In this video Paul Andersen shows how carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is causing a decrease in the pH of the oceans. The carbon dioxide combines with the water to create carbonic acid which dissociates into bicarbonate and carbonate anions. Decreased pH leads to lower metabolism and immune response in marine species. Increased bicarbonate makes it difficult to form shells and reefs of calcium carbonate.
Visit the Grade 7 Student Led Research Module of the TMA BlueTech Curriculum to see curriculum connections.