Changing Planet: Ocean Acidification

The dramatic increase in atmospheric CO2 in the past few decades has resulted in a startling increase in ocean acidity, which could have a large impact on marine life. Some marine creatures build their skeletons and shells from calcium carbonate in seawater. As seawater gets more acidic these creatures will have a harder time building their skeletons and shells because calcium carbonate dissolves in acid.

Click on the video at the left to watch the NBC Learn video - Changing Planet: Ocean Acidification.

Lesson plan: Changing Planet: Ocean Acidification

Last modified March 4, 2011 by Roberta Johnson.

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