What is ocean acidification and why is it a threat to marine biodiversity?

What will be an ideal response?


Ocean water is basic; it contains more hydroxide ion than hydrogen ions. Ocean water also contains carbonate ions. As atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide increase, the carbon dioxide in the air reacts with ocean water to create carbonic acid. This carbonic acid increases the amount of hydrogen ions in the ocean water. Carbonate reacts with hydrogen ions to create bicarbonate ions. However, many marine species such as corals, oysters and even phytoplankton require on carbonate ions to create their shells. As the level of carbonate in the ocean water drops (due to creation of bicarbonate ions), marine species are hindered in making their shells.As a result shell-building species grow more slowly as the oceans acidify.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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The tremendous production and sale of oil and petroleum make the Middle East and North Africa overall one of the wealthiest regions of the world

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Oregon's strong policy of enforcing UGBs (urban growth boundaries) to create livable cities has been exemplary for many years, but between 2004 and 2007, voters ________

A) have gone further by passing a bill capping population in all major cities B) passed legislation forbidding the construction of any new single-family homes C) passed a bill giving property owners some exceptions from UGB rules D) passed a bill promoting unregulated development throughout the state E) voiced their desire to have a state as populous as neighboring California

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The elapsed time between the passage of successive wave crests past a stationary point is called

A) wavelength. B) wave base. C) wave period. D) wave height.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Research the practicality of using the atmosphere, oceans, and ice sheets as

sources of freshwater. Are any of these reservoirs currently in use? If so, by whom? If not, why do you think they are not used? Ice sheets What will be an ideal response?

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences