AP Environmental Science / Unit 9: Global Change
9.7 Ocean Acidification
Notes
Oceans absorb $\mathrm{CO_2}$, forming carbonic acid and lowering pH. This reduces carbonate ions, making it harder for corals and shellfish to build shells.
Practice
Ocean acidification is caused by:
Carbonic acid forms.
Acidification harms organisms that build:
Less carbonate available.
As ocean pH falls, the water becomes:
Lower pH.
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