Ocean acidification: It’s all about CO2
The world’s oceans can absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. The more carbon dioxide that is emitted into the atmosphere, the more the oceans absorb. This causes the pH of seawater to fall in a process known as ocean acidification. The Arctic marine environment is especially vulnerable to ocean acidification as cold water can absorb more CO2. Increased fresh water input from rivers and melting ice is also making the Arctic Ocean more vulnerable as fresh water is less resistant to changes in acidity than salt water. Ocean acidification can affect the marine environment. It makes it harder for sea creatures like corals, molluscs and plankton to build their shells and skeletons because less carbonate is available. This will affect societies that depend on fisheries and other ocean-dependent ecosystem services.
Year: 2019
From album: Global Linkages: A graphic look at the changing Arctic
Produced by: GrID-Arendal