Ocean Acidification
Ocean acidification is the process by which ocean pH decreases as oceans absorb excess atmospheric carbon dioxide, forming carbonic acid. Ocean pH has decreased 0.1 units (30% increase in acidity) since pre-industrial times and is projected to decline further, with severe ecological consequences.
Real World
Australia's Great Barrier Reef, the world's largest coral ecosystem, is experiencing accelerating coral bleaching and shell-thinning in molluscs as surrounding ocean pH drops, threatening the livelihoods of fishing communities dependent on reef biodiversity.
Exam Focus
Use precise terminology — 'pH decreases' not 'acidity decreases'; examiners penalise imprecise scientific language in higher-mark responses.
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