Ocean Acidification and Its Many Terrifying Consequences

Those of you who understand the basic chemistry of ocean acidification know that the excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed into the seas, momentarily creating carbonic acid, which almost immediately breaks apart into products that includes a hydrogen ion.  The ion then combines with the previously abundant carbonate molecule, the limiting reactant in the formation of calcium carbonate (limestone).  This results in an ever-decreasing amount that is available for the formation of calcium carbonate, the substance of the shells of animals like clams, oysters and all other such animals.

What does all this mean for sea creatures more generally?  What about the predators of these animals?  The prey?  What do the realities of ocean acidification imply for the viability of the coral reefs, which are home to more than 25% of all ocean species?

No one knows for certain, but, as explicated in this recent broadcast from the Public Broadcasting System, scientists are learning more about it every day—and it’s frightening.