Ocean acidification, a product of increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide, may already have affected calcified organisms in the coastal zone, such as bivalves and other shellfish. Understanding species’ responses to climate change requires the context of long-term dynamics. This can be particularly difficult given the longevity of many important species in ...
Inorganic carbon chemistry data from the surface and subsurface waters of the West Coast of North America have been compared with similar data from the northern Gulf of Mexico to demonstrate how future changes in CO2 emissions will affect chemical changes in coastal waters affected by respiration-induced hypoxia ([O2] ≤ ~ 60 µmol kg−1). ...
The continental shelf region off the west coast of North America is seasonally exposed to water with a low aragonite saturation state by coastal upwelling of CO2-rich waters. To date, the spatial and temporal distribution of anthropogenic CO2 (Canth) within the CO2-rich waters is largely unknown. Here we adapt the multiple ...
Acidification has sparked discussion about whether regulatory agencies should place coastal waters on the Clean Water Act 303(d) impaired water bodies list. Here we describe scientific challenges in assessing impairment with existing data, exploring use of both pH and biological criteria. Application of pH criteria is challenging because present coastal ...
Exponentially rising CO2 (currently ~400 µatm) is driving climate change and causing acidification of both marine and freshwater environments. CO2 directly affects acid–base and ion regulation, respiratory function and aerobic performance in aquatic animals. Elevated CO2 projected for end of this century (e.g. 800–1000 µatm) can also impact physiology, and have substantial ...
The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) was established in May 2011, by the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act. This program aims to coordinate research, monitoring, and other activities to improve our understanding of how (and how fast) the chemistry of the ocean is changing, how variable that change ...
Educational website with map and information about ocean acidification
Educational introduction to the chemistry and biological impacts of ocean acidification
News and educational website on ocean acidification
Educational website about ocean acidification created by the Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary Education Team.
