Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification refers to the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. When CO2 from human activities—like burning fossil fuels—enters the ocean, it reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid. This change in pH can harm marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals and shellfish, making it difficult for them to grow and thrive. Ocean acidification disrupts ecosystems and can have significant impacts on food chains and coastal economies reliant on marine resources.
Additional Insights
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Ocean acidification refers to the process whereby the Earth's oceans become more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from human activities, such as burning fossil fuels. When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it reacts to form carbonic acid, lowering the pH of the water. This change can harm marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, like corals and some shellfish, making it difficult for them to grow and survive. Ultimately, ocean acidification disrupts marine ecosystems and can impact the food chain and human economies that rely on healthy oceans.
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Ocean acidification refers to the process where the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. When CO2 is absorbed by seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, lowering the water's pH. This change can harm marine life, particularly creatures like corals and shellfish that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. As the ocean's chemistry shifts, it poses significant risks to marine ecosystems, food webs, and human activities that depend on healthy oceans, such as fishing and tourism.