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4 Effects of Everyday Activities on the Ecosystem
4.3.2 Biogeochemical Cycles
Ocean acidification accelerates the carbon cycle. When the ocean absorbs atmospheric CO 2 , the reaction leads to the formation of carbonic acid and subsequently
acidifies the water. Since the Industrial Revolution, scientists report that oceans have
gained 30% more acidity. Unless the emission of carbon is reduced in the future,
scientists estimate that oceans may become 170% more acidic at the turn of the
next century. Studies, where CO 2 has been added to marine habitats, suggest that
there is a reduction in dimethyl sulfide that phytoplankton produce (Doney et al.
2007; 2009). It is quite interesting since it is the primary source of biological sulfur
that gets into the atmosphere where sulfur compounds are instrumental for cloud
formation. Sulfur facilitates the creation of cloud condensation nuclei. Because
cloud cover influences the number of sun rays reflected into the atmosphere, this
could potentially affect climate.
How does cloud cover affect climate?
4.3.3 Weather and Climate
Ocean acidification leads to a rise in water temperature and sea-level rise. Ocean
acidification will also contribute to higher atmospheric warming as GHG concentrations in the atmosphere remain high. The reaction of oceans to higher CO 2 levels
will have a significant impact on the way global warming affects other people.
Oceans absorb a large quantity of gas released into the atmosphere (Cao et al. 2007).
High levels of sulfur in the atmosphere are poised to minimize the quantity of solar
energy that reaches the surface of the Earth, thus resulting in a cooling effect. In
this case, acidification reduces the emissions of sulfur from the ocean, which could
lead to a rise in the quantity of solar energy that reaches the Earth’s surface, thus
increasing warming.
Explain one other way that ocean acidification affects weather and climate.
4.4 Deforestation
Deforestation is defined as the cutting down or clearance of a forest or strand
of trees. The land is converted for other uses, including farming. It is stipulated
that high rates of deforestation happen within tropical rainforests. Many nations’
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