Coralline (G)Reef

Abstract

are becoming increasingly familiar with the results of the burning of fossil fuels in the loading of the atmosphere with excess carbon emissions; the increased frequency and severity of extreme weather, and rising sea levels. But there are other effects caused by carbon dioxide dissolving in the ocean. This causes an increase in the acidity of the sea, which in turn affects ocean bicarbonate chemistry in a process called ocean acidification. Ocean acidification, often called the “evil twin” of climate change, affects the availability of carbonate ions, essential for the formation of hardened structures such as corals and shells.