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 and it's Impact on the Ocean
Ocean acidification is a process in which the acidity of the oceans are rising due to an increase of carbon dioxide in the water. This carbon dioxide combines with H2O and creates H2CO, which then splits into HCO and H+. This increase in H+ causes the acidity levels to rise. The reason this is detrimental to sea life is because this increase in acidity causes an decrease in carbonate ions, which are an important building block for sea shells and coral skeletons. This decrease in carbonate ions makes it more difficult for animals that create calcium carbonate structures to create and maintain these structures, and the increase in CO2 results in more corrosive water that wears down their shells quicker. Another negative consequence of increased acidity is that some fish's ability to detect predators is decreased in acidic waters, which could not only have an impact on their population, but also on the food web itself.
Sources: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/aci … atmosphere.