A study publish in Science Advances by Jens Müller and Nicolas Grube from the Institute of Biogeochemistry and Pollutant Dynamics at ETH Zurich has highlighted the growing depths of ocean acidification.
By using a 3D model of the world’s oceans, the researchers examine how carbon emissions since the industrial age have impacted marine chemistry.
The findings show that by 2014, acidification had reach an average depth of 1,000 metres, with some regions showing effects as deep as 1,500 metres, as per reports.
As per the study, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide has not only warm the oceans but also alter their chemical composition.
This process, akin to the mechanism behind carbonate beverages tasting acidic, has led to rising acidification levels in seawater.
Critical indicators like proton concentrations, pH levels and aragonite saturation states were use to simulate changes in the ocean’s CO2 levels from 1800 to 2014.
The research indicates that regions influence by ocean currents, such as the Atlantic meridional overturning current, show more significant acidification at greater depths.
This trend poses a risk to marine life, particularly organisms like pteropods, whose calcium-based shells are highly vulnerable in acidic environments.
Many reports that the deeper penetration of acidification can adversely impact marine ecosystems. Corals, already under threat from rising temperatures, face additional challenges due to chemical changes in their habitats.
Reports suggest that the scale and intensity of acidification can disrupt food chains and biodiversity in deeper ocean layers.
The findings underscore the necessity of addressing carbon emissions to mitigate further harm to marine environments.
Researchers work provides critical insights into the long-term implications of industrialisation on global ocean systems, as per the study.
