Ocean acidification destroys coral habitat by 2100

Oceans play an important role in the planet's carbon cycle - they absorb and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere

Earth. However, the current volumes of emissions create a great burden on marine life - in case of excess CO2, the pH level in the water decreases sharply.

From these changes mollusks, marineanimals with an exoskeleton and corals, when carbon dioxide is mixed with sea water, a chemical reaction occurs that increases the acidity of the water. Oxidation inhibits the ability of organisms to reproduce and reduces the protective properties of their immune system.

In a new study, scientists compiled a modelthe effects of warming, acidified oceans on coral habitat. The work showed that in the next 20 years, conditions suitable for existence will completely disappear for 70–90% of corals.

Then the scientists made up another model in whichsuggested that instead of dead corals, laboratory-grown corals will be planted. Modeling showed that in this case, all representatives of this type of marine invertebrates will die by 2100, since ocean acidification will not allow them to grow and develop.

It was previously reported that an increase in ocean acidity, predicted by 2300, will lead to the destruction of feline shark scales.