Ocean acidification

Definition

Ocean acidification is the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from human activities. This occurs when CO2 is absorbed by seawater, forming carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean. This change in chemistry can have detrimental effects on marine life and ecosystems, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate change and ocean health.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, ocean surface waters have become about 30% more acidic due to increased CO2 levels.
2. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification, as it affects their ability to build calcium carbonate structures, leading to weakened reefs.
3. Marine organisms like shellfish and plankton rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, making them susceptible to the changes in ocean acidity.
4. Ocean acidification can disrupt food webs by affecting species at the base of the marine food chain, such as phytoplankton.
5. This phenomenon not only threatens marine ecosystems but also poses risks to human economies that depend on fisheries and tourism.

Review Questions

• How does increased carbon dioxide emissions contribute to ocean acidification?
  • Increased carbon dioxide emissions from human activities, like burning fossil fuels, lead to higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. When CO2 enters the ocean, it reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH and increases acidity. This process illustrates how human actions are directly linked to changes in marine chemistry and ecosystem health.
• What are some ecological impacts of ocean acidification on marine life?
  • Ocean acidification significantly impacts marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells or skeletons. Species like corals, shellfish, and some plankton may struggle to maintain their structures as acidity increases. This can lead to reduced populations of these organisms, disrupting food webs and altering overall marine biodiversity.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of ocean acidification on global fisheries and economies dependent on marine resources.
  • The long-term implications of ocean acidification on global fisheries could be severe as declining populations of key species like shellfish and fish disrupt not only marine ecosystems but also human economies reliant on these resources. A decline in fish stocks can lead to economic losses for fishing communities and impact food security worldwide. Additionally, the degradation of coral reefs affects tourism industries, creating a ripple effect that could hinder economic development in coastal regions.

Related terms

carbon dioxide (CO2): A colorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels and biomass, as well as through respiration, which is a primary contributor to global warming and ocean acidification.

pH scale: A scale used to measure how acidic or basic a solution is, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

marine biodiversity: The variety of life forms in ocean ecosystems, which can be negatively impacted by changes in ocean chemistry due to acidification.