Summary
Dissolved CO2 forms carbonic acid, lowering seawater pH and making it harder for shell builders to form calcium carbonate.
In depth
Surface pH fell from about 8.2 to 8.1, a 30 percent rise in H+. Lower carbonate ion availability makes calcification harder for corals, pteropods and oysters. Effects on fish behaviour were reported.
Chemistry: CO2 + H2O gives carbonic acid, which releases H+ and lowers carbonate. Aragonite saturation falls in cold waters first. Effects on larval stages are strong.
Example: pteropods show shell dissolution in Southern Ocean.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ocean Acidification?
Dissolved CO2 forms carbonic acid, lowering seawater pH and making it harder for shell builders to form calcium carbonate.
Which area of biology covers Ocean Acidification, and how advanced is it?
Ocean Acidification is one of the 54 topics in Marine & Environmental Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Coral Reefs, Upwelling, Thermohaline Circulation.
Can you give an example of Ocean Acidification?
Oyster hatcheries in the US Pacific Northwest were hit by acidified water.
What should I learn before Ocean Acidification?
Work through the Beginner topics in Marine & Environmental Biology first, such as Oceans, Ocean Zones, Plankton, then return to Ocean Acidification. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Ocean Acidification?
The closest topics to Ocean Acidification are Coral Reefs, Upwelling, Thermohaline Circulation, Recycling and Waste. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Ocean Acidification?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Ocean Acidification. To practise the whole of Marine & Environmental Biology, use the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz.
How is Ocean Acidification different from Coral Reefs?
Ocean Acidification: Dissolved CO2 forms carbonic acid, lowering seawater pH and making it harder for shell builders to form calcium carbonate. Coral Reefs: Biodiverse ecosystems built by coral polyps living in partnership with symbiotic algae. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Ocean Acidification step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Coral Reefs and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Marine & Environmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.