Climate change is a global phenomenon that not only affects terrestrial ecosystems, but also has a significant impact on oceans. The seas absorb much of the heat generated by the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, as well as a third of CO2 emissions produced by human activities. This absorption of carbon dioxide is causing the ocean acidification, a silent threat with serious consequences for marine life.

Nicolás Gruber, professor of Environmental Physics at ETH Zurich, warns: "Despite these profound changes, many people are not aware of what is happening in our oceans." To address this problem, a team of researchers has developed an innovative web tool that allows you to visualize the process of ocean acidification in different regions over time, using color-coded stripes.

Understanding the Ocean Acidification Process

When CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which causes a decrease in pH and therefore acidification of the ocean. Furthermore, a part of the carbonic acid reacts with the carbonate ions dissolved in the water, reducing the saturation state of seawater with respect to carbonate minerals such as aragonite, an essential component for the construction of the skeletons and shells of many marine organisms.

These chemical changes represent a serious threat to those marine species that depend on calcareous structures, such as the plankton, mussels and corals. Nicolás Gruber highlights the importance of these organisms: "Since they are usually at the base of the food chain, they are fundamental for many marine ecosystems and, therefore, also relevant for us humans."

A Tool to Visualize Ocean Acidification

The new strip generator developed by ETH Zurich researchers is free access and allows users to visualize changes in acidity (pH) or saturation of aragonite over more than 60 ocean regions. For example, a person planning a coastal vacation can identify the degree of ocean acidification at their destination by selecting the corresponding region and generating acidification bands.

Danling Ma, the first author of the study, says: “It is proven that the oceans absorb CO2 from the atmosphere and become acidified. "But so far observations have not sufficiently confirmed a global increase." Thanks to this research, this knowledge gap has been closed. «Our results confirm that the pH and aragonite saturation have decreased throughout the global ocean and that these trends are mainly due to the increase in dissolved inorganic carbon absorbed from the atmosphere," concludes Ma.

The Impact on Marine Ecosystems

Ocean acidification has a direct impact on the health and survival of numerous marine species. The corals, for example, are especially vulnerable to these chemical changes. The decrease in pH and aragonite saturation make it difficult to build and maintain their calcareous skeletons, which can lead to the degradation and death of coral reefs, which are home to incredible marine biodiversity.

Furthermore, many species of plankton, like pteropods, are also affected by acidification. These small organisms play a crucial role in marine food webs, as they serve as food for a wide variety of fish and marine mammals. The decline in their populations due to acidification could have a cascading effect on the entire marine ecosystem.

The Need to Act Against Climate Change

Ocean acidification is a direct consequence of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, and its impact on marine life underscores the urgency of taking action to mitigate climate change. Drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to curbing global warming and ocean acidification.

Furthermore, it is essential to increase public awareness of this problem and its consequences. Tools such as the acidification strip generator developed by ETH Zurich researchers contribute to making this phenomenon visible and generating a greater understanding of the importance of protecting our oceans.

Protect the Oceans, Protect Our Future

The oceans play a vital role in regulating the climate, producing oxygen, and supporting countless marine species. However, ocean acidification, along with other impacts of climate change, is endangering the health and balance of these vast ecosystems.

It is imperative that we take urgent measures to protect our oceans and guarantee their capacity to resist climate change. This implies not only reducing CO2 emissions, but also implementing strategies for the conservation and sustainable management of marine resources.

Each of us has a role to play in fighting climate change and protecting the oceans. From adopting more sustainable lifestyles to supporting policies and actions that promote marine conservation, our individual decisions and actions can make a difference.

Ocean acidification is a silent but devastating threat to marine life and, ultimately, our own well-being. It is time to become aware and act to protect these vital ecosystems before it is too late. The future of our oceans and the countless species that depend on them is in our hands.

You may also be interested in this related content:

• Pixel 9: With satellite connectivity
• Helium-3: The gold of the Moon
• Transform Android smartwatch into an Android mini-console