This week, the UN World Meteorological Organization declared that concentrations of greenhouse gases in the environment had reached yet another high. This ongoing development is not only heating the planet but also affecting the chemical composition of oceans. Until recently, it has been tough to observe 'ocean acidification', however, scientists are exploring new methods to mix information from totally different sources, along with ESA's SMOS mission, to put new gentle on this major environmental concern.
As the amount of atmospheric CO2 continues to increase, our oceans are playing a more and more vital role in absorbing some of this excess. It was reported that the global ocean yearly draws down a couple of a third of the carbon emitted into the environment by human activities.
Whereas this long-interval absorption signifies that the planet is not as hot as it might be otherwise, the method is inflicting the ocean's carbonate chemistry to alter: seawater is turning less alkaline—a process generally known as ocean acidification.
Pteropods, tiny marine snails known as 'sea butterflies,' are an instance of a particularly vulnerable species, where shell damage has been noticed already in parts of the Arctic and the Southern Ocean. Pteropods are vital in the polar food web, serving as a crucial food source for essential fisheries species, including cod and salmon.
With the adverse effects of ocean acidification already becoming evident, the current move in pH must be monitored closely. Covering more than 70% of Earth's floor, ocean wellbeing further has a bearing on the health and balance of the rest of the Earth.
Recent advances in data capture have included state-of-the-art pH devices on ships and floats. Nevertheless, at present, there are no spaceborne sensors that can measure pH instantly.
Published in Ecology and News
Eric Kiely
Eric is the chief contributing author and editor for the ecology column. He has expert knowledge about environmental science has acquired quite a lot of on-field experience about energy resources. He was engaged with many groups to educate people about the diminishing non-renewable energies and usage of renewable energies. He has written many papers based on the implications of renewable energy sources. His articles are very much inspiring and portray the positive aspects of using renewable energies.
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