The process of becoming more acidic, especially referring to ocean acidification caused by absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide. This process lowers pH levels and affects marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells.
From Latin 'acidus' (sour) plus the suffix '-fication' (making or causing), literally meaning 'the process of making acidic'. The term became prominent in environmental science during the late 20th century with growing awareness of acid rain and ocean chemistry changes.
Ocean acidification is called 'the other CO2 problem' because as oceans absorb excess atmospheric carbon dioxide, they become more acidic and dissolve the shells of creatures like corals and shellfish! This invisible threat could collapse entire marine food webs within decades.
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