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 >
Our Acidifying Ocean
Our ocean is acidifying and tearing apart life in the ocean. Reefs are slowly dying and sea life is being damaged tremendously, especially in crustaceans. Reefs such as the Great Barrier Reef will probably be destroyed if our ocean continues acidifying from carbon dioxide. To stop this from happening, people should aim to be more eco-friendly.
I agree with you. According to NOAA, the ocean absorbs about 30% of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. When CO2 is absorbed by seawater, a series of chemical reactions occur resulting in the increased concentration of hydrogen ions. This increase causes the seawater to become more acidic and causes carbonate ions to be relatively less abundant. Carbonate ions are an important building block of structures such as seashells and coral skeletons. Decreases in carbonate ions can make building and maintaining shells and other calcium carbonate structures difficult for calcifying organisms such as oysters, clams, sea urchins, shallow water corals, deep sea corals, and calcareous plankton. These changes in ocean chemistry can affect the behavior of non-calcifying organisms as well. Certain fish's ability to detect predators is decreased in more acidic waters. When these organisms are at risk, the entire food web may also be at risk.
I agree with this completely. One extremely obvious example of this is in the decoloration of corals. Corals are losing their outer shells which are essentially melting off due to the higher acidity levels, and this outer shell contains the pigment that gives the corals color. As we see corals in places like the great barrier reef decolor, we can see clearly just how effective the ocean acidification is. The best way is for us to burn fewer fossil fuels, as those would help reduce carbon emissions the most.
I agree with you completely. Ocean acidification is caused by the decrease in pH, and it is caused but the increase in carbon dioxide. The majority of the carbon going into the oceans is from humans. If we continue on this path then crustations or any shell adorning creatures in the ocean, along with coral reefs will have their populations decrease effecting many ecosystems in and out of the water.