What is the process of ocean acidification?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is option 3 i.e. Decrease in pH due to carbon dioxide absorption.
- Ocean acidification is the continuous decrease in the pH of ocean water caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere.
- Human activities such as burning fossil fuels increase CO₂ emissions, of which the oceans absorb nearly 30%, leading to higher acidity.
- Since the Industrial Revolution, the pH of ocean surface waters has dropped by approximately 0.1 units.
- Atmospheric CO₂ levels have increased from 280 ppm (pre-industrial era) to nearly 400 ppm, with oceans absorbing about 25% of these emissions.
- This change in seawater chemistry negatively affects marine life, including coral reefs, shell-forming organisms, and fish species.
- Although oceans help reduce global warming by storing excess CO₂, their buffering capacity is diminishing, creating significant ecological and socioeconomic challenges.