While researchers try to model future climate in the face of the growth in atmospheric carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, one thing seems a little more certain: the acidity of the oceans is likely to rise. In fact, researchers have found that, during the past century, surface ocean pH has been reduced by 0.1 units and that carbonate concentrations have increased by 30 micromol. The ocean’s ability to buffer increased acidity appears to be under stress.
Williams N., Acid tests, 2008. Current Biology 18(15): 635. Article. (Subscription required)
[Note from Jean-Pierre Gattuso: There is an error, the carbonate concentration has decreased rather than increased in the past century]
