How Does Climate Change Affect Earth’s Oceans Quizlet?
Climate change has a direct impact on the oceans, affecting everything from sea levels to ocean temperatures. As the Earth’s climate changes, the oceans are absorbing more heat and carbon dioxide, resulting in the rise of sea levels, changes in ocean currents, and more severe storms. In addition, climate change is causing acidification of the oceans, which results in a decrease in pH levels that can have devastating effects on marine life. In this article, we will explore how climate change is affecting the oceans and what the implications are for the future.
Rise of Sea Levels
One of the most visible impacts of climate change on the oceans is the rise of sea levels. As the atmosphere warms, the oceans absorb more heat and water vapor, causing the sea levels to rise. This is exacerbated by the melting of glaciers and polar ice caps, which add more water to the oceans. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global average sea levels could rise by up to 1 meter by the end of this century. This would cause flooding and erosion in coastal areas, displacement of people, and destruction of habitats.
Changes in Ocean Currents
Changes in ocean currents can also be attributed to climate change. Ocean currents move warm and cold water around the world, helping to regulate global climate. As the oceans absorb more heat, the currents become more unpredictable, which can lead to more severe storms, floods, and droughts. Additionally, changes in the currents can disrupt the natural migrations of marine life, leading to disruption in the food chain and loss of biodiversity.
Acidification of the Oceans
As the Earth’s atmosphere warms, more carbon dioxide is being released into the atmosphere, which is then absorbed by the oceans. This causes the pH levels of the oceans to decrease, a process known as ocean acidification. This has drastic implications for marine life, as the decrease in pH levels makes it harder for many species to survive. Ocean acidification can also lead to coral bleaching, which is when coral reefs die off due to changes in their environment.
Conclusion
Climate change is having a profound effect on the world’s oceans, leading to rising sea levels, changes in ocean currents, and acidification of the oceans. These changes can have devastating impacts on marine life, leading to disruption in the food chain, loss of biodiversity, and destruction of habitats. It is important for us to take action to reduce our carbon emissions in order to mitigate the effects of climate change on the world’s oceans.
Kyle Whyte is a notable scholar and professor at the University of Michigan, holding positions such as the George Willis Pack Professor in the School for Environment and Sustainability and Professor of Philosophy. Specializing in environmental justice, his work critically examines climate policy and Indigenous peoples’ ethics, emphasizing the nexus between cooperative scientific endeavors and Indigenous justice. As an enrolled Citizen Potawatomi Nation member, he brings a vital perspective to his roles as a U.S. Science Envoy and member of the White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council. His influential research is supported by various prestigious organizations including the National Science Foundation, and disseminated through publications in high-impact journals. Kyle actively contributes to global Indigenous research methodologies and education, with affiliations to numerous institutes and societies dedicated to traditional knowledge and sustainability. Recognized for his academic and community engagement, Kyle has earned multiple awards and served in various visiting professorships. His efforts extend to leadership positions on boards and committees focused on environmental justice nationwide.