Ocean acidification

William R. Howard, Jon Havenhand, Laura Parker, David Raftos, Pauline Ross, Jane Williamson, Richard Matear

    Research output: Chapter in Book / Conference PaperChapter

    Abstract

    Anthropogenic CO2 emissions arise mainly from fossil-fuel combustion, land-use practices, and concrete production during and since the industrial revolution. These emissions first enter the atmosphere, but a large proportion of them are then absorbed into the ocean by physical and biological processes that are normal parts of the natural carbon cycle. The result is more CO2 dissolved in the world’s oceans. The ocean is a weakly-alkaline solution (with a pH of ~8.1), but this extra CO2 changes the carbonate chemistry of the surface ocean, driving ocean pH lower. The term ‘ocean acidification’ refers to the fact that the CO2 forms a weak acid (carbonic acid) in water, making the ocean more acidic.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationA Marine Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation Report Card for Australia 2009
    EditorsElvira S. Poloczanska, Alistair J. Hobday, A. J. (Anthony) Richardson
    Place of PublicationCleveland, Qld.
    PublisherCSIRO
    Pages92-96
    Number of pages5
    ISBN (Print)9781921609039
    Publication statusPublished - 2009

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