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Acid Ocean Will Dissolve Sea Creatures' Shells

Researchers uncover another devastating impact of global warming

By Mary Papenfuss,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 5, 2009 2:40 AM CDT

(Newser) – Waters around the North Pole are absorbing so much carbon dioxide that acid in the ocean will soon begin dissolving sea creatures' shells, scientists warn. By 2018 10% of the Arctic Ocean will be corrosive, spelling potential disaster for the food chain as crustaceans begin to die off, reports the Telegraph. "We knew the seas were getting more acidic and this would disrupt shellfish ability to grow shells. Now we realize the situation is much worse," said lead scientist Prof. Jean-Pierre Gattuso.

The world's seas are turning acidic as carbon dioxide from pollution is converted to carbonic acid in the water. The situation is more dire in polar regions because the gas is more soluble in cold water. "Over the whole planet, there will be a threefold increase in the average acidity of the oceans, which is unprecedented during the past 20 million years," said Gattuso.

Is the end near for crusty sea creatures?
Is the end near for crusty sea creatures?   (©smallislander)
Global warming spells disaster for seashells.
Global warming spells disaster for seashells.   (©jeezychreezy)
Scientists say a corrosive Arctic Ocean will begin destroying crustaceans' shells in ten years.
Scientists say a corrosive Arctic Ocean will begin destroying crustaceans' shells in ten years.   (©haemengine)
A Nautilus faces uncertain times as global warming changes the acid level of the ocean.
A Nautilus faces uncertain times as global warming changes the acid level of the ocean.   (AP Photo/ Wong Maye-E)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 20 comments
Aelius28
Oct 6, 2009 5:06 AM CDT
I realize that. Mass-extinction events happen all the time; it won't be an unprecedented rate by any means though. But life never ceases to press on. This would actually be a rather minor mass-extinction event.
Snowleopard
Oct 5, 2009 12:15 PM CDT
planet's don't have enough mass to become stars. Not even Jupiter is big enough.
divetrader
Oct 5, 2009 12:02 PM CDT
I think we have already passed the tipping point. Sadly, many creatures as a result of humans will suffer and disappear as a result of our arrogance.

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