How do carbon emissions affect ocean acidity?

Carbon emissions increase ocean acidity by causing more carbon dioxide to dissolve in seawater, forming carbonic acid.

When carbon dioxide (CO2) is released into the atmosphere, a significant portion of it is absorbed by the world's oceans. This process is part of the natural carbon cycle, where the oceans act as a major carbon sink, absorbing about a third of human-caused CO2 emissions. However, the increased levels of atmospheric CO2 due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation have led to a higher amount of CO2 being absorbed by the oceans.

Once in the ocean, CO2 reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), a weak acid. This reaction is reversible, and carbonic acid can dissociate to form bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+). The increase in hydrogen ions leads to a decrease in the pH of the ocean, making it more acidic. This process is known as ocean acidification.

Ocean acidification has significant implications for marine life, particularly organisms that build shells or skeletons from calcium carbonate, such as corals and shellfish. The increased acidity can dissolve the calcium carbonate structures of these organisms, threatening their survival. Moreover, the increased concentration of H+ ions can also reduce the availability of carbonate ions (CO3 2-), which are essential for shell formation.

In addition to its direct effects on marine organisms, ocean acidification can also alter the balance of marine ecosystems. Changes in the abundance or distribution of certain species can have cascading effects on the food web, potentially impacting commercial fisheries and other aspects of human society.

In conclusion, carbon emissions from human activities are causing a significant increase in ocean acidity. This process, known as ocean acidification, has far-reaching implications for marine life and ecosystems. It is therefore crucial to reduce carbon emissions in order to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification.