Fast-moving Winds Accelerate Ocean Acidification in the Gulf of Alaska

Nature Communications Earth & Environment, September 15

Fast-flowing winds over the Gulf of Alaska appear to be increasing the rate of ocean acidification in this region. When winds move quickly over the surface of water, they create low-pressure regions that amplify the flow of currents to the surface holding deep, cold water. These cold waters accelerate the rate at which the surface absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. As the amount of dissolved carbon dioxide increases, the water becomes more acidic; and the availability of certain keystone minerals decreases. For this reason, ocean acidification threatens the overall health of the ecosystem, including local and commercial fisheries. Subsistence fishing communities, such as Native Alaskan and First Nation Canadian populations, heavily depend on these Pacific waters. Without strict emissions reductions, growing acidification of these and other polar waters will threaten the ability of shell-building organisms to survive, with potential collapse of portions of the Arctic food chain, marine ecosystems and human communities.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-021-00254-z