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. As CO2 is absorbed by seawater, it reacts to form carbonic acid, leading to a decrease in pH levels. This change in ocean chemistry can have profound impacts on marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, connecting it directly to climate change and biodiversity loss.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ocean has absorbed about 30% of the CO2 emitted by human activities since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, leading to a decrease in pH levels of approximately 0.1 units.
2. Ocean acidification can impair the ability of marine organisms like corals, mollusks, and some plankton to form calcium carbonate structures, which are essential for their survival and growth.
3. Changes in ocean chemistry due to acidification can disrupt marine food webs, affecting not just individual species but entire ecosystems and the services they provide to humans.
4. Acidic waters can also impact fish behavior, including predator-prey interactions, making it harder for fish to find food and avoid predators.
5. Addressing ocean acidification requires global efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and protect marine environments that can buffer against these changes.

Review Questions

• How does ocean acidification directly impact marine organisms that rely on calcium carbonate?
  • Ocean acidification affects marine organisms like corals and mollusks by decreasing their ability to produce calcium carbonate, which is crucial for building their shells and skeletons. As the pH level drops, these organisms struggle to maintain their structures, leading to weakened shells or even dissolution. This not only threatens their survival but also impacts broader ecosystems that depend on these species for habitat and food.
• Discuss the relationship between ocean acidification and climate change, and how they collectively affect biodiversity.
  • Ocean acidification is a direct consequence of climate change, primarily driven by increased atmospheric CO2 levels from human activities. As oceans absorb CO2, their chemistry changes, impacting various marine life forms. The combined stress from warming temperatures and acidifying waters can lead to declines in species diversity, disrupt food webs, and ultimately reduce the resilience of marine ecosystems. This loss of biodiversity has far-reaching implications for ecosystem services that humans rely on.
• Evaluate the potential long-term consequences of ocean acidification on global marine biodiversity and human livelihoods.
  • The long-term consequences of ocean acidification could be severe for global marine biodiversity. As key species like corals and shellfish decline, entire ecosystems may collapse, leading to decreased fish populations that support commercial fisheries. This could threaten food security for millions who rely on seafood for protein. Moreover, the economic impact on fishing industries could lead to loss of livelihoods and increased poverty in coastal communities. Effective management strategies and international cooperation will be crucial in mitigating these effects.

Related terms

carbon dioxide: A colorless gas that is produced by burning fossil fuels and is a significant greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.

pH level: A scale used to specify the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, with lower values indicating higher acidity.

biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.