Coral reefs aren't just bleaching—they're literally dissolving away because of climate change. And before the end of the century, most reefs around the world may be dissolving faster than they can build themselves back up, according to new research.
It's an often overlooked—but potentially serious—consequence of ocean acidification, says a new study published yesterday in the journal Science. Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide dissolves out of the atmosphere and into the ocean, where it chemically reacts and lowers the water's pH. The process is sometimes dubbed the "evil twin" of climate change because of the harmful effects it may have on marine ecosystems.
One widely discussed concern is that acidification may make it harder for certain marine organisms—including coral, as well as shellfish and certain types of plankton—to build the hard outer shells they need to survive. That's because the process tends to deplete a certain type of chemical compound in the water called calcium carbonate, which is a major building block these animals use to make their shells.
Source :- scientificamerican
It's an often overlooked—but potentially serious—consequence of ocean acidification, says a new study published yesterday in the journal Science. Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide dissolves out of the atmosphere and into the ocean, where it chemically reacts and lowers the water's pH. The process is sometimes dubbed the "evil twin" of climate change because of the harmful effects it may have on marine ecosystems.
One widely discussed concern is that acidification may make it harder for certain marine organisms—including coral, as well as shellfish and certain types of plankton—to build the hard outer shells they need to survive. That's because the process tends to deplete a certain type of chemical compound in the water called calcium carbonate, which is a major building block these animals use to make their shells.
Source :- scientificamerican
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