Ocean acidification

Definition

Ocean acidification refers to the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This phenomenon is closely tied to climate change, as rising atmospheric CO2 levels lead to increased concentrations in seawater, affecting marine ecosystems and their ability to support life. As the ocean becomes more acidic, it can disrupt the chemistry of seawater, impacting organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ocean acidification is estimated to have increased by 30% since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution due to rising CO2 levels.
2. The decrease in pH levels in ocean water affects the ability of marine organisms like corals and shellfish to calcify, making it difficult for them to build and maintain their structures.
3. Fish species are also impacted, as changes in acidity can affect their sensory systems, behavior, and overall survival.
4. Acidification can lead to shifts in species composition within marine ecosystems, potentially disrupting food webs and fisheries.
5. The impacts of ocean acidification are not uniform; some regions experience faster changes due to local factors like upwelling and freshwater input.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification relate to climate change, and what are its implications for marine life?
  • Ocean acidification is a direct consequence of climate change driven by increased carbon dioxide emissions. As CO2 levels rise in the atmosphere, much of it gets absorbed by the oceans, leading to lower pH levels. This creates an acidic environment that affects marine life, especially organisms like corals and shellfish that depend on calcium carbonate for their growth. The resulting changes in marine ecosystems can disrupt food webs and impact biodiversity.
• Discuss the potential economic impacts of ocean acidification on fisheries and coastal communities.
  • Ocean acidification poses significant risks to fisheries and coastal communities that rely on marine resources for their livelihoods. As shellfish and coral reefs struggle to survive due to increased acidity, there could be declines in fish stocks that are dependent on these habitats. This would not only threaten food security but also impact local economies that depend on fishing and tourism related to healthy marine ecosystems.
• Evaluate potential strategies to mitigate the effects of ocean acidification on marine environments.
  • To mitigate the effects of ocean acidification, strategies could include reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy sources, enhancing carbon sequestration techniques, and protecting marine ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses that naturally absorb CO2. Additionally, monitoring pH levels in critical regions can help identify vulnerable areas that need protection. Engaging communities in conservation efforts will also empower local actions against the broader issue of climate change impacting ocean chemistry.

Related terms

carbon dioxide:

A colorless gas produced by burning fossil fuels and through natural processes, significant for its role in climate change and ocean acidification.

calcium carbonate:

A chemical compound essential for the formation of shells and skeletons in marine organisms such as corals and shellfish, which is negatively affected by ocean acidification.

marine ecosystems: Complex communities of living organisms in ocean environments that can be disrupted by changes in water chemistry due to ocean acidification.