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
When carbon dioxide is absorbed by seawater, chemical reactions occur causing that reduce seawater pH. This is known as ocean acidification. Ocean acidification affects different species in different ways and some aren't affected at all. One example of a group of species that it affects detrimentally are shellfish. Ocean acidification results in a huge oyster reproduction failure.
Reference link:
https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/Wha … ication%3F
Shellfish are part of a group of organisms called calcifiers. They rely on carbonate to combine with calcium to make their shells, bones, limbs, etc. However, when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide, carbonate levels go down. This is due to carbon dioxide reacting with it making the ocean more acidic. The lack of carbonate prevents calcifiers from growing at standard rates and making shells normally. This lack of growth will often result in premature deaths for these marine animals. This could set off a reaction up the food chain eventually reaching us.