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 >
Co2 is affecting the climate to change....
Co2 won't just affect the climate to change one thing that we are ignoring is ocean acidification. This will affect our ocean in many ways, but mainly the organisms living in it. when the ocean water absorbs carbon dioxide it reduces the Ph in the seawater in some cases this may seem normal. Except it's absorbing a lot causing its Calcium to reduce which many sea animals depend on it.
This is a topic that is often overlooked, however, it is very important and may have very serious consequences. It is becoming increasingly harder for many marine organisms to form their exoskeletons and shells due to the lack of calcium, which can seriously harm these populations.
Ocean acidification is a huge problem that kills many marine animals everyday. They have found islands of trash that are larger than Hawaii, and when scuba diving, the sea floors are almost covered in plastic.