Burning fossil fuels causes ocean acidification primarily by releasing increased levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere, which then dissolves into the ocean.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
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Fossil Fuel Combustion: When fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) are burned for energy, they release CO2 as a byproduct.
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Increased Atmospheric CO2: This released CO2 increases the overall concentration of CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere.
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CO2 Absorption by the Ocean: The ocean naturally absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere to maintain equilibrium. Higher atmospheric CO2 levels mean more CO2 is absorbed by the ocean.
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Chemical Reaction: When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it reacts with water (H2O) to form carbonic acid (H2CO3).
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Acidification: Carbonic acid then dissociates (breaks down) into bicarbonate ions (HCO3-) and hydrogen ions (H+). The increase in hydrogen ions (H+) lowers the ocean's pH, making it more acidic. A lower pH indicates higher acidity.
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Disruption of Marine Life: Ocean acidification can have significant consequences for marine life, particularly organisms that build shells and skeletons from calcium carbonate, such as corals, shellfish, and plankton. The increased acidity reduces the availability of carbonate ions (CO3^2-), which these organisms need to build and maintain their shells and skeletons. This can lead to weakened shells, reduced growth rates, and even mortality.
In summary, burning fossil fuels increases atmospheric CO2, which is then absorbed by the ocean, leading to the formation of carbonic acid and ultimately lowering the ocean's pH, resulting in ocean acidification. This process threatens marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
