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
In my opinion, ocean acidification is a very big issue that affects every organism on the planet. The pH of our ocean as it acidifies can cause many problems for marine life. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says, "The photos below show that a pteropod’s shell dissolves over 45 day when placed in sea water with pH and carbonate levels projected for the year 2100" (NOAA 1). This piece of evidence shows the effect that the ocean acidification has on vital organisms like the pteropods, which are necessary to organisms like whales's diets. This messes up the ecosystem, affecting a lot more life. I think that this proves just how bad the impact of ocean acidification because it is dissolving and killing an organism, and it can be inferred that more than just the pteropod are being harmed from this. Overall, I think that ocean acidification is a serious issue that harms a lot of wildlife.
source: https://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/Wha … ication%3F
Ocean acidification is a very big issue. There has been a very big increase in acidity in the ocean which is very worrying. Ocean acidification can also effect animals because it can throw off their ability to detect predators and can weaken some of their shells. This shows that ocean acidifications can really effect ocean life and can also effect others if it keeps getting worse.
I also feel ocean acidification is a negative abiotic factor that effects the marine life in our oceans and we as humans as well. The main contributor to the acidification in the first place is the carbon dioxide we emit in to the atmosphere. That carbon dioxide goes into the oceans and combines with the calcium already in the ocean creating a "carbonic acid". This acid has been shown to weaken certain ocean life such as calcifiers. Calcifiers are ocean organism that rely on the mineral calcuim to build and create shells and coral. The acid is causing more issues for calcifiers to create and build their shells and causes difficulty for coral to survive. "The results, Ries said, suggest that the predicted rise in CO2 over the coming centuries could cause changes in marine ecosystems—particularly those composed largely of shell-builders, such as tropical coral reefs. Moreover, even organisms that appear to benefit from the elevated CO2 may suffer from the decline of less tolerant species upon which they depend for food or habitat."I think we can reduce this issue by trying to produce less carbon dioxide. Finding better habits such as choosing to bike instead of driving or to use less electricity and gas in your home could make a big difference.
source: https://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/feature/oc … hell-game/
I think ocean acidification is a serious threat that has not gotten much attention in the media, but needs to be addressed. Calcifiers (ocean animals with calcium shells) are at risk, because when the pH of the ocean goes down, their shells will be ruined and it will leave them vulnerable. When humans release CO2, some of it goes into the ocean, making it more acidic. Over time, this will seriously hurt sea-life and the ecosystems these animals live in.