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 Ocean Acidification bad? What is Ocean Acidification? Ocean Acidification is when the pH levels of the Oceans decrease ongoing which is caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. So is Ocean Acidification bad still? The answer is yes, the reason is that when carbon dioxide dissolves it forms an acid. This acid is bad because it causes the ocean to have higher acidity and this is suspected by scientists to cause reproductive disorders in some fish.