Ocean Acidification

About a third of the carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by human activities has already been absorbed by the ocean since the beginning of the industrial revolution. This contributes to attenuate the effects of global warming. Without this process, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would have been much greater than that observed today. The effects on the climate would be multiplied.

Part of atmospheric CO2 dissolves at the surface of the ocean. Once in the water, it can subsequently be found in different forms, including carbonic acid. This chemical reaction is the cause of the changes in chemical equilibrium of sea water. The result is, firstly, an increase in hydrogen ions, causing acidification and, secondly, a decrease in carbonate ions. The latter are essential elements for the construction of skeletons and other calcareous structures in marine plants and animals.

“Ocean acidification” is defined by a decrease in pH, which is the unit of measurement of the acidity of a liquid. Acidification has increased by 26% since the beginning of the Industrial Revolution (1800). However, certain prediction models expect a 150% increase in acidity by 2100. The current rate of ocean acidification is ten times faster than it ever was at any other period during the preceding 55 million years.

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Ocean & Climate Platform (OCP). Resource.

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The ocean absorbs a significant portion of our carbon dioxide emissions, which is changing the chemistry of the ocean at an unprecedented rate. About one third of all emissions in the past 200 years have been absorbed by the ocean, causing an average pH decrease of ocean surface waters by about 0.1 unit – from 8.2 to 8.1. This change has already caused short-term, local impacts on ocean flora and fauna. The ultimate, long-term consequences of an increasingly acidic ocean may be unknown, but the potential risks are high. Ocean acidification is a growing problem as anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions continue to change the atmosphere and climate. It is estimated that by the end of the century, there will be an additional drop of 0.2–0.3 units.

On our Ocean Acidification Initiative page you can learn about the work we are doing to research and understand OA in order to mitigate its effects. Here we have compiled some of the best resources on this topic.

The Ocean Foundation. Resource.

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A page on FAQ on ocean acidification from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego; which is one of the most important centers for global earth science research and education in the world. Scripps scientists work to understand and protect the planet by investigating our oceans, Earth, and atmosphere to find solutions to our greatest environmental challenges. Scripps leads research in climate change impacts and adaptation, resilience to hazards, conservation and biodiversity, oceans and human health, national security, and innovative technology to observe the planet.

Scripps Institution of Oceanography – UC San Diego. Resource.

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MEDDLE provides learning material and experimental design tools to help you create accurate and statistically meaningful single and multi driver experiments. The aim is to provide guidance in supporting best practices for oceanic research.

A handbook is the central link between the three strands of MEDDLE: a web-based decision support tool to get started with experimental design; next the Multiple Environmental Driver Design Lab for Experiments (MEDDLE) simulation software, and a library of video tutorials. We recommend that you download this Handbook before exploring these strands.

Scientific Committee on Ocean Research. Resource.

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This page highlights selected informational resources on estuarine, coastal, and ocean acidification in the Mid-Atlantic.

The Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network (MACAN). Resource.

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EurOcean database facilities in Europe which are dedicated to marine sciences broad range of activities.

Objective To offer a comprehensive list of all existing facilities in Europe which are dedicated to marine sciences broad range of activities. It provides the first level of knowledge and characteristics for each facility, as well as the links and contact to access the further details provided by the operator.

For who this database is intended for all stakeholders – scientists, engineers, policy makers, private companies, universities – for their respective needs, either as user or as operator, or as designer, or as funder. How to use it search criteria plus an iterative map allow any targeted search of information for every type of request. For more information on how to use it please consult the Search Tips Area.

How to understand it the landscape of marine research infrastructure is complex, a choice of descriptors was done to provide as much as possible a clear and consistent vision, to provide all relevant information for this “discovery” level of the facilities. All explanations necessary to understand each descriptor are given in the Technical Notes.

How to update it this database took in consideration the most recent overviews available. However, the landscape is constantly evolving, new infrastructures appear, others have significant up-gradings, some became out of service, characteristics change,… The approach of a database continuously updated is a necessity and a procedure is proposed to allow all to contribute, see the functions Insert, update or Contact EurOcean.

EuOcean. Resource.

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On this page you will find videos and articles on ocean acidification.

Ye Mystic Krewe of the Nautilus is a 501c3 organization dedicated to having fun while promoting philanthropy, environmental awareness and conservation of our beautiful Tampa Bay Area.

Its mission is to promote Florida environmental awareness and conservation through friendly partnerships, education, charity sponsorship and community service.

Nautilus. Resource.

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Scientific evidence must be delivered in an understandable way to policymakers and other key stakeholders in Mediterranean countries and elsewhere. In the MedSeA project we are developing a Reference User Group (RUG) of key stakeholders from the Mediterranean countries (MRUG).

 The MRUG objectives are to:

• Advise on the types of data and analyses and products that will be most useful to managers, policy advisers, decision makers, and politicians.
• Advise on the format and nature of key messages arising from the research.
• Advise on the dissemination procedures to ensure that the results from the research are disseminated to all potential end users.
• Transmit key science developments into their own sector and parent organisation.

Mediterranean Sea Acidification (MedSeA). Resource.

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