Study Finds Acidified Ocean Water Off West Coast

摘要

Evidence of corrosive water caused by the oceans absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) was found less than 20 miles off the West Coast of North America during a field study from Canada to Mexico last summer. This was the first time "acidified" ocean water has been found on the continental shelf of western North America. The term "ocean acidification" describes the process of ocean water becoming corrosive as a result of carbon dioxide being absorbed from the atmosphere. "Acidification of the Earth's ocean water could have far-reaching impacts on the health of our near-shore environment and the sus-tainability of ecosystems that support human populations through nourishment and jobs," said Richard W. Spinrad, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration assistant administrator for oceanic and atmospheric research. "This research is vital to understanding the processes within the ocean, as well as the consequences of a carbon-rich atmosphere."