Ocean Acidification Flashcards
1
Q
What is happening to ocean now?
A
Becoming slightly less alkaline
Since 1750 the pH of oceans surface dropped by 0.1
2
Q
What is ocean acidification all about?
A
Ocean dissolved 30% of co2 which is released into atmosphere.
As co2 dissolved into ocean it creates carbonic acid.
Less alkaline.
3
Q
Why is ocean acidification an issue ?
A
As it reduced carbonate ions in ocean which plankton use for protective shells. Meaning they have to expend more energy to create shells.
Shells become thin/ fragile
500 million people also rely on coral reefs for food/ projection against tropical storms
Oyster mass death in 2007 USA
