#Ocean Acidification: A Deep Dive 🌊

Hey there, future AP Environmental Science rockstar! Let's break down ocean acidification, a crucial topic that often pops up on the exam. We'll make sure you're not just memorizing facts, but truly understanding the connections. Let's get started!

#What is Ocean Acidification?

Ocean acidification is the ongoing decrease in the pH of the Earth's oceans, caused by the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. Think of it like this: the ocean is like a giant sponge, soaking up our excess CO2. But this "soaking" has consequences. 🧪

#The Chemistry Behind It

When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3). This carbonic acid then releases hydrogen ions (H+), which increases the acidity (lowers the pH) of the ocean. Here's the reaction:

$$CO_2 + H_2O \rightleftharpoons H_2CO_3 \rightleftharpoons H^+ + HCO_3^-$$

#Human Impact

Over the past 200 years, the ocean's pH has dropped by 0.1 units. While that might not sound like much, remember that the pH scale is logarithmic, meaning a 0.1 change represents about a 30% increase in acidity! 📉

#Impacts of Changing pH

So, what does this increased acidity mean for marine life? Let's dive in!

#Calcium Carbonate Crisis

• High-Value Topic: This is a HUGE area for AP questions, so pay close attention!

Increased acidity reduces the availability of calcium carbonate (CaCO3), a crucial building block for many marine organisms. Here's why it mat...