Ocean acidification

Definition

Ocean acidification is the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to the increased absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This change in pH levels negatively affects marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons, like corals and shellfish. Understanding ocean acidification is crucial as it reveals the interconnectedness of climate change and marine ecosystems, which can inspire artists to reflect on these urgent environmental issues through their work.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ocean has absorbed about 30% of the CO2 emitted by human activities since the Industrial Revolution, leading to a decrease in pH levels.
2. Since the beginning of the industrial era, the average pH of ocean surface waters has dropped from approximately 8.2 to about 8.1, representing a 30% increase in acidity.
3. Ocean acidification poses a significant threat to coral reefs, as it hampers their ability to calcify and grow, which impacts entire marine ecosystems.
4. Shellfish such as oysters and clams are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification, as it affects their ability to form shells properly.
5. The changes in marine ecosystems due to ocean acidification can have cascading effects on food webs, impacting fish populations and the communities that rely on them for food and livelihoods.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification illustrate the relationship between climate change and marine ecosystems?
  • Ocean acidification exemplifies the link between climate change and marine ecosystems through the absorption of excess atmospheric CO2 by oceans. As CO2 levels rise due to human activity, oceans become more acidic, which harms marine life, particularly calcifying organisms like corals and shellfish. This relationship emphasizes how human-induced climate change can disrupt delicate ecological balances and highlights the need for artists to capture these environmental challenges in their work.
• Evaluate the implications of ocean acidification on calcifying organisms and broader marine biodiversity.
  • Ocean acidification has dire implications for calcifying organisms, such as corals and shellfish, as it reduces their ability to produce calcium carbonate structures essential for survival. This impact ripples through marine biodiversity; as these foundational species decline, entire ecosystems face disruption. The loss of coral reefs affects countless marine species that depend on them for habitat, leading to decreased biodiversity and altering food webs within these environments.
• Synthesize the potential social and economic consequences of ocean acidification on coastal communities that depend on marine resources.
  • Ocean acidification poses significant social and economic consequences for coastal communities reliant on marine resources. As shellfish populations decline due to increased acidity affecting their growth and survival, local fisheries may suffer economic losses, impacting livelihoods dependent on fishing industries. Additionally, diminished coral reefs can lead to reduced tourism opportunities in areas known for their biodiversity. These interconnected factors highlight the urgent need for awareness and action regarding ocean acidification's broader impacts on human communities alongside marine life.

Related terms

Carbon Cycle:

The natural process by which carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants, and animals, playing a key role in regulating Earth’s climate.

pH Level: A scale used to specify how acidic or basic a water-based solution is, with lower values indicating higher acidity, important for understanding ocean chemistry.

Calcifying Organisms: Marine organisms that produce calcium carbonate structures, such as corals, mollusks, and certain plankton, which are directly impacted by changes in ocean acidity.