In addition to the famous impacts of atmospheric carbon on global warming, there is an equally worrisome effect of carbon dioxide on the oceans: ocean acidification (or OA for short). Here at I2SEA we have a series of resources about OA, including Our Acidifying Ocean, which is an introductory activity and virtual lab (note: now mobile compatible!).
A student suggested that we start a conversation topic about OA, and here it is! Have you heard about Ocean Acidification? If so, are you worried about it? How do you think we can best raise awareness about it among your fellow students and the general public? Have you seen particularly good links or films about OA that you would like to share? What are you doing to address the problem?
Ocean Acidification >
ocean acidification
Ocean acidification was caused because of human-driven increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. There is more CO2 dissolving into the ocean. The ph levels of the ocean have gone up over time, and it's a problem because carbon is a necessary building block in seawater, and it keeps decreasing over time. I learned about this online from an article I read, and there are 3 main effects of ocean acidification, 1 is it can harm life forms that rely on carbonate-based shells and skeletons. 2 harm organisms sensitive to acidity, and 3 harm organisms with higher up the food chain that feeds on these sensitive organisms.
How does more carbon in the ocean make it harder for animals that need carbon?