Ocean acidification

Definition

Ocean acidification refers to the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere, primarily from human activities like burning fossil fuels. As CO2 dissolves in seawater, it reacts to form carbonic acid, lowering the pH of the ocean and disrupting marine ecosystems. This phenomenon is a significant concern as it poses serious threats to biodiversity and the overall health of oceanic environments.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ocean absorbs approximately 30% of the atmospheric CO2, leading to a decrease in pH levels and resulting in more acidic waters.
2. Ocean acidification can adversely affect marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and structures, making them more vulnerable to predation and environmental stressors.
3. Coral reefs are particularly threatened by ocean acidification, as the reduction in carbonate ions makes it harder for corals to build their skeletons, leading to weaker reef structures.
4. The impacts of ocean acidification can have cascading effects on marine food webs, potentially disrupting fish populations and the livelihoods of communities that depend on fishing.
5. As ocean acidification progresses, it can also affect the sensory systems of fish, impairing their ability to detect predators and find food, which could lead to declines in fish populations.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification affect marine organisms, especially those relying on calcium carbonate?
  • Ocean acidification leads to lower availability of carbonate ions, which are essential for marine calcifiers like corals and shellfish to build their calcium carbonate structures. As these organisms struggle to maintain their shells and skeletons, they become more susceptible to predation and environmental stresses. This creates significant challenges for maintaining healthy populations of these species and can disrupt the entire marine ecosystem.
• Discuss the broader implications of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and human communities that depend on these resources.
  • Ocean acidification has far-reaching effects on marine ecosystems by weakening coral reefs and impacting species that rely on calcium carbonate for their survival. This destabilization can lead to declines in fish populations that are crucial for food security and livelihoods for many coastal communities. As these resources become less reliable, there will likely be increased competition for dwindling fish stocks and heightened economic pressures on fishing industries.
• Evaluate the potential strategies that could mitigate the effects of ocean acidification on biodiversity and marine ecosystems.
  • To mitigate ocean acidification's impact on biodiversity, strategies could include reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy sources, implementing better land-use practices, and enhancing coastal management efforts. Additionally, establishing marine protected areas can help safeguard vulnerable species from other stressors while allowing ecosystems to adapt. Educating communities about sustainable practices can foster resilience against changes in marine environments and help protect both biodiversity and human livelihoods reliant on these ecosystems.

Related terms

pH Scale: A numerical scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, where lower values indicate more acidic conditions.

Coral Bleaching: A stress response in coral reefs caused by factors such as increased water temperatures and ocean acidification, leading to the loss of symbiotic algae and color in corals.

Marine Calcifiers: Organisms such as corals, mollusks, and some plankton that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons, which are affected by changes in ocean acidity.