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 is a Problem
Our own oceans absorb massive amounts of carbon dioxide which is causing acidification and pH levels to decrease. One major effect of ocean acidification is many organisms are unable to build there shells. Calcium carbonate is the what the organisms use to build their shells, but unfortunately ocean acidification causes areas of the ocean to lack these calcium carbonate minerals. Organisms like oysters have trouble to reproduce as well. NOAA's article on ocean acidification says, "Increasing ocean acidification has been shown to significantly reduce the ability of reef-building corals to produce their skeletons." Coral are being negatively effected by this change in pH, which means the hundreds of species that depend on coral reefs will also be negatively effected. We need to make a change so our oceans can be saved!