NOAA Ocean Acidification Demonstration

Ocean Acidification is a global-scale change in the basic chemistry of oceans that is under way now, as a direct result of the increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. We are just beginning to understand the impacts of Ocean Acidification on life in the ocean. The moniker osteoporosis of the sea, gives you a hint about some of its impacts. To learn more about ocean acidification, please visit http://www.pmel.noaa.gov/co2/OA/.

• Category

  Science & Technology

[bothromo]

Outstanding video.  This message needs to get out........

[Batbaatar Jigjidsuren]

She says, however, there's only couple of minutes to demonstrate the reaction. You have to think of the slow process of acid eating the calcium carbonate for 20, 50, or 100 years. You will not experience the effect of ocean acidification in your lifetime, but your children will. If we don't act now, your grandchildren will experience the "dramatized" effect of this!!

[Joel Mirabito]

I just tested the ph and it's 8.2

[Joel Mirabito]

I think that is check mate.

[Joel Mirabito]

What about all the cyano bacteria and algae which also has cyano bacteria inside its cells? They will use sun light to convert the CO2 into O2.

[Joel Mirabito]

What about the tons of acidic water running directly into the oceans from all the rivers around the planet? CO2 is not going to cause as much acidity as all the rivers. The buffering effect of the ocean is extremely effective.

[jackie castle]

we've allready lost half the reefs.

j

[jackie castle]

the malecular sheld creatures are allready showing the effects. this is a NOW problem.

j

[Lanthana]

most of the acidification has occurred in the last century and most of that in the past 50 years (see exponential curves). There are also alot of other factors that contribute to the health of a coral reef such as water temp, and amounts of sunlight, nutrients, etc.... To be clear tho, coral reefs around the globe are in remission. Great video.

[Lanthana]

back to science class with you!

[Lanthana]

Back to science class with you.