Will Coral Reefs Survive Acidification?
Nestled among the beautiful coral reefs of Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a place that could provide the key to our understanding of one of the biggest threats to coral reef survival: Ocean Acidification. Here cool carbon dioxide naturally bubbles out of volcanic cracks in the shallow sea floor and makes the surrounding waters more acidic. This place gives us a glimpse into the future as absorbed atmospheric CO2 makes the ocean more acidic. Smithsonian scientist, Laetitia Plaisance, uses this unique place to study what will happen to corals and coral reefs if the ocean gets more acidic. Read the full blog post from Dr. Plaisance to learn more about acidification and these amazing CO2 seeps.
Carbon Dioxide Volcanic Seep
Carbon Dioxide Volcanic Seep
MV Chertain Lab Boat
MV Chertain Lab Boat:
For three weeks, the MV Chertan is home-base for the scientific team and will be transformed in a laboratory to study the effect of the CO2 seeps on reefs.
A Healthy Coral Reef
A Healthy Coral Reef:
A healthy coral reef far away from CO2 seeps where the pH is still unaffected.
Laetitia Plaisance
Monoculture of Boulder Corals
Monoculture of Boulder Corals:
Fragile Branching Corals in Acidic Water
Fragile Branching Corals in Acidic Water:
Branching corals, because of their more fragile structure, struggle to live in acidified waters around natural carbon dioxide seeps, a model for a more acidic future ocean.
Lonely Seagrass in Acidic Waters
Lonely Seagrass in Acidic Waters:
Dissolving Shell
Dissolving Shell:
The acidic waters from the CO2 seeps can dissolve shells and also make it harder for shells to grow in the first place.
Dissolving Coral Skeleton in Acidic Waters
Dissolving Coral Skeleton in Acidic Waters:
Share your comments here.
* When you click submit, your comment will be added to the queue for review and will be published after approval.
comment_wrapper_curve
comment_wrapper_curve_top