Ocean acidification, a growing problem associated with increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, can disrupt the lives of many marine species. Coral reefs are particularly vulnerable because the increased CO2 concentration in seawater—which combines with water to form carbonic acid—makes it hard for corals to grow. Models, observations, and lab studies consistently predict that as the ocean becomes more acidic, coral cover and diversity will decrease.
Wendel J., 2014. Diverse coral communities thrive in acidified western Pacific waters. Eos, Transactions American Geophysical Union 95(12):108. Article (subscription required).
