Articles tagged with Ocean Acidification
Scientists from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel reconstructed pH values of northern Pacific ocean over past 120 years with monthly resolution. The study found that the pH value has been declining since late 19th century, coinciding with rising carbon dioxide levels in atmosphere.
A new report warns that US coastal communities dependent on the $1 billion shelled mollusk industry face long-term economic risks from ocean acidification. The analysis identified several 'hot zones' facing a number of risk factors, including the Pacific Northwest and Gulf of Mexico regions.
New techniques using satellite-mounted cameras and microwave sensors can monitor large areas of the ocean, quickly identifying regions most at risk from increasing acidification. This approach offers remote monitoring and could lead to further development of satellite sensors in the coming years.
A new study reveals how tiny marine organisms that attach to ships' hulls and rocks respond to ocean acidification. The research found that certain species, such as sea squirts and sponges, increase in number, while others, like hard shell worms, decline significantly.
As ocean acidification research expands its scope, experts highlight the need for integrated assessments, considering multiple stressors and evolutionary adaptation. Laboratory experiments show that adaptation is possible, but its ability to keep pace with fast-changing ecosystems remains uncertain.
A new study found that Pacific oyster and Mediterranean mussel larvae are sensitive to the saturation state of seawater, which is lowered by increasing CO2 levels. The threshold for danger will be crossed decades to centuries ahead of when CO2 increases alone would pose a threat. Shellfish hatcheries alter water chemistry to create mor...
A new study found that Caribbean gorgonian corals can calcify and grow under elevated CO2 concentrations, suggesting they may be more resistant to ocean acidification. The research also challenges the idea that all high-magnesium calcite-secretors are susceptible to ocean acidification.
New research reveals that baby corals can acclimate to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, potentially mitigating the impact of ocean acidification. This finding suggests that staghorn corals, traditionally considered stress-tolerant, may have a limited ability to adapt.
A recent study by University of Southampton researchers found that ancient marine algae, such as coccolithophores, experienced reduced growth and skeletal structure changes in response to climate warming and ocean acidification during the Paleocene Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM). The research provides a long-term perspective on the impa...
A new tool provides real-time ocean chemistry data along the West Coast, helping scientists understand changes in water chemistry and aid the shellfish industry. The IOOS Pacific Region Oean Acidification Data Portal offers valuable insights for adapting to ocean acidification.
Researchers developed new way to measure how CO2 acidifies oceans, affecting marine ecosystems. A 5,000 km long survey revealed calcification rates of coral reefs and open sea plankton in the Red Sea, providing crucial baseline conditions for tracking environmental changes.
Researchers reconstructed the spatial pattern of major earthquakes along the Tangshan-Hejian-Cixian fault in Tianjin, revealing a 160-km seismic gap that has not been ruptured for over 8,400 years. This gap may be the next to rupture, generating a devastating earthquake similar to the 1976 Tangshan earthquake.
Researchers created a global model of CO2 uptake using fine-scale observations, finding strong interannual variations and the Pacific Ocean dominating flux variability. The study's lead author notes that shipboard measurements provide key data for estimating ocean CO2 sink variability.
Ocean acidity levels vary across the world's oceans, with the northern Indian Ocean being at least 10 percent more acidic than other regions. Ocean acidification could harm marine life and ecosystems, particularly coral reefs, if left unchecked.
A study on epaulette sharks reveals they are tolerant to elevated CO2 levels, which could help them survive ocean acidification. The findings suggest these sharks make physiological adjustments to cope with the changes, maintaining oxygen transport and energy without apparent harm.
Researchers have found that sharks' habitats help them cope with acid oceans by reducing sensitivity to rising CO2 levels. The epaulette shark's ability to regulate its systems and tolerate low oxygen levels makes it better equipped to handle ocean acidification.
A recent study found that ocean acidification caused a significant decrease in calcification rates of the Great Barrier Reef, threatening its ecosystem. The research suggests that coral reefs are now producing less dense and fragile skeletons, making them more susceptible to erosion.
A long-term laboratory experiment showed that young sea stars grow more slowly and eat less in acidic conditions, even after a prolonged acclimation period. The study suggests that young sea stars may not adapt to the effects of ocean acidification, potentially affecting entire ecosystems.
Researchers found that coral growth rates in Australia's Great Barrier Reef have declined by 40% since the mid-1970s. Ocean acidification is suspected to be a major contributor to this decline, as increased CO2 levels in the atmosphere damage coral reefs.
Scientists from GEOMAR and Thünen Institute demonstrated Emiliania huxleyi's ability to adapt simultaneously to ocean acidification and warming. The study found no interference between adaptations, indicating high potential for evolutionary changes.
A new study suggests that sharks' ability to sense the smell of food may be impaired by rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Adult sharks avoided squid odor after swimming in a pool of water treated with carbon dioxide concentrations consistent with climate forecasts for midcentury and 2100.
The National Science Foundation has awarded new grants totaling $11.4 million to research the impact of ocean acidification on marine environments and organisms. Ocean acidification affects marine ecosystems, organisms' life histories, ocean food webs, and biogeochemical cycling.
A survey of scientists from 94 countries reveals the top research priorities for sustaining ocean health, including climate change's impact on plankton growth and ocean biodiversity. Social scientists highlight the need to better communicate science to policy-makers and the public as a key priority.
Ocean acidification is driving changes in vital Alaskan waters, threatening commercial fisheries and subsistence way of life. Communities in southeast and southwest Alaska face the highest risk, with lower incomes and fewer employment opportunities making them more vulnerable.
Researchers found a significant association between higher dietary intakes of total ω-3 PUFAs and reduced risk for ALS. Consuming both α-linolenic acid (ALA) from plant sources and marine ω-3 PUFAs contributed to this protective effect, while ω-6 PUFA intake was not linked to ALS risk.
Environmental scientists Drs Carol Turley and Phil Williamson and Professor Richard Thompson will discuss ocean acidification and plastic pollution at the US Department of State conference. They emphasize the urgent need for a coordinated, global approach to address these pressing issues.
Scientists have quantified the extent of surface ocean acidity from ancient days, finding that the oceans are on track to acidify at least as much as they did 56 million years ago, but at a much faster rate. The study confirms that acidification lasted for 70,000 years or more and may already be affecting marine life.
New research finds that invasive snails eat 20% more juvenile oysters under ocean conditions forecast for the end of this century. The combination of climate change and invasive predators may make restoration of oyster populations increasingly difficult.
A study reveals a shift in competitive dynamics among crustose coralline algae due to ocean acidification, altering biodiversity. The researchers found that the dominant species, Pseudolithophyllum muricatum, no longer enjoys its competitive advantage, likely due to lower pH levels recorded over the last 12 years.
A study found that conch snails that use a strong foot to leap away from predators either stop jumping or take longer when exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide projected for the end of this century. This disruption affects vital decision-making, making snails more vulnerable to their slow-moving nemesis.
A new study finds that cone snail species are under increasing threat of extinction, with 67 species currently threatened or near-threatened worldwide. The loss of these creatures could rob future generations of an undiscovered reservoir of powerful neurotoxins used in life-saving drugs.
A new study reveals that ocean acidification causes anxious behavior in juvenile rockfish, affecting their ability to forage and navigate. The researchers found that the affected fish preferred dark areas and showed altered behavior even after being returned to normal seawater.
Researchers found that ocean acidification impairs digestion in larvae of the green sea urchin, leading to reduced growth and fertility. The study used novel pH micro-electrode techniques to investigate digestion and digestive enzymes in the larvae.
A team of scientists and engineers from the National Oceanography Centre successfully tested a new device that can measure pH levels in seawater. The sensor uses a dye that changes color with pH, allowing for accurate long-term monitoring of ocean acidification, which is impacting marine ecosystems.
Experts warn of substantial economic losses from ocean acidification, with declines in shellfisheries and tropical coral reefs expected. Reducing carbon dioxide emissions can slow acidification and protect some ecosystems.
A Griffith University-led study has found that ocean acidification may inhibit the development of juvenile Irukandji jellyfish, potentially providing some protection for South East Queenslanders. The research also highlights the risk of Irukandji expansion into new areas due to climate change.
Elevated carbon dioxide levels boost growth of tiny plankton, consuming nutrients that larger species rely on. This shift may weaken ocean's ability to absorb CO2 and support cloud formation.
Research found that tiny plankton thrive under elevated CO2 levels, drawing down nutrients and reducing carbon export to the deep ocean. This could lead to a decrease in ocean's ability to regulate global climate, with significant implications for ecosystem balance and greenhouse gas production.
Researchers find unprecedented rate and scale of ocean acidification in the Arctic, driven by rapidly melting sea ice. This process threatens the health of the Arctic ecosystem and species that rely on calcium carbonate for survival.
Researchers discovered that some species of polychaete worms can modify their metabolic rates to thrive in high-CO2 waters, while others are impaired by acidic conditions. The study sheds light on the resilience of marine biodiversity and potential mechanisms for adaptation.
A new study by Alfred Wegener Institute researchers analyzed data from over 150 species, finding that most animal groups are affected negatively by higher carbon dioxide concentrations. Corals and echinoderms react sensitively to ocean acidification, while crustaceans may be more resilient in certain scenarios.
New research reveals that baby corals can survive in acidic conditions, but adult corals may face significant challenges. Ocean acidification could impede the ability of adult corals to build skeletons and grow.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that ocean acidification can have a profound impact on marine ecosystems, causing a loss of functional diversity and resulting in a homogenized community dominated by turf algae. This can lead to cascading effects throughout the ecosystem, making calc...
Coral reefs are more vulnerable to disruption and erosion due to ocean acidification, which reduces the density of coral skeletons. The study found that corals cannot fully acclimate to low pH conditions in nature.
Coral reefs experience reduced calcification rates due to ocean acidification, making them more vulnerable to erosion and disruption. Corals are unable to fully acclimate to low pH conditions in nature.
Researchers found that purple sea urchins can adapt to ocean acidification through natural variation and heritable traits. The study suggests that adaptation will play a significant role in the survival of this keystone species as carbon dioxide levels increase.
Ocean acidification is altering shell formation rates and energy usage in young oysters, leading to increased mortality. However, interventions at hatcheries, such as buffering water with antacids, may help mitigate these effects.
Lawrence Livermore scientists have discovered a new technique to remove and store atmospheric carbon dioxide while generating carbon-negative hydrogen. The process uses electrolysis to produce alkaline solution that can neutralize ocean acidification, potentially saving marine ecosystems.
A new study suggests that ocean acidification could lead to increased hearing sensitivity in fish, with potential benefits for navigation and communication. Researchers found that fish raised in low-pH seawater had larger otoliths, which are used for hearing and balance, resulting in up to a 58-percent increase in otolith mass.
A type of marine algae, Emiliania huxleyi, has been found to be resilient to ocean acidification under high CO2 levels. Although cells grew more slowly under the high CO2 scenario, they did not dissolve away and possessed more calcite, suggesting some ability to tolerate future CO2 scenarios.
A team led by UCSB professors found that certain microscopic shelled plants, such as Emiliania huxleyi, can tolerate high levels of carbon dioxide and even increase shell production, but may grow slower. This discovery suggests variable responses in marine organisms to ocean acidification.
Researchers discovered that purple sea urchins can rapidly evolve in acidic ocean water due to high levels of genetic variation, allowing them to thrive in conditions with high carbon dioxide. This capacity may help some marine species survive in future acidified seas.
Researchers found that cobia larvae showed remarkable resistance to end-of-century acidification scenarios, but reduced growth and development at more extreme levels. The study provides an optimistic outlook for this species, but highlights the need for further research on how fish react to ocean acidification.
Microscopic ocean algae coccolithophores are sensitive to environmental changes and carbon cycle. The study found that different species responded to rapid climate warming events, with some thriving while others declined.
A long-term mesocosm experiment off Sweden investigates the effects of ocean acidification on plankton communities, shedding light on their ability to adapt to new conditions. The study also explores the impact of ocean acidification on the development of fish at the base of the food web.
A new study found severe dissolution of pteropod shells in Southern Ocean waters due to ocean acidification. The tiny snails are a valuable food source for fish and birds, and their shells dissolving may increase vulnerability to predation and infection.
A new study published in Nature Climate Change warns that most coral reefs will be subject to severe degradation if global warming exceeds 2 degrees Celsius. Only a scenario with strong action on mitigating greenhouse-gas emissions and rapid coral adaptation could save two-thirds of coral reefs.
A new international study found that increased acidity affects shell size and weight, with a trend observed across multiple marine species. The research suggests that these changes will have significant impacts on humans and the ocean's large animals.
The Antarctic faces numerous challenges from human activity and climate change, including marine system impacts, invasive species, and pollution. The existing Antarctic Treaty System is being tested by growing tourism and resource use, highlighting the need for swifter decision-making and increased collaboration to conserve the region.
Jan Vicente, a graduate student at the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, has been awarded a NOAA Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship to investigate how ocean acidification affects sponge skeletons. The research will focus on two common Florida Keys sponges and their bacterial communities.