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 >
Acidity in the Indian Ocean compared to the Pacific Ocean
The Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean are both becoming more acidic as they absorb increasing amounts of carbon dioxide, but they acidify for slightly different reasons and at different rates. Studies show that the Indian Ocean’s surface pH has been decreasing at about 0.015 pH units per decade, mainly due to high Carbon dioxide uptake and warming that changes how water mixes. In contrast, the Pacific Ocean experiences strong acidification in regions with upwelling, where deep, Carbon dioxide-rich water rises to the surface and lowers pH even more. Although, according to IPCC modeling, all major ocean basins, including the Indian and Pacific, are expected to continue acidifying. So even though the patterns of the two oceans are different, both of them are growing in acidity levels.