Growing Ocean Acidity May Mean End For Great Barrier Reef In 20 Years

[hatrack]

EDIT

Ms Loft says while the results are alarming, it's exciting to have this quality of information for the first time. "What this whole record does is provide us with the first long term perspective on the PH changes caused by this change in ocean chemistry for a particular reef area. It's exciting to have this first decade long log because it indicates you can reconstruct ocean PH back into the path from the information locked in coral skeletons. It's a first step, we need to look at a lot of corals from other locations around the world." This is despite, as she explains, Australia having the best range of corals in both the GBR and reefs off WA.

The problem is that the corals are very used to having the PH at a particular level
The research says industry is the main contributor to the excess carbon dioxide "About 30 per cent of the excess carbon dioxide that we have put into the atmosphere since the industrial revolution has been absorbed by the ocean and this can change the ocean chemistry. The PH change is caused by this change in ocean chemistry."

In addition to biodiversity issues, the outlook is also alarming because of a threat to coastal communities. "The problem is that the corals are very used to having the PH at a particular level and if it's changed the corals will produce weaker structures. Because coral reefs are massive structures which help buffer the coastal environment, the implications for this part of the world are serious." She's clear about how that would affect the North Queensland coast. "If you have a tropical cyclone you'll have more damage."

Plus, it's not just the corals that will be compromised. "A coral reef's not just corals, it's loads of other organisms that rely on the coral reefs to provide their habitats so there could be significant flow on effects."

EDIT/END

http://www.abc.net.au/tropic/stories/s1750953.htm?backyard

[Teaser]

1. Good.

Fucking Coral. Thinks it can act as a "barrier" to us?
We'll show them, the little parasites.

[lapfog_1]

3. Yup, they harbor those terrorist stingrays

that killed Steve Irwin!

:sarcasm:

[nam78_two]

2. recommended/nt

[Javaman]

4. Pish posh, when the all the ice finally melts, acidity of the oceans

will be the least of it's problems. When the tide raises and covers all the chem, oil and other foul smelling evil crap producing plants, acidity will take a back seat to the witches brew the ocean will become.
Think New Orleans after Katrina.