What is ocean acidification primarily caused by?

Ocean acidification is primarily caused by increasing levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere. When CO2 is absorbed by seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean, leading to increased acidity. This process affects marine ecosystems, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to form shells and skeletons, such as corals and some shellfish.

The increased acidity resulting from elevated CO2 levels can disrupt the chemical balance of seawater, impacting organisms at all levels of the food chain. As atmospheric CO2 continues to rise due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, the implications for ocean chemistry become increasingly significant, making the understanding of ocean acidification crucial in discussions about climate change and marine conservation.