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Geophysical Research Letters

High-Frequency Correlations Between Winds and <em>p</em>CO<sub>2</sub> Change the California Coastal Upwelling System From a CO<sub>2</sub> Sink to a Source

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The exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) between the ocean and atmosphere plays a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate. In this study, we examined how accurately this exchange is captured along the California coast, where seasonal wind-driven upwelling brings CO2-rich waters to the surface. We compared CO2 flux estimates using data collected every 3 hours for 10 years […]

High-Frequency Correlations Between Winds and <em>p</em>CO<sub>2</sub> Change the California Coastal Upwelling System From a CO<sub>2</sub> Sink to a Source Read More »

High-Frequency Correlations Between Winds and <em>p</em>CO<suB>2</sub> Change the California Coastal Upwelling System From a CO<sub>2</sub> Sink to a Source

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The exchange of carbon dioxide (CO2) between the ocean and atmosphere plays a crucial role in regulating Earth’s climate and ocean chemistry. In this study, we examined how accurately this exchange is captured along the California coast, where seasonal wind‐driven upwelling brings CO2‐rich waters to the surface. We compared CO2 flux estimates using data collected

High-Frequency Correlations Between Winds and <em>p</em>CO<suB>2</sub> Change the California Coastal Upwelling System From a CO<sub>2</sub> Sink to a Source Read More »

Real-time estimation of pH and aragonite saturation state from Argo profiling floats: Prospects for an autonomous carbon observing strategy

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We demonstrate the ability to obtain accurate estimates of pH and carbonate mineral saturation state (Ω) from an Argo profiling float in the NE subarctic Pacific. Using hydrographic surveys of the NE Pacific region, we develop empirical algorithms to predict pH and Ω using observations of temperature (T) and dissolved O2. We attain R2 values greater

Real-time estimation of pH and aragonite saturation state from Argo profiling floats: Prospects for an autonomous carbon observing strategy Read More »

Dynamic variability of biogeochemical ratios in the Southern California Current System

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We use autonomous nitrate (NO3−), oxygen (O2), and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) observations to examine the relationship between ratios of C:N:O at an upwelling site in the Southern California Current System. Mean ratios and 95% confidence intervals observed by sensors over 8 months were NO3−:O2 = −0.11 ± 0.002, NO3−:DIC = 0.14 ± 0.001, and DIC:O2 = −0.83 ± 0.01, in good agreement with Redfield ratios. Variability

Dynamic variability of biogeochemical ratios in the Southern California Current System Read More »

Galápagos coral reef persistence after ENSO warming across an acidification gradient

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Anthropogenic CO2 is causing warming and ocean acidification. Coral reefs are being severely impacted, yet confusion lingers regarding how reefs will respond to these stressors over this century. Since the 1982–1983 El Niño–Southern Oscillation warming event, the persistence of reefs around the Galápagos Islands has differed across an acidification gradient. Reefs disappeared where pH < 8.0 and aragonite

Galápagos coral reef persistence after ENSO warming across an acidification gradient Read More »

Seasonal variations in the aragonite saturation state in the upper open-ocean waters of the North Pacific Ocean

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Seasonal variability of the aragonite saturation state (ΩAR) in the upper (50 m and 100 m depths) North Pacific Ocean (NPO) was investigated using multiple linear regression (MLR). The MLR algorithm derived from a high-quality carbon data set accurately predicted the ΩAR of evaluation data sets (three time series stations and P02 section) with acceptable uncertainty (<0.1 ΩAR). The

Seasonal variations in the aragonite saturation state in the upper open-ocean waters of the North Pacific Ocean Read More »

Time of Detection as a Metric for Prioritizing Between Climate Observation Quality, Frequency, and Duration

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We advance a simple framework based on “time of detection” for estimating the observational needs of studies assessing climate changes amidst natural variability and apply it to several examples related to ocean acidification. This approach aims to connect the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network “weather” and “climate” data quality thresholds with a single dynamic threshold

Time of Detection as a Metric for Prioritizing Between Climate Observation Quality, Frequency, and Duration Read More »

Characterizing Mean and Extreme Diurnal Variability of Ocean CO<sub>2</sub> System Variables Across Marine Environments

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Diurnal variability of ocean CO2 system variables is poorly constrained. Here, this variability and its drivers are assessed using 3-h observations collected over 8–140 months at 37 stations located in diverse marine environments. Extreme diurnal variability, that is, when the daily amplitude exceeds the 99th percentile of diurnal variability, is comparable in magnitude to the seasonal amplitude and

Characterizing Mean and Extreme Diurnal Variability of Ocean CO<sub>2</sub> System Variables Across Marine Environments Read More »

Characterizing Mean and Extreme Diurnal Variability of Ocean CO2 System Variables Across Marine Environments

By

Diurnal variability of ocean CO2 system variables is poorly constrained. Here, this variability and its drivers are assessed using 3-h observations collected over 8–140 months at 37 stations located in diverse marine environments. Extreme diurnal variability, that is, when the daily amplitude exceeds the 99th percentile of diurnal variability, is comparable in magnitude to the seasonal amplitude and

Characterizing Mean and Extreme Diurnal Variability of Ocean CO2 System Variables Across Marine Environments Read More »

Forecasts for Alaska Fisheries

Crab pots and fishing nets in Alaska's Dutch Harbor
Image credit: Michael Theberge

Understanding seasonal changes in ocean acidification in Alaskan waters and the potential impacts to the multi-billion-dollar fishery sector is a main priority. Through work funded by NOAA’s Ocean Acidification Program, the Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory developed a model capable of depicting past ocean chemistry conditions for the Bering Sea and is now testing the ability of this model to forecast future conditions. This model is being used to develop an ocean acidification indicator provided to fisheries managers in the annual NOAA Eastern Bering Sea Ecosystem Status Report.

ADAPTING TO OCEAN ACIDIFICATION

The NOAA Ocean Acidification Program (OAP) works to prepare society to adapt to the consequences of ocean acidification and conserve marine ecosystems as acidification occurs. Learn more about the human connections and adaptation strategies from these efforts.

Adaptation approaches fostered by the OAP include:

FORECASTING

Using models and research to understand the sensitivity of organisms and ecosystems to ocean acidification to make predictions about the future, allowing communities and industries to prepare

Closeup of oysters cupped in someone's hands

MANAGEMENT

Using these models and predictions as tools to facilitate management strategies that will protect marine resources and communities from future changes

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

Developing innovative tools to help monitor ocean acidification and mitigate changing ocean chemistry locally

REDUCING OUR CARBON FOOTPRINT

50 more ways to reduce your carbon footprint >

On the Road

Drive fuel-efficient vehicles or choose public transportation. Choose your bike or walk! Don't sit idle for more than 30 seconds. Keep your tires properly inflated.

With your Food Choices

Eat local- this helps cut down on production and transport! Reduce your meat and dairy. Compost to avoid food waste ending up in the landfill

With your Food Choices

Make energy-efficient choices for your appliances and lighting. Heat and cool efficiently! Change your air filters and program your thermostat, seal and insulate your home, and support clean energy sources

By Reducing Coastal Acidification

Reduce your use of fertilizers, Improve sewage treatment and run off, and Protect and restore coastal habitats

TAKE ACTION WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

You've taken the first step to learn more about ocean acidification - why not spread this knowledge to your community?

Every community has their unique culture, economy and ecology and what’s at stake from ocean acidification may be different depending on where you live.  As a community member, you can take a larger role in educating the public about ocean acidification. Creating awareness is the first step to taking action.  As communities gain traction, neighboring regions that share marine resources can build larger coalitions to address ocean acidification.  Here are some ideas to get started:

  1. Work with informal educators, such as aquarium outreach programs and local non-profits, to teach the public about ocean acidification. Visit our Education & Outreach page to find the newest tools!
  2. Participate in habitat restoration efforts to restore habitats that help mitigate the effects of coastal acidification
  3. Facilitate conversations with local businesses that might be affected by ocean acidification, building a plan for the future.
  4. Partner with local community efforts to mitigate the driver behind ocean acidification  – excess CO2 – such as community supported agriculture, bike & car shares and other public transportation options.
  5. Contact your regional Coastal Acidification Network (CAN) to learn how OA is affecting your region and more ideas about how you can get involved in your community
       More for Taking Community Action