Ocean acidification Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is a carbon sink?
A system that absorbs more carbon from the atmosphere than it releases
The world’s oceans absorb about __% of the CO2 produced by humans since 1800
30%
What is ocean acidification?
Where the ocean’s PH increases and becomes more acidic
What happens as the oceans become more acidic?
corals cannot absorb calcium carbonate which they need to maintain their exoskeletons. This means reefs begin to dissolve.
Percentage increase in ocean acidity since 1750
30%
What are the impacts of ocean acidification on the great barrier reef?
50% of the great barrier reef has been destroyed since 1990
Coral reefs provide haitats for __% of marine species
25%
What do coral reefs protect the coastline from?
Coastal recession
What industry suffers due to the decline of coral reefs?
Fishing industry
