# Ocean Acidification: The Other Carbon Dioxide Problem

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/07/ocean-acidification-the-other-carbon-dioxide-problem/
- Published: 2020-07-04T23:48:05-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

[Source: NOAA](https://governmentshutdown.noaa.gov/)

Fundamental changes in seawater [chemistry](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/02/the-interplay-of-upwelling-and-ocean-acidification-along-the-u-s-west-coast/)
are occurring throughout the world’s [oceans](https://greenlivingguy.com/2017/12/mid-atlantic-residents-see-ocean-health-as-major-economic-issue/).
Since the beginning of the industrial revolution, the release of carbon dioxide (
CO_(2)) from humankind’s industrial and agricultural activities has increased the
amount of CO_(2) in the atmosphere.

![ocean acidification](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/
02/pexels-photo-1452701-e1551410503884.jpg?resize=188%2C106&quality=52&ssl=1)

#### Ocean Consuming CO2

In addition, the [ocean absorbs](https://governmentshutdown.noaa.gov/) almost a 
third of the CO_(2) we release into the atmosphere every year. So as atmospheric
CO_(2) levels increase, so do the levels in the ocean. Initially, many scientists
focused on the benefits of the ocean removing this greenhouse gas from the atmosphere.
However, decades of ocean observations now show that there is also a downside. Cause
the CO_(2) absorbed by the ocean is changing the chemistry of the seawater. Thereby
a process called **_[OCEAN ACIDIFICATION](https://governmentshutdown.noaa.gov/)._**

#### **Ocean Acidification󠀁[⌊Clean up ocean acidification⌉](https://web.archive.org/web/20190131040341/https://www.owlfiji.com/ocean-acidification-destabilizing-marine-environments/)󠁿**

To understand the changing chemistry of the oceans and the impacts of ocean acidification
on marine ecosystems.  Our observations of key physical, chemical, and biological
parameters support NOAA’s overall efforts. Efforts to predict how marine ecosystems
will respond and to develop management strategies. Strategies for adapting to the
consequences of ocean acidification.

Oceanographers in our [group](https://governmentshutdown.noaa.gov/) have been studying
how CO_(2) emissions affect the ocean system for more than three decades. In addition
they continue to monitor ocean acidification in all the world’s oceans. That’s from
[coral reef](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/06/creating-power-from-municipal-solid-waste-best-use-of-waste/)
ecosystems to deep North Pacific waters.  This group collects several types of carbon
measurements throughout the world’s oceans. They participate in large-scale [research cruises](https://governmentshutdown.noaa.gov/)
across ocean basins and along coastlines at regular intervals to study how ocean
chemistry is changing through time.

![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/img_7069.jpg?
resize=300%2C155&quality=52&ssl=1)

Also, they make measurements of the partial pressure of CO_(2) (_p_CO_(2)) in the
surface water of the world’s oceans.  That’s using automated analytical systems 
on [moorings](https://governmentshutdown.noaa.gov/) and [underway platforms](https://governmentshutdown.noaa.gov/).
As well as they are currently in the process of adding pH, oxygen, chlorophyll, 
and turbidity sensors. All to their existing moored and underway systems. This to
more accurately and precisely study the changes associated with ocean acidification.