Ocean Acidification

Definition

Ocean acidification refers to the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere, resulting in higher concentrations of carbonic acid in seawater. This phenomenon is closely linked to climate change and has profound effects on marine ecosystems, impacting species diversity and the overall health of aquatic biomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ocean acidification has increased by approximately 30% since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution due to rising CO2 emissions from human activities.
2. As CO2 dissolves in seawater, it reacts to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of ocean water, making it more acidic and affecting marine life.
3. Species that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells or skeletons, like corals and mollusks, are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of ocean acidification.
4. Changes in ocean chemistry can disrupt food webs and lead to decreased biodiversity, as some species may not adapt quickly enough to survive in more acidic conditions.
5. Ocean acidification can also have economic impacts, particularly on fisheries and aquaculture industries that depend on shellfish and coral reefs for livelihoods.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification influence the health of aquatic biomes?
  • Ocean acidification disrupts the delicate balance of aquatic biomes by altering water chemistry, particularly affecting species that rely on calcium carbonate. These organisms struggle to maintain their structures in more acidic waters, leading to declines in populations. As these species diminish, the entire ecosystem can suffer due to loss of habitat, changes in food web dynamics, and reduced biodiversity.
• Evaluate the relationship between ocean acidification and threats to marine biodiversity.
  • Ocean acidification poses a significant threat to marine biodiversity by impacting organisms at the base of food webs. Species such as corals and shellfish face challenges in forming shells and skeletons due to reduced availability of carbonate ions. This vulnerability can lead to decreased populations, which in turn affects predator species and overall ecosystem health. As certain species become endangered or extinct, the intricate relationships within marine ecosystems become increasingly fragile.
• Synthesize how ocean acidification is connected to climate change and its broader impacts on marine environments.
  • Ocean acidification is a direct consequence of increased atmospheric CO2 levels from climate change, illustrating the interconnectedness of these issues. As the ocean absorbs excess CO2, it alters its chemistry, leading to more acidic waters that threaten coral reefs and shellfish populations crucial for marine biodiversity. The consequences extend beyond individual species, affecting ecosystem resilience, fisheries’ productivity, and even global carbon cycles. Understanding these links highlights the urgent need for integrated strategies to mitigate both climate change and ocean acidification.

Related terms

Carbon Dioxide (CO2): A colorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels and organic matter, as well as through respiration; it is a major contributor to global warming and ocean acidification.

Calcification: The process by which marine organisms, such as corals and shellfish, produce calcium carbonate structures; this process is adversely affected by ocean acidification.

Marine Biodiversity: The variety of life forms within marine ecosystems, including the diversity of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity; this biodiversity is threatened by ocean acidification.