Definition of «change in ocean chemistry»

The term "change in ocean chemistry" refers to any alteration or shift in the composition and balance of chemical elements, compounds, and ions present in the Earth's oceans. This can be due to various natural processes such as evaporation, precipitation, photosynthesis by phytoplankton, respiration by marine organisms, and weathering of rocks on land. However, human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, agriculture, mining, and waste disposal can also cause changes in ocean chemistry through the release of pollutants, greenhouse gases, and other substances into the marine environment. These changes can have significant impacts on marine ecosystems, including coral reefs, fisheries, and other organisms that depend on a stable chemical environment to survive.

Usage examples

Increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere contribute to a change in ocean chemistry.
The change in ocean chemistry, caused by excessive carbon dioxide absorption, leads to ocean acidification.
Ocean acidification, as a result of the change in ocean chemistry, poses a threat to marine organisms that rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons.
Harmful algal blooms can be influenced by the change in ocean chemistry, which disrupts the balance of nutrients and impacts marine ecosystems.
Coral bleaching is another consequence of the change in ocean chemistry, where rising ocean temperatures cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leading to their eventual death.

Sentences with «change in ocean chemistry»

But they are very sensitive to changes in ocean chemistry resulting from human activity. (carnegiescience.edu)
We wondered, was this simply a coincidence or a direct result of changes in ocean chemistry?» (sciencedaily.com)
Seagrasses also undergo a high rate of photosynthesis that may serve to buffer changes in ocean chemistry that affect shell - building organisms. (sciencemag.org)
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