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Oceans are absorbing more carbon dioxide becoming acidic

17 July 2004
by Richard Conan-Davies

UNESCO, the United NAtions Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation has released research that the world's oceans have increased their acidity (a drop in pH) due to absorbing so much more carbon dioxide.

This extra increase in acidity may have an impact on the biology of oceans such as the tiny animals that live in the oceans. This could then have an impact on other cycles inthe oceans including ocean currents.

A major concern is that this acidity increase could wipe out some coral reefs.

According to UNESCO their compiled research estimates the ocean has taken up approximately 120 billion metric tons of carbon generated by human activities since 1800.

Much of this research is presented by Dr. Christopher Sabine in anupcoming edition of the Journal Science

ocean chemistry wave
The simple chemical reaction that creates acid in water. It is the volume of carbon dioxiode that makes the effect measurable in the oceans

Related Links

UNESCO original Press release

Science Magazine


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