Ocean acidification to blame for slowing coral reef growth, says new study

The video explains how CO2 absorption by oceans forms carbonic acid, increasing ocean acidity. Over two centuries, ocean pH dropped from 8.2 to 8.1, a 26% acidity increase. Coral uses carbonate ions for skeletons, but carbonic acid reduces these ions, affecting coral growth. A study in the Great Barrier Reef showed coral grows faster in less acidic water. Protecting coral reefs is crucial as they host diverse marine life.

What happens to CO2 when it is absorbed by the oceans?

• It decreases the ocean's pH.

• It evaporates back into the atmosphere.

• It forms carbonic acid and increases ocean acidity.

• It remains unchanged in the water.

How much has the ocean's average pH dropped over the past two centuries?

• From 8.2 to 8.1

• From 8.1 to 8.0

• From 8.0 to 7.8

• From 8.2 to 7.9

What is the effect of hydrogen ions on carbonate ions in the ocean?

• They increase the availability of carbonate ions.

• They have no effect on carbonate ions.

• They bind with carbonate ions to form bicarbonate.

• They convert carbonate ions into carbon dioxide.

What was the result of adding sodium hydroxide to the water in the Great Barrier Reef study?

• Coral growth stopped completely.

• Coral growth slowed down.

• Coral growth remained the same.

• Coral growth increased.

Why is it crucial to protect coral reefs from acidification?

• They are not affected by ocean acidity.

• They support a large portion of marine biodiversity.

• They are not important to the ocean ecosystem.

• They are home to a small number of fish species.