Changing ocean chemistry may threaten Antarctic food chain

Researchers from the University of California, Santa Barbara, have linked rising carbon levels to changes in ocean chemistry, affecting marine life like sea snails in Antarctic waters. As oceans absorb carbon dioxide, water becomes more acidic, impacting organisms' ability to build shells. This has implications for the food chain in the Ross Sea. To monitor these changes, Gretchen Hoffman's team has deployed ocean sensors since 2010, providing valuable data on ocean pH. Their research aims to understand the natural pH variations and predict future impacts on marine ecosystems.

What role do sea snails and other calcifying organisms play in the marine ecosystem?

What methods are researchers using to monitor changes in ocean pH?