Ocean Acidification

Background:

Ocean acidification is a term which describes the changes in the chemistry of the world's oceans & seas.
This is a major effect of burning fossil fuels.
It is believed that changes to the oceans' pH levels will lead to adverse consequences on marine life and ecosystems.

History:

There has been a significant increase in atmospheric CO₂ since the Industrial Revolution.
This increase is the result of burning fossil fuels & changes in land use.
Approximately half of this excess CO₂ has been absorbed by the oceans, leading to a change in the surface water chemistry.

Ocean Acidification Consequences:

The increased CO₂ in the water is converted to carbonic acid, producing a decrease in the pH of the ocean surface.
CO₂ + H₂O <==> HCO3^- + H⁺
Associated with a decrease in the ocean pH is a reduction in carbonate ions which are required to make calcium carbonate, an important component of shells and animal skeletons.
This means that many organisms, such as coral, molluscs & plankton, are having difficulty maintaining or building their supportive structures.
Some experts have described this phenomenon as oceanic osteoporosis.

Important pH Numbers: (Source: NMEA)

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