Measuring Acidification To understand the severity of ocean acidification, scientists monitor changes in ocean chemistry and use models to predict future conditions. How is Ocean Acidification Measured? Ocean acidification is assessed by measuring seawater carbonate chemistry, including four key
parameters: Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (pC02), Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC), pH, and
Total Alkalinity (TA). Seawater Carbonate Chemistry When the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2), it initiates a chain reaction that alters the ocean’s carbonate chemistry; these changes impact marine life in complex ways. There are four parameters most relevant to monitoring for acidification: Partial Pressure of Carbon Dioxide (pCO2), Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC), pH, and Total Alkalinity (TA). If at least two of the four parameters are measured alongside temperature and salinity, the remaining two parameters can be calculated in addition to saturation state (Ω). Learn more about each parameter and about how scientists collect samples below. Get in Touch For More Information About Our Monitoring Network