• Natural carbon dioxide (CO₂) vents on the sea floor show how carbon emissions will affect marine life. Dissolved CO₂ makes water more acidic. Around the vents, researchers saw a fall in species numbers and snails with their shells disintegrating.
• UK scientists suggest these impacts are likely to be seen across the world as CO₂ levels rise in the atmosphere. The scientists observed the shells of marine snails (Osilinus) dissolving as the pH of the seawater fell below 7.6 around the vents.

[ Frank  |  31 January 2009 ]