Global systems and cycles
The carbon cycle is vital to life on Earth. All living
things are carbon based, even humans. Carbon is released naturally into the
atmosphere through respiration and volcanic eruptions. Plants remove the carbon
from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and use it to build cells and grow.
Animals eat plants and thus gain the carbon they need to grow from them. When
organisms die, they generally decompose and carbon is returned to the
atmosphere. Sometimes they are buried in such a way that they are lithified or
turned into oil and gas (fossil fuels).
CO2_temp,
accessed 23/4/2020
The carbon cycle has been in a natural balance for millions
of years. However, since the Industrial Revolution the amount of carbon dioxide
in the atmosphere has increased significantly (ACS). The oceans play a major role in absorbing carbon
dioxide from the atmosphere and are the largest carbon sink. They absorb over
20 million tonnes of carbon a day. Initially scientists were relieved about
this, however in the past two decades they have come to realise that this can
have devastating impacts on marine life.
Mussels,
accessed 23/4/2020
You can see from this investigation as more carbon dioxide is absorbed into water the acidity of
the water increases. Just a small change in the pH of ocean water can cause problems
for some marine life. Many bivalves, such as oysters and muscles, are
struggling to make hard outer shells. Other species are finding that their
shells are starting to dissolve, like how carbonated drinks can dissolve tooth
enamel. Some fish have shown they do not develop as well mentally or physically
with increased acid in their environment. All these creatures make up parts of
a bigger food chain. If they do not grow big enough, or at all, then animals
higher up the food chain will begin to struggle, including humans.
Dead tooth, accessed
23/4/20202
Without making changes to our lifestyles the problem will
only continue to get worse. Why not try using a carbon footprint calculator to see what steps you can take to reduce your
emissions.
For a scientific explanation of the chemical reactions
involved with acidification of the oceans, read this article and watch the animated videos.
For more hands on activities you can try at home relating to
carbon dioxide in the oceans try these WASP activities.