24
Fri, Mar

Indicator: Ocean acidification and ocean CO₂ uptake

Ocean acidification has an effect on the on the formation of shells and skeleton of organisms. Photo: Peter Leopold, Norwegian Polar Institute

Ocean acidification and the ocean CO2 uptake
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Rationale: The ocean has taken up between 30 to 50% of the human induced CO2. This has led to a pH decrease and a decrease in carbonate ion concentration ([CO3-2]). There is a large natural seasonal and interannual variability. Long-term monitoring is required to discern the change due to increased CO2 and its impact on OA state

Theme: Abiotic

Component: Oceanographic conditions

Type of indicator: E/I, describes state of the ecosystem but is impacted by human activities

Priority of indicator: e, essential

Parameters:
• Total Alkalinity (AT) (IMR)
• Total Inorganic Carbon (CT) (IMR)
• Calcium carbonate saturation (Ω) (IMR)
• pH in situ (IMR)
• Partial pressure of CO2 (pCO2) (IMR)

Responsible institution: Institute of Marine Research

Schematic overview of the circulation pattern and different water masses in the Barents Sea. The black lines show the repeated transects that IMR have initiated sampling and measurements for OA studies and oceanic CO2 uptake. The dotted line show the repeated Ferrybox route with the cargo ship Norbjørn operated by NIVA for ocean acidification studies. Source: Institute of Marine Research and NIVA