Introduction, RM

Introduction

            Ocean acidification is occurs as the pH of the ocean ecosystem decreases. The primary cause of the acidification is deposition of carbon dioxide from the Earth’s atmosphere. Atmospheric carbon dioxide deposition is one of the most preventable causes of ocean acidification due to the fact that it is almost entirely caused by humans. Acidic ocean waters are detrimental to the marine ecosystem. The acidic waters break down calcium carbonate in the ocean waters that primarily exists in corals and shells of marine animals. The breakdown of calcium carbonate will kill these animals, destroying the marine food web from the base up. Prevention of ocean acidification through atmospheric carbon dioxide is absolutely critical in order to keep the oceans of the world in the pristine condition they exist in today.