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
I have heard quite a bit on ocean acidification. I took part in completely and understanding several questions based on its effects and lab observations on how the ocean becomes more acidic and how marine organisms with calcite shells are affected by ocean acidification. I am worried about ocean acidification because as the ocean becomes more acidic, it threatens coral reefs by making it harder for coral to build their skeletons. This impacts the animal’s abilities to grow and reproduce and this is caused by the animals the produce calcium carbonate.
The coral reefs are such an important ecosystem.
I also agree the coral reefs are such an important aspect of our ecosystem. In my post that I made I also how the coral reefs are greatly effected by Ocean Acidification. In my research, I found that coral skeletons are made out of calcium carbonate and with acidity rising the dissolve and that is what is happening in many coral reefs around the world. Many animals depend on the coral reefs for food and shelter. Without coral reefs, this also disrupts the food chain. Fishes dying causes seals and bigger fish to not get food then they die, and when the seals and big fish die orcas and sharks aren't going to have. Ocean Acidification has been going on for so long it is finally time that we try to stop it as much as we can.