All Flashcards
What is the effect of increased ocean acidity on shell-building organisms?
Reduced availability of calcium carbonate makes it harder for them to build and maintain shells.
What is the effect of ocean acidification on pteropods?
Their shells can dissolve in waters with predicted acidity levels, threatening their survival and the food web.
What is the effect of increased CO2 on seagrass and algae?
These plants tend to grow more in a CO2-rich environment, which can lead to imbalances.
What is the effect of increased acidity on fish?
It can disrupt their sense of smell, affecting their ability to find food and mates, and cause physiological stress.
What is the effect of burning fossil fuels on the ocean?
Increases atmospheric CO2, leading to ocean acidification.
What is the effect of deforestation on the ocean?
Increases atmospheric CO2, leading to ocean acidification.
Describe the chemical process of ocean acidification.
CO2 dissolves in seawater, forms carbonic acid (H2CO3), which releases hydrogen ions (H+), lowering pH.
What is the chemical process of ocean acidification?
CO2 dissolves in seawater, forms carbonic acid (H2CO3), which releases hydrogen ions (H+), lowering the pH.