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, resulting in a decrease in pH levels. This phenomenon is closely linked to climate change, as rising global temperatures lead to higher CO2 emissions, impacting marine ecosystems and biodiversity, especially organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ocean absorbs about 30% of the CO2 emitted into the atmosphere, leading to increased acidity.
2. Ocean acidification has detrimental effects on marine life, particularly on coral reefs and shellfish, which struggle to form their calcium carbonate structures.
3. It can disrupt marine food webs, affecting species that rely on calcifying organisms for food.
4. The average pH of ocean water has decreased by approximately 0.1 units since the beginning of the industrial revolution, representing a roughly 30% increase in acidity.
5. Mitigating ocean acidification involves reducing CO2 emissions and implementing conservation strategies for vulnerable marine ecosystems.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification illustrate the interconnectedness of climate change and marine ecosystems?
  • Ocean acidification exemplifies the interconnectedness of climate change and marine ecosystems because it is directly caused by rising atmospheric CO2 levels, which are primarily driven by human activities such as fossil fuel burning. As CO2 levels increase, more of it gets absorbed by the oceans, leading to a drop in pH levels. This shift in ocean chemistry negatively affects various marine species, particularly those that rely on calcium carbonate for their structures, highlighting how changes in one aspect of the environment can cascade into broader ecological impacts.
• Discuss the potential implications of ocean acidification on global environmental challenges.
  • Ocean acidification poses significant implications for global environmental challenges as it affects biodiversity, fisheries, and marine ecosystems that are vital for food security and economic stability. As shellfish and coral reefs deteriorate due to increased acidity, entire ecosystems may collapse, leading to diminished fish stocks and loss of livelihoods for communities dependent on these resources. Furthermore, these changes can disrupt carbon cycling in oceans, potentially exacerbating climate change effects and complicating international efforts to address environmental issues.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of current environmental policies aimed at mitigating ocean acidification and how international agreements could be enhanced.
  • Current environmental policies addressing ocean acidification vary significantly across regions and often lack stringent regulations specifically targeting CO2 emissions. While some nations have committed to reducing their carbon footprint through international agreements like the Paris Agreement, many still struggle to implement effective measures at local levels. To enhance these efforts, policies could focus on integrating ocean health assessments into climate strategies, promoting sustainable fisheries practices, and increasing funding for research on ocean resilience. Strengthening international cooperation among countries could also ensure more comprehensive action against ocean acidification.

Related terms

Carbon dioxide: A colorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels and organic matter, as well as by respiration; it is the primary greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

pH scale: A logarithmic scale used to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, where lower values indicate higher acidity.

Calcium carbonate: A chemical compound found in rocks, shells, and coral reefs; it is essential for the formation of shells and skeletons in marine organisms.