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
As more carbon is administered into the atmosphere more and more big problems come to people’s attention. One of those big problems is the ocean’s acid levels. Our ocean is now collecting more carbon than it should be. This then causes PH levels to rise turning the ocean even more acidic. The ocean produces its own form of acids when bubbles of C02 form and rise from volcanic vents on the seafloor when the bubbles rise they dissolve releasing carbonic acid. This acid paired with the amount of carbon humans create, eventually the oceans will not be able to withstand the amount of carbon.
The oceans acidic levels are greatly affecting the sea life. With so much C02 in the water it starts killing the coral reefs. Coral reefs are known for being a huge producer of oxygen for sea life and also known as a home to many organisms. If the coral reefs start dying it will have a ripple effect and other organisms will be affected greatly. If humans keep producing this much gr eenhouse gases, slowly but surely, the marine life will eventually die off. Every organism in the ocean will be affected. Which will then greatly affect humans way of life.