Ocean Acidification and Coral Ecosystems

The video discusses ocean acidification, its causes, and impacts. Ocean acidification is linked to increased atmospheric CO2 from human activities like burning fossil fuels. This leads to chemical reactions in the ocean, forming carbonic acid and increasing hydrogen ions, which lower pH levels. The process affects marine life, particularly organisms relying on calcium carbonate, such as corals. The video highlights the importance of understanding these changes due to their impact on marine biodiversity and ecosystems.

What was the average ocean pH before the industrial revolution?

• 6.5

• 7.0

• 8.1

• 8.2

How does a change of one unit on the pH scale affect hydrogen ion concentration?

• It halves the concentration

• It doubles the concentration

• It changes the concentration tenfold

• It has no effect

Which gas is primarily responsible for ocean acidification?

• Methane

• Oxygen

• Nitrogen

• Carbon Dioxide

What human activity does NOT contribute to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide?

• Vehicle emissions

• Burning fossil fuels

• Deforestation

• Photosynthesis

What is formed when carbon dioxide reacts with water in the ocean?

• Nitric acid

• Hydrochloric acid

• Carbonic acid

• Sulfuric acid

Why is ocean acidification problematic for corals?

• It increases water temperature

• It causes overpopulation of fish

• It reduces available calcium carbonate

• It increases salinity

What happens when hydrogen ions bond with carbonate ions?

• They form bicarbonate

• They form calcium carbonate

• They form water

• They form oxygen

What is the primary concern for marine organisms due to ocean acidification?

• Lack of free carbonate ions

• Lack of sunlight

• Lack of oxygen

• Lack of food

Which ecosystem is most affected by damaged corals?

• Open ocean

• Kelp forests

• Coral reefs

• Mangroves

What other process, besides acidification, threatens coral ecosystems?

• Ocean warming

• Ocean cooling

• Decreased salinity

• Increased salinity