The ocean's affect a large part of our Earth. The ocean's cover approximately 70% of the surface. The ocean's affect the temperature of our climate, wind patterns, biodiversity, sea level, temperature itself, and almost every living thing can be tied to the oceans on our planet. As tribal groups would say, "humans are only a mere thread in vast complex system, and what we do to one thing will undoubtedly affect us in the future." Our reworking of the Earth's surfaces, and releasing fossil fuels at a rate not seen in recorded history are two simples pieces that can affect almost every organic, and inorganic thing on the planet. The oceans are affected by our changing climate primarily in several ways some include:
Ocean acidification
Rising sea levels - melting ice caps + thermal expansion
Ocean conveyor belt
More extreme climatic events
Coral bleaching
Biodiversity
Ocean acidification I covered a few months ago in a different post, so I'll briefly touch on this. Ocean acidification is caused by the ocean absorbing excess carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The ocean wants to stay in equilibrium with the atmosphere. When the ocean absorbs the excess carbon dioxide it goes through a series of chemical processes that end in extra protons (hydrogens) in the water. This results in a lower pH which is a higher acidity content. Many species are affected by this especially ones with shells. So, to wrap up ocean acidification it's rapidly becoming more acidic based on anthropogenic release of fossil fuels in the atmosphere.
Rising sea levels are caused by the melting of the ice caps and by thermal expansion. These three are all positive feedback loops. When the atmosphere is warmer from excess greenhouse gas it warms the atmosphere. When the atmosphere is warmer it tends to melt ice caps faster than they can replenish. When the ice caps melt more fresh water is released into the ocean causing higher ocean levels. When the atmosphere is warmer over time this can result in the ocean slowly increasing in temperature (high specific heat capacity) which in turn spreads the molecules out farther when the ocean is warmer resulting in thermal expansion. Rising sea levels also can affect polar bear population, and many communities who live on the ocean. Bangladesh will be especially affected by rising sea levels.
The ocean conveyor belt is affected by climate change. The ocean conveyor belt is one of the oceans current. Climate change can affect the natural 1000 year cycle that occurs between the mixing of the cold (dense) and warm water (less dense). Large parts of the land surfaces could be struck with an abnormal climate if the circulations reduces, slows, or stops.
More extreme climatic events are seen with the changing climate. A powerful analogy is that humans are influencing the climate to have loaded dice appeal. In other words, we're changing our climate to have a loaded dice affect where the possibilities of having more extreme climatic events are possible.
Coral bleaching I also discussed in a previous post. Coral bleaching is caused primarily by the increasing temperature of the ocean. This creates added stress on the coral. This stress on the coral results in many turning white. When the coral is bleached it is at increased risks for mortality and disease. Today much of the coral in the ocean is affected tremendously by ocean acidification and coral bleaching.
Biodiversity of the ocean is affected by climate change. With the loss of coral reefs in many places. This provides little habitat for many smaller fish and aquatic organisms. This is turn results in the reduction of the lower food chain. Which in turn can result in the reduction of top apex predators with less food to eat. To put it in another sense many species in the ocean are having a hard time adapting to a climate that is changing at one of the fastest rates in recorded history.
I appreciate you guys checking out many of my posts throughout the semester. As always if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions put them in a weekly post and I'll be sure to get back to you guys!
Info: http://www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research/climate_change/climate_change_and_the_oceans.php