Ocean Acidification UPSC Notes
Ocean acidification is a phenomenon that is becoming increasingly concerning as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions continue to rise. When CO2 is absorbed by seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the seawater. This process is called ocean acidification.
Ocean acidification has several impacts on the marine environment.
- Impacts on marine life: The acidification of oceans makes it difficult for marine organisms to form their shells, which can have a cascading effect on the food chain. Many marine animals, such as oysters and clams, rely on calcium carbonate to form their shells, and the acidification of oceans can make it difficult for them to survive. Additionally, the acidification of oceans can have a negative impact on the growth and survival of coral reefs, which are also made up of calcium carbonate.
- Impacts on fisheries: The acidification of oceans can have a significant impact on commercial fisheries. Many species of fish rely on phytoplankton as a food source, and the acidification of oceans can make it difficult for phytoplankton to survive, which can have a cascading effect on the food chain. This can result in a decline in fish populations, which can have economic impacts on the fishing industry.
- Impacts on the carbon cycle: The oceans play an important role in the carbon cycle by absorbing large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. However, the acidification of oceans can make it more difficult for the oceans to absorb CO2, which can have negative impacts on the global carbon cycle.
- Impacts on ecosystems: The acidification of oceans can have broader impacts on marine ecosystems. For example, changes in the acidity of seawater can alter the behavior of some species of fish, which can impact the structure and function of marine ecosystems.
In conclusion, ocean acidification is a concerning phenomenon that is driven by human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. The impacts of ocean acidification on the marine environment can be significant and far-reaching, affecting everything from individual marine organisms to entire ecosystems. Addressing ocean acidification will require significant reductions in CO2 emissions and efforts to mitigate the impacts of this phenomenon on marine ecosystems.
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