Natural lab shows sea's acid path

[Matt Rogers]

Natural carbon dioxide vents on the sea floor are showing scientists how carbon emissions will affect marine life.

Dissolved CO2 makes water more acidic, and around the vents, researchers saw a fall in species numbers, and snails with their shells disintegrating.

Writing in the journal Nature, the UK scientists suggest these impacts are likely to be seen across the world as CO2 levels rise in the atmosphere.

Some of the extra CO2 emitted enters the oceans, acidifying waters globally.

BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Natural lab shows sea's acid path

[nunch]

That's an interesting story, but it's a tad conflicting. i saw a special on something similar to this on Nat. Geo or discovery don't remember which one. as they saw the fall in species they also came across quite a few new or evolved species that thrive in this habitat. they used the undewater volcanic vents of the Hawaii Islands as their example.

[Matt Rogers]

Originally Posted by nunch

That's an interesting story, but it's a tad conflicting. i saw a special on something similar to this on Nat. Geo or discovery don't remember which one. as they saw the fall in species they also came across quite a few new or evolved species that thrive in this habitat. they used the undewater volcanic vents of the Hawaii Islands as their example.

I remember that one.
I think what they are trying to do here is highlight the lowering of pH in the world's oceans although you make a good point.