What´s Ocean Acidification? Essay -- Impacts, Causes, Solutions, Ocean

Introduction The oceans of the earth are a massive part of the natural cycles that make this planet habitable. They regulate global temperatures, absorb carbon dioxide, provide a home for millions of plants and animals that make up various levels of the food chain, and so much more. They are a resource given for us to use and benefit from, however, it is also a resource that needs to be protected. It is the fountain of life for the planet and drastic changes to the makeup of the oceans could be detrimental to life as we know it. Ocean acidification is a problem which has come to light in the last decade, but is becoming increasingly concerning to many scientists (1). In this essay I will attempt to direct your attention to some of the possible and observed impacts of global ocean acidification, present some of the likely causes and suggest possible solutions to the problem. The essay will also deal with the possibility that the evidence can be interpreted differently in order to not implicate hum ans as the primary cause responsible for the observed destruction occurring in the acidified waters. Defining Ocean Acidification Ocean acidification is when carbon dioxide is absorbed into the water of the oceans. This causes a chain of chemical reactions leading to the formation of carbonic acid in the water. (2) Furthermore, many animals in the oceans use calcium carbonate ions to build their shells, however, in the process of forming carbonic acid, these ions are destroyed creating a deficiency in calcium carbonate and preventing these animals from forming their life sustaining and protective shells. (1) The reaction occurs when carbon dioxide, which is heavier than air, sinks in large clouds over the oceans and is absorbed into th... ...gain recognition both by environmental organizations and governments, but also by individuals who need to be aware of the impact their actions and energy usages. Whether it be a new form of energy or an old one refined, continued research and work needs to be done to ensure that we are being good stewards of the earth we have been given to live on. Works Cited http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/story/What+is+Ocean+Acidification%3F http://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/critical-issues-ocean-acidification/ One Ocean documentary http://oceanacidification.noaa.gov/WhatsNew.aspx http://www.pnas.org.libaccess.lib.mcmaster.ca/content/105/45/17442.full http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/deadzone.html http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/noaa-scientists-embark-voyage-asses-ocean-acidification/ http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/content/68/6/1019.abstract