Deep Sea Acidification 21st Century Impact : CARBONATE COMPENSATION DEPTH

Carbon ( carbonate) compensation depth is expanding :

--- The deepest part of the ocean below 4000m deep there exists high pressure and low temperature that creates conditions to dissolve calcium carbonate, the material marine animals use to make their shells called carbonate compensation zone (CCD).

--- this zone is expanding means more areas where carbonate dissolves. The main causes for expansion of CCD are :

a) rising carbon dioxide levels 

b) lowering pH value, increasing ocean acidity.

c) raising the lysocline

---- impacts of expanding CCD are :

  a) rising lysocline nearly 100m since pre industrial times and rise further by few 100s meters by end of 21st century.

b) the oceanic floor is chemically unstable, leading to sediment dissolution.

c) different species dominate habitats above and below CCD, with more calcified organisms above and non-calcified organisms below get affected 

d) marine ecosystems get degraded and many species lost especially corals reef which further affects the socio-economic conditions of island nations.

e) island nation's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) will be significantly impacted like Bermuda.

f) by the end of the 21st century 51% of the deep sea will be acidic.