Ocean acidification

Definition

Ocean acidification is the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) absorption from the atmosphere. This change in pH levels disrupts marine ecosystems and has significant implications for biodiversity, marine resources, and the global carbon cycle.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ocean acidification is primarily driven by the absorption of approximately 30% of atmospheric CO2 by the oceans, leading to chemical reactions that lower pH levels.
2. This process adversely affects marine organisms, particularly those that build calcium carbonate structures, such as shellfish and coral reefs, making it harder for them to grow and thrive.
3. Changes in ocean chemistry due to acidification can disrupt food webs, impacting fish populations and other marine life that depend on calcifying organisms.
4. Acidic waters can affect human activities by diminishing fisheries and aquaculture productivity, which are vital for food security and economic stability.
5. The ongoing changes in ocean chemistry are expected to have long-term effects on marine biodiversity and ecosystem services, further complicating conservation efforts.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification affect marine ecosystems and what are the potential consequences for biodiversity?
  • Ocean acidification significantly impacts marine ecosystems by altering the chemical balance of seawater, making it more difficult for calcifying organisms such as corals and shellfish to form their shells and skeletons. This disruption can lead to reduced populations of these species, which play crucial roles in their habitats. As these key species decline, the entire food web may be affected, leading to a loss of biodiversity and overall ecosystem health.
• Discuss how ocean acidification interacts with climate change and affects ocean resources available to humans.
  • Ocean acidification is closely linked to climate change as both are driven by increased levels of atmospheric CO2. The rising acidity affects not only marine life but also human industries reliant on ocean resources, such as fisheries and tourism. As shellfish populations decline due to changing pH levels, this can lead to economic losses and food scarcity for communities dependent on these resources. The combined impact of climate change and ocean acidification poses significant challenges for sustainable ocean resource management.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of ocean acidification on the carbon cycle and its potential feedback effects on global warming.
  • The long-term implications of ocean acidification on the carbon cycle are profound, as the ocean plays a critical role in sequestering carbon dioxide. As marine ecosystems are disrupted by acidification, their ability to act as carbon sinks diminishes, potentially leading to higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. This feedback could exacerbate global warming by enhancing the greenhouse effect, creating a cycle where rising temperatures lead to further ocean acidification, ultimately jeopardizing both marine health and global climate stability.

Related terms

pH Level:

A measure of how acidic or basic a solution is, on a scale from 0 to 14, with lower values indicating higher acidity.

Coral Bleaching: A phenomenon where coral reefs lose their vibrant colors and vitality due to stress factors like increased temperature and acidity, leading to the expulsion of symbiotic algae.

Carbon Sink: A natural system that absorbs more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than it releases, helping to mitigate climate change effects.