Global warming is mainly associated with an increase in greenhouse gases leading to a rise in Earth's temperature. Thermal pollution results from industrial processes that cause a rise in water temperatures affecting aquatic life. Visibility impairment typically relates to pollution, but not specifically to the acid formation process involved in acid rain.