Ocean acidification may have been called "climate change’s equally evil twin," but it doesn't get half the attention from the average citizen as does global warming. The NOAA and other organizations are studying exactly what implications this acidification might have on our ocean and global habitat.
Ocean acidification is the result in pH decreasing, or becoming more acidic, as the ocean continuously absorbs carbon-dioxide.
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Originally, scientists thought the ocean absorption of nearly a quarter of carbon-dioxide emissions was favorable and aided atmospheric harm by greenhouse gases. But after tests were conducted about the possibility of encouraging this type of absorption, researchers found that high levels of carbonic
acid significantly harmed sea creatures, Discover magazine reported.
In 2005, the
NOAA published a 68-page report that detailed ocean acidification and its impact. It reports a 0.1 pH decrease, which is equal to about a 30 percent acidity increase.
Many of the concerns of this change surround sea life with shells or spines since they develop by releasing carbon dioxide and using calcium and carbonate in the water. Higher acidification can also be dangerous to fish while allowing jellyfish and coral-smothering algae to thrive.
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However, research is not finished. The NOAA and other marine biologists continue to study different variations of what the future might bring for ocean acidity. One San Francisco study concluded species may be able to adapt better than predicted,
according to EurekAlert.
There are several spots in the ocean that naturally have high acidity due to volcanic vents. Scientists are studying these unique areas to try to predict the future of the entire ocean as acidification continues.
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