Researchers from the Science journal recently reported an alarming increase in ocean acidification over the continental shelf of North America. The effects of the anomaly are very likely to include a series of negative impacts on the marine ecosystems.

One of the conclusions reached by the scientists is that the acidification will lead to the corrosion of calcium carbonate exoskeletons in a large number of organisms. The explanation is that the CO2 mixed with ocean water forms the carbonic acid which has a corrosive effect on aragonite (the calcium carbonate mineral forming the shells of many sea creatures.)

Apparently, the reason for the severe acidification could be connected to the ocean’s increased absorption of the carbon dioxide quantities from the atmosphere. The explanation was given by the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA.)

According to their estimates, starting with the industrial era, the oceans have absorbed nearly a third of the released anthropogenic carbon emissions, which adds up to about 130 billion metric tons of carbon.

The process has had a massive positive input as it reduced the greenhouse gas levels and also scaled down the impacts of global warming. Unfortunately, the continuous uptake of millions of metric tons has significantly modified the ocean’s chemistry and biology.

 The long-term consequences have not yet been identified and studies continue in order to find the best solution available, if not for a permanent settlement, at least for a significant delay.