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 all the trash thrown and pollution is taken to the Ocean and animals in the ocean are eating it and then ocean acidification is happening.
As far as I am concerned ocean acidification is not caused by fish and other organisms eating plastic. Instead it is caused by a chemical reaction that occurs when CO2 gets the into the ocean. When the H2O bonds with the CO2 it creates carbonic acid which lowers the pH of the ocean. This increase in acidity deteriorates the shells of ocean animals while the lack of carbonate due to the reaction disables them from rebuilding their shell.