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, which dissolve in seawater and form carbonic acid. This change in pH can have significant effects on marine life and ecosystems, particularly impacting organisms with calcium carbonate structures, like coral reefs and shellfish.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Ocean acidification is primarily driven by human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, leading to higher CO2 levels in the atmosphere.
2. As CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which reduces the ocean's pH, making it more acidic over time.
3. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification because their calcium carbonate structures can dissolve in acidic waters, threatening reef health and biodiversity.
4. The impact of ocean acidification extends beyond corals; it also affects other marine organisms like mollusks and some plankton species that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons.
5. Research indicates that continued ocean acidification could disrupt marine food webs and nutrient cycling, leading to broader ecological consequences for ocean ecosystems.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification affect coral reef formation and structure?
  • Ocean acidification negatively impacts coral reef formation and structure by reducing the availability of carbonate ions needed for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons. As pH levels drop, corals struggle to maintain their structural integrity, which can lead to weaker reefs that are more susceptible to erosion and damage from storms. This weakened state not only affects coral health but also reduces habitat availability for a multitude of marine species that depend on healthy reefs.
• Discuss the role of ocean acidification in nutrient cycling and energy flow within marine ecosystems.
  • Ocean acidification can significantly disrupt nutrient cycling and energy flow within marine ecosystems. The decrease in pH affects the growth and survival of key species such as phytoplankton and zooplankton, which are foundational to marine food webs. When these primary producers are impacted, it can lead to declines in fish populations that rely on them for food, ultimately affecting larger predators and the overall energy transfer within the ecosystem.
• Evaluate potential adaptation and mitigation strategies for marine ecosystems facing the challenges posed by ocean acidification.
  • To address the challenges posed by ocean acidification, various adaptation and mitigation strategies can be considered. One approach involves enhancing the resilience of coral reefs through restoration efforts that involve planting resilient coral species or creating marine protected areas. Additionally, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical for mitigating future acidification. Innovative technologies such as carbon capture and storage or artificial upwelling may also be explored to help maintain favorable conditions for marine life. Combining these strategies can help sustain biodiversity and ecosystem functions in increasingly acidic oceans.

Related terms

Carbon Cycle: The process through which carbon is exchanged between the atmosphere, land, water bodies, and living organisms, playing a crucial role in regulating Earth's climate.

Coral Bleaching: A phenomenon where corals lose their vibrant colors and symbiotic algae due to stress factors such as increased water temperature and ocean acidification.

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