En-en adult card 24 ocean acidification

Card #24: Ocean Acidification

Causes		Consequences
Carbon Sinks		Hindered calcification process

When CO₂ dissolves into the ocean, it turns into acid ions (H₂CO₃ and HCO₃^–).
The effect of this transformation is ocean acidification (the pH decreases).

Explanation

Ocean acidification is sometimes called "the other carbon problem". Indeed, it is not strictly speaking a consequence of climate change, but another consequence of CO₂ emissions.

Facilitation tips

Frequently mentioned link

The Concentration of CO₂(ppm) is often found as the origin of this card. However, not every molecule that is found in the ocean is found in the atmosphere, and therefore the most logical link comes from the carbon sinks card.