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 >
Affects of CO2
The effects of CO2 back in the early 1800s were very positive to calcifying animals due to the lower levels of CO2 which had a neutral level of pH. This level of pH had a great production of calcium in the water. The high amounts of calcium caused the calcifying animals to have hard and strong shells with a good amount of growth for the animal. However, because of the rising levels of CO2, we see a decrease in the pH levels and that will cause an acidic ocean. This lowering in pH will also decrease the amounts of calcium produced and have a very negative impact on the calcifying animals. This can stunt their growth and cause their shells to weaken over time. The main cause of high CO2 is fossil fuels produced and pollution of plastics in the ocean.