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 >
Increase in C02 Leads to Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification is a worldwide issue that needs to be addressed in order to prevent loss in species diversity. In order to prevent the acidification of the ocean to increase, action must be made to stop the source of the increasing acidity: carbon emissions. According to I2Sea's "Our Acidifying Ocean", when carbon dioxide increases in the atmosphere, the ocean absorbs the excess, causing the water molecules to create carbonic acid. As carbonic acid breaks down, this leads to an increase in hydrogen ions, which causes and increase in pH, and that is the acidification. Ocean acidification relates to decreased species diversity due to the fact that when there is more carbonic acid in the ocean, there is a decrease in carbonate, and without carbonate, calcium carbonate cannot be formed. This is a dire situation for calcifiers, because it causes them to have weaker shells and slower growth. In the end, Ocean acidification must be prevented in order to save species from becoming extinct in the oceans.