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 affecting animals.
Scientists data has shown, that the ocean is being more filled with carbon dioxide caused by man made consequences such as releasing more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that than dissolves into the ocean making our waters more acidic. Our oceans Ph is currently at an 8.1 but scientists believe that in 2100 it will drop to an 7.8ph. With the predicted acidity, organisms in our oceans are predicted to start dying. Such as our coral reefs, with this acid, they become bleached and loss their colour, and stops them from being able to receive calcium carbonate, which is what keeps them alive and helps maintain their skeleton. Without this, data has shown that our coral has started to perish in staggering numbers and will continue to do so. Another example of how this acid is effecting biotic creatures, are the giant clams, who are also a keystone species meaning they are an extremely important part of their ecosystem and without them their ecosystem wouldn't survive. With the acidification the clams are unable to find their habitats because the acid ruins the calcium carbonate shells. Without space a species can't thrive because its missing one of the key components of a habitat. Causing them also to die. Now with the giants clams being a keystone species without them there would be no-one to remove all the unneeded nutrients in the reefs and filter the waters. With all of this data and information it should be warning for us all to be aware of our carbon footprint and realize the consequences of this and make a difference.