Ocean Acidification - AP Environmental Science

It reduces availability of carbonate ions for shell formation. Lower pH decreases carbonate availability for shell-building organisms.

$\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3$. $CO_2$ dissolves in water to form carbonic acid.

Lowers pH, making water more acidic. More hydrogen ions decrease pH on the logarithmic scale.

Alters sensory perception and behavior. Higher acidity disrupts fish nervous system function.

$\text{HCO}_3^-$. Bicarbonate ion is a major component of ocean chemistry.

Measuring pH and carbonate ion concentrations. These measurements track ocean acidification progress.

Increased atmospheric CO₂ from human activities. Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ that dissolves in oceans.

Decreases ocean pH levels. More hydrogen ions make ocean water more acidic.

Cold water circulation and mixing. Cold water dissolves more CO₂ than warm water.

Lowers pH, making water more acidic. More hydrogen ions decrease pH on the logarithmic scale.

Decrease in pH of ocean water due to absorption of CO₂. Ocean water becomes less basic as it absorbs atmospheric CO₂.

$\text{H}^+$. Hydrogen ions determine acidity levels in solutions.

Damage to coral reefs affects recreational activities. Coral reef degradation reduces diving and snorkeling tourism.

Calcium carbonate ($\text{CaCO}_3$). Calcium carbonate dissolves more easily in acidic water.

Disruption of marine food webs. Loss of calcifying organisms disrupts marine ecosystems.

Coral reefs, mollusks, and some plankton. These organisms build calcium carbonate shells and skeletons.

Warmer oceans release more CO₂, lowering pH. Warming reduces CO₂ solubility, creating positive feedback.

Increased atmospheric CO₂ from human activities. Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ that dissolves in oceans.

Measuring pH and carbonate ion concentrations. These measurements track ocean acidification progress.

$\text{CO}_3^{2-}$. Carbonate ions are essential for marine organism calcification.

Less than 8.1. Acidified water has lower pH than normal ocean conditions.

Threat to fisheries and aquaculture industries. Declining marine ecosystems reduce seafood availability and income.

Approximately 8.1 to 8.3. Ocean water is naturally basic, well above neutral pH 7.

Weakens coral skeletons, hindering growth. Lower pH reduces carbonate for coral skeleton formation.

$\text{HCO}_3^-$. Bicarbonate ion is a major component of ocean chemistry.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂). CO₂ absorption forms acids that lower ocean pH.

Weaker shells and skeletons. Less carbonate means calcifying organisms struggle to build structures.

$\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3$. CO₂ dissolves in water to form carbonic acid.

$\text{Ca}^{2+} + \text{CO}_3^{2-} \rightarrow \text{CaCO}_3$. Calcium and carbonate combine to form shells and skeletons.