Acidity levels are increasing three to four times faster than ocean waters elsewhere along with a strong correlation between the accelerated rate of melting ice in the Arctic and rate of acidification. This threatens the Earth’s climate and survival of plants, shellfish, coral reefs, and other marine life dependent on a healthy ocean. Crabs, for example, live in a crusty shell built from the calcium carbonate prevalent in ocean water. Polar bears rely on healthy fish populations for food; fish and sea birds rely on plankton and plants; and seafood is crucial in many humans’ diets. By 2050, or possibly sooner, the Arctic region’s sea ice may no longer survive increasingly warm summer seasons. As a result, the ocean’s chemistry will grow more acidic, with no persistent ice cover to slow or otherwise mitigate the advance.

Story Source: University of Delaware

www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/09/220929203455.htm