What is the impact of carbon dioxide in relation to ocean pH levels?

The impact of carbon dioxide on ocean pH levels is significant, primarily due to the process of ocean acidification. When carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed by seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid. This acid dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions, leading to an increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions in the ocean.

As the concentration of hydrogen ions increases, the pH of the water decreases, which means the ocean becomes more acidic. This change in pH can have detrimental effects on marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, such as corals and certain shellfish. The ongoing rise in atmospheric CO2 levels, mainly due to human activities such as fossil fuel combustion, has led to a measurable decline in ocean pH over the past several decades.

This understanding underscores the importance of monitoring carbon dioxide emissions and their subsequent effects on ocean chemistry. Lowering pH levels and the increase in acidity are critical issues addressed in studies of climate change and its impact on marine ecosystems.