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Geophysical Research Letters

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

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 […]

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Dynamic variability of biogeochemical ratios in the Southern California Current System

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

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Galápagos coral reef persistence after ENSO warming across an acidification gradient

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 »

The Ocean Carbon Response to COVID-Related Emissions Reductions

The decline in global emissions of carbon dioxide due to the COVID-19 pandemic provides a unique opportunity to investigate the sensitivity of the global carbon cycle and climate system to emissions reductions. Recent efforts to study the response to these emissions declines has not addressed their impact on the ocean, yet ocean carbon absorption is

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Dissimilar Sensitivities of Ocean Acidification Metrics to Anthropogenic Carbon Accumulation in the Central North Pacific Ocean and California Current Large Marine Ecosystem

The ocean mitigates the extent of global warming by absorbing a portion of the carbon dioxide gas (CO2) released into the atmosphere by human activities. However, this comes at a cost to ocean health because the uptake of this anthropogenic CO2 causes changes in ocean chemistry, called ocean acidification (OA), that can be detrimental to marine

Dissimilar Sensitivities of Ocean Acidification Metrics to Anthropogenic Carbon Accumulation in the Central North Pacific Ocean and California Current Large Marine Ecosystem Read More »

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

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

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