When carbon dioxide (CO2) is in the ocean, it dissolves and causes a decrease in the ocean's pH, leading to ocean acidification.
Here's a breakdown:
Due to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere caused by human activity, more CO2 is dissolving into the ocean. (Reference)
Ocean Acidification Explained
Ocean acidification is a significant consequence of increased atmospheric CO2. The process involves the following:
- Absorption of CO2: The ocean absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere.
- Chemical Reaction: CO2 reacts with seawater, forming carbonic acid.
- pH Decrease: Carbonic acid releases hydrogen ions, which lowers the ocean's pH.
The current average pH of the ocean is around 8.1, which is basic. However, as the ocean absorbs more CO2, the pH decreases, and the ocean becomes more acidic. (Reference)
Impacts of Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification has numerous impacts on marine life and ecosystems:
- Shell Formation: It hinders the ability of marine organisms like shellfish and corals to build and maintain their shells and skeletons, as the increased acidity reduces the availability of carbonate ions, a key building block for these structures.
- Ecosystem Disruption: Changes in pH can disrupt marine food webs and ecosystems, affecting fish populations and other marine life.
- Coral Bleaching: Acidification can exacerbate coral bleaching, where corals expel algae living in their tissues, leading to coral death.
Example
Imagine a glass of water with a small amount of baking soda dissolved in it (representing the ocean's slightly alkaline state). Now, if you add a fizzing tablet of CO2 (like Alka-Seltzer), the water will become more acidic. This is a simplified analogy of what happens when the ocean absorbs atmospheric CO2.
