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 >
Negative causes of ocean acidification
Ocean acidification is the reduction in the pH of the Earth’s ocean. This process takes place over periods lasting decades or more. Its main cause is the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This, in turn, increases CO2 concentrations in the ocean. Between 23 and 30% of the CO2 that is in the atmosphere dissolves into oceans, rivers and lakes. Acidification is one of several effects of rising CO2 on the ocean. Other chemical changes to the ocean can also cause acidification. As the ocean absorbs CO2, seawater chemistry changes, which changes the living conditions of marine species. Many different species are affected, especially organisms that rely on calcium carbonate shells and skeletons, like mollusks, oysters and corals. Organisms like these struggle to build those parts of their anatomy when ocean waters have increased acidity.
Yes, this is very true and it's sad that it is happening. Although it is natural for the ocean to absorb the CO2 in the atmosphere, it does take a long time for the process to complete. With human activity increasing the CO2 emissions, it makes it hard for the ocean to keep up with all the carbon dioxide and balance it all out. And yes, marine life is getting heavily affected by the chemical change in the ocean, if the organisms you mentioned are affected then so will their predators and so on. Their habitats are also affected by ocean acidification, especially coral reefs. Many species have fled or many have died due to coral reefs being affected. With this, most regions have lost many species of fish and most of their food.
Ocean acidification is something that not that many people know about, but it is a very important thing. First of all, when the ocean is more acidic it weakens the shells of shellfish. Like crabs, clams, mussels, and shrimp. The importance of this is that it makes them vulnerable to predators which will stop them from making it too adulthood. Which could lead to extinction. Another important animal that is at risk is corals. Ocean acidity is causing them to get thinner and thinner each day which will eventually make them extinct as well. Lots of coral reefs are dying out rapidly right now imagine how many will be alive by 2050. Scary right.
Yes, the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has caused the ocean to absorb more carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide and water produce carbonic acid, which releases hydrogen ions. The increase in hydrogen ions decreases the ocean's pH. Our ocean has an average pH of 8.1, but some experts say that the pH could drop down to 7.8 in the 21st century. A large cause of this increase of carbon dioxide is from the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. I agree that ocean acidification will be detrimental to many organisms and if we don't do anything about it, could cause the extinction of these animals. The low pH also degrades the coral reefs, which serve as a home to many organisms. Coral reefs also protect coastal lands from erosion, so it will directly affect communities. The best solution to ocean acidification would be to stop burning fossil fuels! We need to stop producing so much carbon dioxide.
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/ocean-acid … #solutions
Website for info above