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Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

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Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & Diversity

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Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

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Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

<ul>
	<li>Since the start of the industrial revolution, humans have released over 500 billion tonnes of CO2.</li>
	<li>A large chunk of this (over the years) has dissolved in the oceans.</li>
	<li>Fun Fact: Imagine 500 billion tonnes is like filling up 125 billion cars with CO2! 🚗💨</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Late 18th century (minimal industrialization): pH was around 8.179.</li>
	<li>Mid-1990s: pH dropped to 8.104.</li>
	<li>2014: pH went further down to approx. 8.069.</li>
	<li>🧪 While these changes seem small, they represent a whopping 30% acidification.</li>
	<li>Think of it like this: It&#39;s like adding one drop of lemon juice to your favorite drink and suddenly it tastes super sour!</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>CO2 reacts with water to form carbonic acid. CO2 + H2O &rarr; H2CO3</li>
	<li>Carbonic acid breaks down into hydrogen and hydrogencarbonate ions. H2CO3 &rarr; H⁺ + HCO₃⁻</li>
	<li>But wait! Hydrogen ions also react with carbonate ions which reduces their concentration. H⁺ + CO₃&sup2;⁻ &rarr; HCO₃⁻</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Corals use carbonate ions from seawater to make their skeletons.</li>
	<li>If the carbonate ion concentration drops, think of it as corals finding it tough to get the building blocks (like Lego pieces) they need. This can make them weaker!</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Hard corals and zooxanthellae algae are BFFs (Best Friends Forever) in the marine world.</li>
	<li>Zooxanthellae get a solid place to stay and sunlight.</li>
	<li>Corals get yummy carbohydrates from the algae.</li>
	<li>But if the water gets too warm, corals push their algae buddies away, causing coral bleaching.</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Coral is like the architect of the marine community.</li>
	<li>If coral goes away, the entire marine ecosystem can collapse. Think of it as pulling out the main pillar from a house. The entire house can come tumbling down!</li>
</ul>

Activity Time! 📚

<ul>
	<li>Estimating Ocean pH

	<ul>
		<li>Using Figure 12 (not provided), find the equation for the regression line.</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Use the formula: y = mx + b</li>
	<li>1988&rsquo;s y-value = b</li>
	<li>Get the value of m by dividing the change in y-values by the change in x-values for two different years.</li>
	<li>Predicting the Future
	<ul>
		<li>Use the regression equation to guess the year the ocean&#39;s pH would hit 8.0.</li>
		<li>Just for fun: If the ocean&#39;s pH was a song&#39;s volume, it&#39;s slowly turning down the bass. Can you guess when the music might stop?</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
	<li>Feedback Cycle &amp; Ocean Acidification
	<ul>
		<li>Why might ocean acidification cause a positive feedback cycle?</li>
		<li>Hint: Think of a snowball rolling down a hill. As it rolls, it gets bigger and faster. How might this apply to ocean acidification?</li>
	</ul>
	</li>
</ul>

Remember, young biologist, understanding these processes is key to helping our beautiful coral reefs and the oceans at large! Dive deep into your studies, and you can make a difference. 🌍🌊🐠📚

Theme D - Continuity & Change

The Looming Threat How CO2 Emissions Endanger Coral Reefs

Table of content

The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Story

Ocean's pH Level – It’s Not Just a Number!

The Chemistry Behind Ocean Acidification

Unlock the Full Content!

Theme D - Continuity & Change

The Looming Threat How CO2 Emissions Endanger Coral Reefs

Table of content

The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Story

Ocean's pH Level – It’s Not Just a Number!

The Chemistry Behind Ocean Acidification

Unlock the Full Content!