P.3. Effect of Ocean Acidification
|
1. Seawater and CO2 |
Seawater naturally absorbs CO2 from the air, creating compounds like carbonic acid and carbonate ions. |
|
2. Importance of Carbonate Ions |
Carbonate ions are essential for the building process of marine organisms such as corals, sea urchins, and lobsters, forming their shells and skeletons. |
|
3. Problem with More CO2 |
Elevated levels of atmospheric CO2 lead to increased acidity in the ocean, affecting the balance of carbonic acid and carbonate ions. |
|
4. Consequences of Less Carbonate Ions |
The reduced availability of carbonate ions makes it challenging for marine creatures to perform calcification, impacting their ability to build structures like shells. |
|
5. Resulting Challenge |
This difficulty in building structures due to decreased carbonate ions may have significant consequences for ocean life, particularly for economically important marine species. |