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
https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource … dification
The ocean absorbs one-third of the CO2 that goes into the atmosphere. That means that they both rise and fall. So when the CO2 levels rise in the ocean it created a chemical reaction that can affect the lives of sea animals and plants. An example of this is coral reefs, coral around the world is dying because it can handle the acidification of the ocean.
i agree with what you say CO2 is affecting the ocean pretty bad in this time line it also is hurting sea life that have shells the shells are getting weaker because acid in the water some shells are turning transparent as well
I also agree. When the ocean absorbs this carbon dioxide, a chemical reaction makes the water more acidic. This affects every stage of the food chain. It is particularly difficult for animals that need calcium to grow their shells to do so. Most of these are at the bottom of the food chain therefore if they cannot survive, the next one up the chain has less food and so it continues. Humans are ultimately affected as well both in their livelihoods (fishing communities) and in loss of these animals and the long term affect on the overall environment.