|
|
Ocean Acidification
Medium: collage and oil paint on canvas
Year Produced: 2009
Dimensions in inches (H x W): 42" x 32.25"
Approximately half of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by human activity in the last 200 years is being taken up by the oceans. CO2 in the atmosphere is a chemically unreactive gas but, when it is dissolved in the ocean chemical changes occur. One of the overall effects is the formation of carbonic acid (H2O + CO2 = H2CO3). This weak acid releases hydrogen ions into the seawater which cause the acidity to increase (decreases the pH of the oceans). The increase in ocean acidity has severe consequences on marine organisms that produce calcium carbonate (CaCO3). Marine life such as corals, molluscs, phytoplankton and zooplankton could be severely impacted, causing a ripple effect through the entire marine food chain.
Resources: The Royal Society. Ocean acidification due to increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide. Science Policy Section, London, UK. June 2005. www.royalsoc.ac.uk
Ken, Dr. Caldeira, Carnegie Institution, Stanford University. Is human-induced acidification of the sea about to destroy reefs?
Are We Killing the Worlds Oceans? Victoria: University of Victoria. RSC: The Academies, Feb. 21, 2007.
Note: the yellow ochre colour dripping into the ocean represent the carbon dioxide absorbing into the ocean.
|
|
