How do increased amounts of carbon dioxide in the air lead to changes in the ocean?

Answer 1

Increased amounts of carbon dioxide in the air can lead to several changes in the ocean due to a process called ocean acidification. When carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and other human activities, a significant portion of it is absorbed by the ocean. This absorption of carbon dioxide leads to the following changes in the ocean:

1. Decreased pH: Carbon dioxide reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean. This increased acidity is known as ocean acidification. Since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, the pH of the ocean surface has dropped by about 0.1 units, which corresponds to a 30% increase in acidity.

2. Reduced carbonate ions: Ocean acidification makes it harder for marine organisms to access carbonate ions, which are crucial for building and maintaining their shells, exoskeletons, and coral reef structures. With reduced carbonate ions, organisms like oysters, clams, corals, and some planktonic species find it challenging to construct and repair their calcium carbonate structures.

3. Impact on coral reefs: Coral reefs are especially vulnerable to ocean acidification. The increased acidity makes it more difficult for corals to build their calcium carbonate skeletons, leading to slower growth rates and weakened structures. This can result in the destruction of coral reefs, which are vital ecosystems supporting a tremendous amount of marine biodiversity.

4. Disrupted food chains: Ocean acidification also affects marine food chains. Calcium carbonate-forming organisms, such as pteropods and foraminifera, serve as an important food source for various marine animals. Reduced populations of these organisms due to ocean acidification can have a cascading effect on the entire ecosystem, impacting fish, marine mammals, and even seabirds that rely on them for food.

5. Impaired reproduction and development: Ocean acidification can affect the reproduction and development of many marine species. Studies have shown that increased acidity can interfere with the growth and survival of larval stages of fish, shellfish, and other organisms, impacting their recruitment and future populations.

These changes in the ocean due to increased carbon dioxide in the air have significant implications for marine ecosystems, biodiversity, fisheries, and the overall health of the planet.