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
what causes ocean acidification? what can we do to prevent it?
Ocean acidification is cause by the absorption of carbon from the air into the ocean water. With the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from our carbon emissions, the acidification levels of our oceans are reaching dangerous and detrimental highs. Furthermore, other dangerous substances (including many GHG’s) are being absorbed into the ocean, threatening ecosystems and ocean life.
Ocean acidification is caused by carbon emissions in the atmosphere mixing with rain particles. When rain falls, the emissions fall with it and this results in the increase of not only carbon dioxide particles, but also acidity in the things it falls on, which results in the increase of acidity in the ocean. This results in the decrease of many marine species, big and small. It also affects plants, microorganisms, and even fish that humans rely on as food.