Acidification

I was very interested in ocean acidification after we discussed it in class, and did a little research of my own. Most websites refer to studies conducted by scientists and the predictions made for the future. Many examples include the desrtuction of reefs and extinction of various species. However, I found this interesting diagram pictured above on the website for the Green Car Congress. At first glance it can seem a little confusing, but I think that it does a good job at showing the rapid increases in acidity expected for the future. The part that I found most interesting was the p.p.m. (parts per million), which predicts an increase from about 500 to 2,000 within the next 50 years. That's incredible. It is also interesting to see the pattern in which the acid levels reach below the surface over time. This must be very important when considering the life on different levels of the ocean. It is crazy to think of all of the effects of global warming, and at first thought, most people wouldn't think of the acidity in oceans as being a major factor. But knowing that warmer water can hold less carbon dioxide than warm, I can see the danger that is produced.