Ocean Acidification: The Other Carbon Dioxide Problem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EaLRcVdTbM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EaLRcVdTbM
NOAA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
This NOAA video discusses how the ocean absorbs the increased amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, thereby changing the pH and buffering action of the ocean. These changes in pH are impacting calcifying organisms, such as corals and shellfish, and related food chains and ecosystems.
Video length: 3:58 min.
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Climate Literacy
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Teaching Tips | Science | Pedagogy |
Technical Details
Teaching Tips
- Can be used in a chemistry, oceanography, marine biology, biology, ecosystem, environmental science unit on acids and bases/pH.
About the Content
- The NOAA video discusses the causes of ocean acidification, ocean carbonate chemistry, sampling techniques, and impact of ocean acidification on marine food webs.
- Comments from expert scientist:
This is a great resource for ocean acidification and its development/effects on the ocean and humans.
Scientific strengths:
- Explanation of pteropod's importance in the ocean ecosystems
- Clear, simple explanation of how ocean acidification works
- Presentation of problem
- Clear hypothesis stated
- The clear visual example of the depth profile of samples taken by research vessels
One minor concern is the lack of links to data/references
About the Pedagogy
- The educator will need to provide context in which to embed this video. A basic pre-knowledge of acids, bases, and chemical formulas would be helpful for better understanding this video.
- Teachers need to make clear that even though the process is called "ocean acidification" it does not mean that the ocean will become acid, but that the ocean, now slightly alkaline, has diminished carbonate buffering potential.