Ocean Acidification & Aragonite Saturation

The ocean absorbs approximately 30% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions. While this mitigates atmospheric warming, it fundamentally alters marine chemistry, lowering pH and reducing the concentration of carbonate ions essential for organisms like pteropods, corals, and shellfish to build their skeletons (aragonite).

Aragonite Saturation State (Ωar)

When Ωar drops below 1.0, water becomes corrosive to aragonite-based shells. Our data indicates that polar regions, particularly the Southern Ocean, are approaching this critical threshold rapidly due to higher CO2 solubility in cold water.