The massive amount of carbon dioxide being absorbed by the oceans dissolves in seawater as carbonic acid. This process is known as ocean acidification, and it's literally causing a sea change that is threatening the fundamental chemical balance of ocean and coastal waters from pole to pole.Apr 1, 2016
What is ocean acidification short answer?
The Short Answer: Ocean acidification is a change in the properties of ocean water that can be harmful for plants and animals. Scientists have observed that the ocean is becoming more acidic as its water absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The amount of salt is one feature, or property, of water.
Why is ocean acidification a problem for humans?
Ocean acidification can modify the abundance and chemical composition of harmful algal blooms in such a way that shellfish toxicity increases and, therefore, human health is negatively affected.
What are the causes and effects of ocean acidification?
Ocean acidification is mainly caused by carbon dioxide gas in the atmosphere dissolving into the ocean. This leads to a lowering of the water's pH, making the ocean more acidic. Many factors contribute to rising carbon dioxide levels.