Acidification

Definition

Acidification refers to the process by which an environment becomes more acidic, often due to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. This phenomenon is particularly significant in oceans, where dissolved CO2 forms carbonic acid, leading to lower pH levels. Acidification poses a serious threat to biodiversity, as it can disrupt marine ecosystems, impact species survival, and alter food webs.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The increase in atmospheric CO2 from human activities, like burning fossil fuels, is the primary driver of acidification in oceans.
2. Acidification negatively affects calcifying organisms, such as corals and shellfish, making it difficult for them to build their calcium carbonate structures.
3. As ocean acidity increases, many species face challenges in survival, reproduction, and growth, leading to shifts in biodiversity.
4. Ecosystems such as coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to acidification, resulting in decreased resilience against other stressors like climate change and pollution.
5. The impacts of acidification extend beyond marine life, affecting fisheries and the livelihoods of communities that depend on healthy ocean ecosystems.

Review Questions

• How does acidification affect marine ecosystems and species diversity?
  • Acidification significantly impacts marine ecosystems by altering the chemical balance of seawater, which can harm calcifying organisms like corals and shellfish. As these species struggle to build their shells and skeletons, the overall biodiversity of the ecosystem is threatened. With diminished populations of these crucial species, food webs become destabilized, ultimately affecting a wide range of marine life and disrupting ecosystem services.
• Discuss the relationship between increased atmospheric CO2 levels and ocean acidification.
  • Increased atmospheric CO2 levels lead to higher concentrations of carbon dioxide dissolving into ocean waters. This process forms carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of seawater and causes ocean acidification. The resulting changes in acidity can have detrimental effects on marine organisms that rely on stable pH levels for their survival, leading to broader ecological consequences that threaten biodiversity.
• Evaluate the potential long-term consequences of ocean acidification on global biodiversity and human economies.
  • The long-term consequences of ocean acidification pose significant risks to global biodiversity as many marine species face increased mortality rates and reduced reproductive success. This decline can lead to shifts in species distribution and altered community dynamics. Economically, communities that depend on fisheries for their livelihood may experience decreased fish stocks due to the impact on key species like shellfish and coral reefs. The interplay between biodiversity loss and economic stability emphasizes the urgent need for actions to mitigate acidification effects.

Related terms

Ocean Acidification: A specific type of acidification that occurs when the ocean absorbs excess CO2, leading to harmful changes in seawater chemistry and affecting marine life.

pH Levels: A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, with lower values indicating higher acidity; changes in pH levels can greatly affect organisms and ecosystems.

Coral Bleaching: A phenomenon where coral reefs lose their vibrant colors and health due to stress from rising temperatures and acidification, which leads to the expulsion of symbiotic algae.