What is Ocean acidification?
'''Ocean acidification''' is the decrease in the pH (scale of [[acid]]ity and alkalinity) and increase in acidity of the [[Earth]]'s [[ocean]]s. It is caused by the increase of [[carbon dioxide]] (CO2) that [[human]]s have put into the [[atmosphere]]. More than 30% of the carbon dioxide in the air goes into the oceans. Therefore, when carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increases, the carbon dioxide in the ocean increases, too. When carbon dioxide enters the oceans, it makes it more acidic. == Problems== The skeletons and [[Animal shell|shells]] of many sea animals need what is known as calcium carbonate [[mineral]]s. Due to ocean acidification, there are fewer of these minerals and there are species that could no longer produce or keep their shells. With more carbon dioxide in the ocean, this problem becomes worse and many species will be at risk. As a result, if humans continue to emit [[greenhouse gas]]es into the atmosphere, ocean life will be in severe danger. Also, coral is at risk, as it is being eroded by the acid in the ocean. Between 1751 [[CE]] and 1994 CE the ocean's pH on the surface went from 8.25 to 8.1.{{cn|date=January 2012}} == Other websites == * [http://www.climate-change-guide.com/effects-of-climate-change.html The Climate Change Guide] easy-to-understand information on the effects of climate change [[Category:Oceans|Acidification]] [[Category:Environmental issues]] [[Category:Climate change]]