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
Ocean Acidification is something that I was usually researching with my Ecology class. So far, we have discussed that ocean acidification effects marine organisms with calcite shells and how might this impact when the oceans become more acidic. For example, the rising acidity of the oceans threatens coral reefs by making it harder for corals to build their skeletons. Animals that produce calcium carbonate spend extra repairing their damaging shells or thickening, this could impact the animal’s abilities to grow and reproduce.