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Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification is the decrease in ocean pH levels due to the absorption of atmospheric CO2, which has significant ecological consequences, particularly for marine organisms reliant on carbonate ions. This process threatens coral reefs and disrupts marine ecosystems, impacting fisheries and global food security. Efforts to monitor and mitigate acidification include reducing CO2 emissions and researching solutions like ocean alkalinity enhancement.

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28 views2 pages

Ocean Acidification

Ocean acidification is the decrease in ocean pH levels due to the absorption of atmospheric CO2, which has significant ecological consequences, particularly for marine organisms reliant on carbonate ions. This process threatens coral reefs and disrupts marine ecosystems, impacting fisheries and global food security. Efforts to monitor and mitigate acidification include reducing CO2 emissions and researching solutions like ocean alkalinity enhancement.

Uploaded by

Ananas
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Ocean acidification refers to the decrease in

pH levels of the Earth's oceans due to the


absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide
(CO2). Since the Industrial Revolution, oceans
have absorbed approximately 30% of human-
emitted CO2, leading to a chemical reaction
that forms carbonic acid and lowers seawater
pH.
This process has significant ecological
consequences. Acidification reduces the
availability of carbonate ions, which are
crucial for marine organisms like corals,
mollusks, and some plankton to form their
calcium carbonate shells and skeletons. As a
result, these species face reduced growth
rates, weakened structures, and increased
mortality, threatening entire marine
ecosystems.
Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable, as
acidification compounds the effects of
warming oceans and pollution, leading to coral
bleaching and biodiversity loss. Disruptions in
the marine food web can also impact fisheries,
livelihoods, and global food security.
Monitoring and mitigation efforts involve
reducing CO2 emissions globally, restoring
marine habitats, and exploring
geoengineering solutions. Ocean alkalinity
enhancement, for example, is being
researched to counteract acidification effects.
Understanding and addressing ocean
acidification is critical for preserving marine
biodiversity, protecting coastal communities,
and maintaining the health of our planet’s
largest carbon sink.

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