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Ocean acidification is a global issue caused by the sequestration of CO2 in the ocean. Ocean acidification affects regions and organisms within the regions differentially with some even growing more successfully. Generally though, the negative impact on calcifying organisms and their predators is expected to have critical, wide ranging impacts on ecosystems. While there is uncertainty about how these processes will impact particular species and ecosystems, the chemical processes involved are fairly well understood.
When CO2 is absorbed by the ocean and combines with water and carbonite ions, it produces bicarbonate. This process releases H+ as well. The protons help to acidify the ocean and the bond between the hydrogen and the carbonate in bicarbonate prevents the formation of calcium carbonate, which is necessary for the calcifying organisms to build their shells.19
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| These measurements taken from Mauna Loa on Hawaii shows a correlation between atmospheric and oceanic CO2 levels as well as the resulting drop in pH. http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/file/Hawaii+Carbon+Dioxide+Time-Series |
The introduction of increasing amounts of anthropogenic CO2 since the industrial revolution has led to increased levels in the atmosphere and as a result increased levels in the oceans. This increase in the ocean has caused acidification. About 26% of the anthropogenic CO2 released is absorbed by the oceans.7
Scientists agree on the trend of increased carbon dioxide sequestration in the ocean and the associated acidification, but there is uncertainty about many of the impacts. For scientists doubt is a necessary addendum of all knowledge, and is understood as such. When scientists attempt to communicate with policy makers and the general public, this style of thought becomes a problem because scientific uncertainty is not necessarily understood elsewhere and can translate as disbelief of a trend rather than the recognition that it isn't completely understood.8
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| The figure shows the saturation states of aragonite, which is a form of calcium carbonate at different years including two projects for future levels of CO2 in the ocean. At a saturation state of 1 aragonite will dissolve back into solution in the water. Even before reaching that saturation state the integrity of these shells will be compromised. http://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/viewImage.do?id=99973&aid=65266 |
Ocean acidification is a global problem, but it must have regional solutions because it will interact with different regions in very different ways. Certain species are more heavily impacted and as seen in the above figure, some areas will have many more issues with ocean acidification and therefore a greater drop in carbonate saturation levels.6