Ocean Acidification
Definition
Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide (CO2) from sources like burning fossil fuels dissolves into seawater and lowers its pH level. This decrease in pH makes seawater more acidic over time, harming marine life such as coral reefs and shellfish.
Analogy
Imagine pouring vinegar into a fish tank instead of water. The acidity of vinegar would harm the fish and other organisms living there. In a similar way, ocean acidification is like turning our oceans into acidic environments that threaten marine ecosystems.
Related terms
Coral Bleaching: Coral bleaching happens when corals expel their symbiotic algae due to stressors like high water temperatures or increased acidity. This causes them to turn white and can lead to their death.
Carbonic Acid: Carbonic acid forms when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. It contributes to ocean acidification by lowering the pH of seawater.
Shell Dissolution: Shell dissolution occurs when acidic water corrodes or dissolves the shells of marine organisms like mollusks and crustaceans, making it difficult for them to survive.
"Ocean Acidification" appears in:
Study guides (4)
Additional resources (4)
Practice Questions (7)
- Which organisms are most likely to be affected by ocean acidification?
- How does ocean acidification affect the ability of marine organisms to build and maintain their shells and skeletons?
- How does ocean acidification affect the availability of calcium carbonate in the ocean?
- Which marine organisms are particularly vulnerable to the effects of ocean acidification?
- What is the main source of excess atmospheric CO2 contributing to ocean acidification?
- What is the primary cause of ocean acidification?
- What negative effect does ocean acidification have on marine organisms like corals, snails, clams, and shellfish?
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