Ocean Acidification 5/6

The ocean absorbs approximately __% of the CO2 released in the atmosphere, leading to ____ CO2 levels in the ocean.

30%, increased

Absorption of CO2 by seawater results in what?

Absorption of CO2 by seawater results in increased hydrogen ion concentration, making the seawater more acidic.

Decreased carbonate ions due to increased acidity affect what?

Decreased carbonate ions due to increased acidity affect the formation of structures like seashells and coral skeletons.

Non-calcifying organisms, like certain fish, may experience what in more acidic waters

Non-calcifying organisms, like certain fish, may experience reduced predator detection abilities in more acidic waters

Changes in ocean chemistry can pose risks to what?

Changes in ocean chemistry can pose risks to the entire food web, impacting ecosystems globally.

Increasing CO2 levels and decreasing pH negatively affect what?

Increasing CO2 levels and decreasing pH negatively affect marine organisms producing calcium carbonate shells or skeletons

Coral reefs may erode faster than they can regenerate by the end of the century, causing what?

Coral reefs may erode faster than they can regenerate by the end of the century, endangering numerous species dependent on coral habitats.

The long-term viability of coral reef ecosystems is compromised by what, posing a threat to what?

The long-term viability of coral reef ecosystems is compromised by ocean acidification, posing a threat to biodiversity

The global marine ecosystem structure faces uncertainty due to what?

The global marine ecosystem structure faces uncertainty due to the unpredictable cascading impacts of ocean acidification

Limited monitoring efforts hinder what?

Limited monitoring efforts hinder precise predictions on the cascading effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems

Scientists, policymakers, and resource managers emphasize the urgent need on what?

Scientists, policymakers, and resource managers emphasize the urgent need to enhance scientific understanding for informed decision-making.

The acceleration of ocean acidification underscores the necessity for what?

The acceleration of ocean acidification underscores the necessity for proactive measures to address its impacts

Strengthening scientific research is crucial to what?

Strengthening scientific research is crucial to mitigate the far-reaching consequences of ocean acidification on marine life and ecosystems.

What are imperative to combat the escalating challenges posed by ocean acidification

Sound decision-making and actions are imperative to combat the escalating challenges posed by ocean acidification

What equation do we have to know?

CO₂ + H₂O + CO₃²⁻ -> 2HCO₃⁻

Lower concentration of atmospheric CO₂ causes what to happen to the seawater corals?

More abundant healthy corals, mollusks, and other marine calcifiers

Lower concentration of atmospheric CO₂ causes what to happen to the seawater pH?

The seawater pH is higher with it being over 8

Higher concentration of atmospheric CO₂ causes what to happen to the seawater corals?

fewer, smaller, marine calcifiers

Higher concentration of atmospheric CO₂ causes what to happen to the seawater corals?

The seawater pH is lower with it being under 8