Fast-melting Arctic ice and ocean acidification
Recently scientists have uncovered a connection between rapidly Fast melting Arctic ice and ocean acidification.
A team of researchers has expressed concern over the changing chemical composition of the western region of the Arctic Ocean.
Such a conclusion has been presented in view of the three to four times rapid increase in acidity levels in the Arctic Ocean compared to the waters of other oceans.
The research team has identified a strong correlation between the rapid rate of ice melting and the rate of ocean acidification.
The relationship between sea-ice melting and a sharp decrease in pH is explained in the following ways:
- The water under sea ice lacks carbon dioxide. But, it is now exposed to atmospheric carbon dioxide. In this way it can freely accept it.
- Seawater mixed with melted snow water is lighter. It cannot mix easily in deep water.
- This means that the concentration of carbon dioxide continues on the surface. Melted snow water reduces the concentration of carbonate ions in seawater. This weakens its ability to neutralize carbon dioxide to bicarbonate.
- Ocean acidification refers to a decrease in the pH of the ocean over a long period of time. This is mainly due to the absorption of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Possible side effects of ocean acidification:
Marine organisms (especially organisms such as oysters and corals), which depend on a healthy ocean, cause fatal problems for diverse populations of plants and other organisms.
Source – Indian Express
