P.5. Saturation Horizons
[Saturation horizon]
The saturation horizon is a level where calcium carbonate minerals start dissolving
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These waters naturally lack enough carbonate ions, causing the shells of many organisms to dissolve. |
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Surface waters have more carbonate ions, which protect the shells of organisms from dissolving. |
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Some organisms below this horizon have special ways to protect their shells from dissolving. |
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As ocean acidification occurs, the saturation horizon rises vertically. This exposes more organisms to under-saturated water, making their shells and skeletons vulnerable to dissolution. |
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The saturation horizon for calcite and aragonite, minerals in shells, has moved closer to the surface compared to the 1800s. This means more organisms are now at risk. |