How does ocean acidification impact coral reefs?

Ocean acidification has a significant impact on coral reefs. As carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by the ocean, it reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, leading to a decrease in pH levels. This decrease in pH, known as ocean acidification, has detrimental effects on coral reefs.

Coral reefs are made up of tiny organisms called coral polyps that secrete calcium carbonate to build their hard skeletons. However, under acidic conditions, the process of calcification becomes more challenging for corals. The increased acidity inhibits the ability of coral polyps to form and maintain their calcium carbonate structures, making them more vulnerable to erosion and dissolution.

Furthermore, ocean acidification affects the symbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae, which are photosynthetic algae that provide corals with essential nutrients. The increased acidity disrupts this symbiosis, causing the corals to expel the zooxanthellae in a process known as coral bleaching. Without the zooxanthellae, corals lose their vibrant colors and become more susceptible to stress, disease, and mortality.

The decline of coral reefs due to ocean acidification has far-reaching consequences. Coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide range of marine species. They also provide essential ecosystem services, such as coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism. The loss of coral reefs not only impacts marine life but also affects the livelihoods and economies of coastal communities.

In conclusion, ocean acidification poses a severe threat to coral reefs by hindering calcification processes and disrupting the symbiotic relationship between corals and zooxanthellae. The resulting coral bleaching and increased vulnerability to erosion and disease have significant ecological and socio-economic implications.