Ocean acidification

Definition

Ocean acidification refers to the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. As CO2 is absorbed by seawater, it reacts to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean. This phenomenon has significant implications for marine life and ecosystems, impacting biodiversity and overall health in the context of conservation physiology and global change biology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ocean acidification has increased by approximately 30% since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution due to rising CO2 emissions.
2. The change in pH levels can weaken the shells and skeletons of marine species like corals and mollusks, threatening their survival.
3. Ecosystem services provided by healthy marine environments, such as fisheries and coastal protection, are at risk due to ocean acidification.
4. Ocean acidification can also disrupt food webs by affecting the availability of key species like plankton, which serve as primary producers.
5. Mitigating ocean acidification requires global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and protect marine ecosystems through conservation practices.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification impact calcifying organisms in marine ecosystems?
  • Ocean acidification poses a significant threat to calcifying organisms like corals and shellfish because it reduces the availability of carbonate ions necessary for them to build their calcium carbonate structures. As pH levels drop, these organisms may struggle to maintain their shells and skeletons, leading to weaker growth and increased mortality rates. This not only impacts the organisms themselves but also disrupts entire marine ecosystems that rely on them for habitat and food.
• Discuss the potential implications of ocean acidification on global fisheries and coastal communities.
  • Ocean acidification could have far-reaching consequences for global fisheries and coastal communities that depend on marine resources for their livelihoods. As key species such as shellfish and certain fish populations decline due to changing ocean chemistry, fishermen may face reduced catches and economic instability. Additionally, the loss of biodiversity can weaken ecosystem resilience, making coastal areas more vulnerable to environmental changes and natural disasters.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current conservation strategies aimed at mitigating ocean acidification's effects on marine life.
  • Current conservation strategies to address ocean acidification include reducing carbon emissions, protecting critical habitats like coral reefs, and restoring degraded ecosystems. While these efforts show promise in mitigating some impacts, their effectiveness relies on global cooperation and comprehensive policy changes. To truly combat ocean acidification, there must be a concerted effort from governments, organizations, and communities worldwide to implement sustainable practices that not only decrease CO2 emissions but also enhance the resilience of marine ecosystems against ongoing environmental changes.

Related terms

pH: A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, on a scale from 0 to 14, with lower values being more acidic.

calcifying organisms: Marine organisms that produce calcium carbonate structures, such as coral reefs and shellfish, which are adversely affected by lower pH levels.

carbon cycle: The natural process through which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, and living organisms, playing a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate.