Burger, F. A., John, J. G., & Frölicher, T. L. (2020). Increase in ocean acidity variability and extremes under increasing atmospheric CO2. Biogeosciences, 17(18), 4633–4662. https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-17-4633-2020
Summary:
Ensemble simulations of an Earth system model reveal that ocean acidity extremes have increased in the past few decades and are projected to increase further in terms of frequency, intensity, duration, and volume extent. The increase is not only caused by the long-term ocean acidification due to the uptake of anthropogenic CO2, but also due to changes in short-term variability. The increase in ocean acidity extremes may enhance the risk of detrimental impacts on marine organisms.
Policy relevant message:
Ocean acidity extremes have increased in the past few decades and are projected to increase further in terms of frequency, intensity, duration, and volume extent which may enhance the risk of detrimental impacts on marine organisms.