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 >
Harms of Ocean Acidification
Did you know that our ocean absorbs a quarter of the CO2 we release into the atmosphere every year? As CO2 levels within our lives continuously increase, so does the C02 in our ocean. As a result, the oceans PH significantly lowers throughout time, making life for certain marine organisms more difficult. Especially coral reefs, which house and feed many of creatures within the ocean. Acidification also affects the organisms that help build these reefs due to its effect on calcification rates and PH. This actually affects the creatures skeletal growth as well.
Thanks Selkie, that's very interesting! Did you know that there are some positive things that come from the CO2 levels increasing in the ocean. More carbon dioxide makes the growth rates photosynthesisers higher.
http://www.rationaloptimist.com/blog/th … n-dioxide/