30%-40% of CO2 (caused by humans), dissolves in the ocean. This causes an increase in Acidity. Acidity in water is measured in pH. pH is measured from 0-14, where 0 is more acidic, 7 is neutral, and 14 is highly Basic(Alkaline). pH is the potential to make charged hydrogen atoms(or ions).
The CO2 in the water dissolves, which causes a chemical reaction where the CO2 plus H2O creates H2CO3 (Carbonic Acid). Carbonic Acid releases one Hydrogen ion, which creates bicarbonate. The bicarbonate can break down even more, to a carbonate ion. The extra Hydrogens lost from the bicarbonate and carbonate ions, then make the water more acidic. Oceanic life can be threatened by increased Ocean Acidity, which can cause harmful consequences including drops in Metabolic rates and drops in Immune response to organisms. Calcium atoms added to Carbonate ions makes Calcium Carbonate. Some of ocean life is very dependent on Calcium Carbonate, but the extra Hydrogen ions are combining with the Calcium Carbonate, creating more bicarbonate, making it harder for the ocean life to get Calcium Carbonate because its reduced. Coccolithophores (single celled organisms) produce a chemical called Ethanethiol which helps produce clouds. Coccolithophores are also affected by the reduction of Calcium Carbonate. The reduction of coccolithophores would mean less clouds over the ocean (thats caused by Ethanethiol), which would cause more sunlight penetrating the Earth, increasing global warming.
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