Arctic Ocean Acidifying Three to Four Times Faster Than Other Oceans

Science, 29 September 2022

Rapid loss of Arctic sea ice over the past three decades has accelerated the rate of long-term acidification in the Arctic Ocean, at rates three to four times those occurring in lower latitude oceans. When sea ice melts, it creates a layer of freshwater along the surface of the ocean that readily absorbs carbon dioxide from the air, especially without the protective sea ice cover separating it somewhat from the atmosphere. This surface layer is buoyant; it cannot easily mix into deeper waters. These changes prevent the proper dissolving or “neutralizing” of these high levels of carbon dioxide in surface waters, increasing levels of acidification. Rising global emissions and the retreat of sea ice cover will continue to increase the acidification of Arctic waters over the next few decades, particularly at higher latitudes. Ocean acidification threatens the survival of shell-building species and other species that rely on them throughout the food chain, including human communities built on a stable and productive Arctic marine ecosystem.

https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abo0383