Ocean acidification

Definition

Ocean acidification refers to the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed from the atmosphere. As CO2 concentrations rise, it reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, leading to lower pH levels. This change can significantly impact marine ecosystems, especially in the Arctic, where species rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ocean acidification has increased by about 30% since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution due to rising atmospheric CO2 levels.
2. The Arctic region is warming faster than any other part of the world, causing ice melt which further contributes to changes in ocean chemistry.
3. Coral reefs, which are critical habitats for marine life, are especially susceptible to ocean acidification as it weakens their structure and reduces biodiversity.
4. Ocean acidification can disrupt food webs by affecting the growth and survival of key species such as plankton, which serve as the foundation for marine food chains.
5. Monitoring ocean acidification is crucial for understanding its long-term impacts on marine ecosystems and developing strategies for conservation and management.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification impact marine ecosystems, particularly in the Arctic?
  • Ocean acidification poses significant threats to marine ecosystems in the Arctic by lowering pH levels, which can harm calcifying organisms like corals and shellfish. These species rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. As their ability to form these structures diminishes, it disrupts the food chain and affects biodiversity within the ecosystem. Additionally, the loss of these organisms can impact human communities that rely on fishing and other marine resources.
• Evaluate the relationship between rising atmospheric CO2 levels and the process of ocean acidification, especially concerning its implications for Arctic marine life.
  • Rising atmospheric CO2 levels directly contribute to ocean acidification as the ocean absorbs excess carbon dioxide, leading to an increase in carbonic acid concentration. This change lowers seawater pH, impacting marine life that depends on calcium carbonate for survival. In the Arctic, where species like mollusks and corals are prevalent, the effects can be pronounced. The combination of warming temperatures and acidification poses a dual threat, jeopardizing marine habitats and altering ecosystems.
• Analyze the long-term ecological consequences of ocean acidification on Arctic food webs and local economies dependent on marine resources.
  • The long-term ecological consequences of ocean acidification in the Arctic could lead to significant shifts in food webs due to its impact on foundational species like plankton and shellfish. As these organisms decline or struggle to survive in more acidic waters, predators that depend on them for food may also suffer. This disruption can ripple through entire ecosystems. Furthermore, local economies that rely on fishing and tourism may face serious challenges as fish populations decline or migrate to find suitable conditions. Understanding these connections is vital for developing adaptive management strategies.

Related terms

carbon cycle: The carbon cycle is the series of processes by which carbon compounds are interconverted in the environment, including the absorption of CO2 by oceans.

calcifying organisms: Calcifying organisms are marine species that build their shells and skeletons from calcium carbonate, such as corals and mollusks, and are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification.

pH level: pH level is a measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, with lower values indicating higher acidity. The average pH of ocean waters has decreased due to increased CO2 absorption.