Q82945

On November 25, 2012 scientist launched an experiment trying to determine why these pteropods, other known as marine snails, shells are being dissolved. These tiny marine creatures are found in Antarctica. Scientist finally realized the marine snails shells were dissolving by testing the water these snails lived in. By conducting many tests scientists finally realized the cause of this incident is by acidification according to a new study. These pteropods are a great food source for all types of bird and also many types of fish. “The team examined an area of upwelling, where winds cause cold water to be pushed upwards from the deep to the surface of the ocean. Upwelled water is usually more corrosive to a particular type of calcium carbonate that pteropods use to build their shells. The team found that as a result of the additional influence of ocean acidification, this corrosive water severely dissolved the shells of pteropods” This acidification is caused but carbon dioxide in the atmosphere emitted as a result of a fossil fuel burning. Scientists have conducted test on several marine animals and have lack of evidence to prove that this acidification is dissolving this marine snails shells.

British Antarctic Survey. "First evidence of ocean acidification affecting live marine creatures in the Southern Ocean." //ScienceDaily//, 25 Nov. 2012. Web. 28 Nov. 2012