All Flashcards
Explain the link between atmospheric CO2 and ocean acidity.
Increased atmospheric CO2 leads to increased CO2 absorption by oceans, forming carbonic acid and increasing acidity.
Why is calcium carbonate availability important for marine life?
It's essential for shell formation, protection, buoyancy, and internal pH regulation in many marine organisms.
How does ocean acidification affect marine food webs?
It impacts organisms at the base of the food chain, leading to ripple effects throughout the ecosystem.
What is the effect of ocean acidification on fish physiology?
Acidification can disrupt their sense of smell and cause physiological stress.
How can increased CO2 levels benefit some aquatic plants?
Seagrass and algae tend to grow more in a CO2-rich environment.
What is the significance of pteropods in the marine ecosystem?
They are a major food source for many species and play a crucial role in the food chain.
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.
Define ocean acidification.
Ongoing decrease in ocean pH due to CO2 absorption from the atmosphere.
Define calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
A crucial building block for shells and skeletons of many marine organisms.
Define pH.
A measure of acidity or alkalinity of a solution.
Define carbonic acid.
Acid formed when CO2 dissolves in water (H2CO3).
Define pteropods.
Tiny sea snails that are a major food source in marine ecosystems.
Define eutrophication.
Excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or other body of water, frequently due to runoff from the land, which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen.
Define hypoxic environment.
An aquatic environment with low oxygen levels.