Scientists have documented that souring seas caused by CO2 emissions are dissolving pteropods
Eric, Let me give you a little follow up on ocean acidity. For one thing, since the oceans are ALREADY slightly Alkaline, there is no such thing as ocean acidification. If anything, the oceans might be becoming more "neutral" on the PH scale (7 is neutral).
Secondly, oceanic PH varies WIDELY depending upon water temperature.. CO2 cannot dissolve into warmer water as readily as it can with colder water.
Thirdly, Alkalinity is just as dangerous, if not more so, to marine life, than acidity. As the author points out in one of these links, the most alkaline food that we eat is an egg.. But we're commonly eating far more acid foods, to include tomatoes and lemons.. with no ill effect.
Furthermore, in the following link there are apparently large divergences in PH at the surface, some of which is greatly above the level of CO2 in the atmosphere, and some greatly below. This means that when data is collected, great attention has to be paid to not "cherry" picking the areas that support the acidification hypothesis.
wattsupwiththat.com
Pay special attention to Figure 5 in the following link. And see the difference in PH levels in Kelp forests monitored over a 30 day period.
wattsupwiththat.com
Now, we also have to look at prehistoric data correlations between atmospheric CO2 and Coral.. Apparently Coral can actually thrive in high CO2 environments.
wattsupwiththat.com
So, IMO, what should be MORE worrisome, is not "acidification" (Titration) of tritration of the oceans to a more neutral PH..
Rather, more attention MUST be paid to the 40%+ decline in Phyto-plankton.
This 40% decline represents 40% LESS FOOD availability to sustain the Marine Food chain. 40% less food for Coral Polyps that depend upon that plankton to grow and flourish. 40% less food for fish and oceanic mammals. 40% less food for Marine prey that are eaten by terrestrial animals.
There is no other logical conclusion to arrive at when we face the the fact there there has been a 40% decline in the foundation of the Marine Food Chain..
Marine life is starving.
Of course Corals, and other Zooplankton will not be able to flourish if their available food has been reduced by 40%.
Scientists are looking at the wrong conclusions.. The small variations in oceanic PH are nearly irrelevant in comparison to a 40% reduction in food.
The conclusion.. and where science must focus, is what we have to do to restore Phyto-Plankton populations. Not only will it make for healthier Marine fisheries, but also, through photosynthesis, it will reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.
Hawk |
