110 likes | 407 Views
What is ocean acidification?. Key Stage 3 Science. Why study ocean acidification?. The oceans contain 50 times more carbon dioxide than the atmosphere The ocean pH has decreased by 0.1 of a unit, representing a 29% increase in hydrogen ions since the Industrial Revolution
E N D
What is ocean acidification? Key Stage 3 Science
Why study ocean acidification? • The oceans contain 50 times more carbon dioxide than the atmosphere • The ocean pH has decreased by 0.1 of a unit, representing a 29% increase in hydrogen ions since the Industrial Revolution • The oceans absorb roughly 30% of human-generated carbon dioxide Key Stage 3 Science
Ocean acidification process Atmospheric CO2 is absorbed into the ocean
Ocean acidification process Atmospheric CO2 is absorbed into the ocean CO2 dissolves in water CO2 (aq)
Ocean acidification process Atmospheric CO2 is absorbed into the ocean CO2 dissolves in water CO2 reacts with the water H2O + CO2 CO2 (aq)
Ocean acidification process Atmospheric CO2 is absorbed into the ocean CO2 dissolves in water CO2 reacts with the water To form carbonic acid H2O + CO2 H2CO3 CO2 (aq)
What is pH? 14 13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 Drain cleaner Ammonia Soap Baking soda Water Milk Banana Tomato Vinegar Lemon Hydrochloric acid • pH is the unit used to measure acidity • The lower the pH value, the greater the acidity Increasing acidity Key Stage 3 Science
Graph showing connection between carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, carbon dioxide in the oceans and ocean pH Key Stage 3 Science