1. Ocean Acidification

3. EPA pH Scale pH Scale measures acidity Pure water has pH of 7 Lower pH is acidic Higher pH is basic Logarithmic scale: Each step is 10x more acidic or basic

4. Natural Carbon Cycle Plants take in carbon from carbon dioxide during photosynthesis Animals take in carbon by eating plants Animals release carbon dioxide by breaking down carbohydrates to release their energy Carbon Sequestration – The process of removing carbon from the carbon cycle. Plants that are buried before they are eaten remove carbon, while volcanos emit carbon dioxide

5. Burning fossil fuels adds extra CO 2 to atmosphere 4 lbs of CO 2 from fossil fuel adds 1 lbs of dissolved CO 2 24,000,000,000,000 lbs CO 2 released from fossil fuels in 2011 As CO 2 from fossil fuels is released into the atmosphere, more CO 2 dissolves in the ocean to maintain dynamic equilibrium Human Caused CO 2 in the Environment

6. Ocean Acidification Ocean Acidification: Dissolved CO 2 reacts to form carbonic acid, lowering the ocean’s pH As more CO 2 is added to the air, more dissolves into the ocean and more converts to H 2 CO 3

7. Effects of Ocean Acidification NOAA Right: Healthy pteropod with clear shell Far right: Shell partially dissolved by ocean acidification At today’s CO 2 emissions rate, ocean pH will drop from 8.2 to 7.9 by year 2100 - NOAA Effects on shells Far left: Healthy coral in “normal” water Left: Dead coral in acidic waters off Puerto Rico Effects on corals

8. Summary pH Scale Natural Carbon Cycle Human Caused CO 2 Ocean Acidificaiton Effects of Ocean Acidification