IntroductionEarth's oceans are an important part of the natural cycles that make this planet habitable. They regulate global temperatures, absorb carbon dioxide, provide a home for millions of plants and animals that make up various levels of the food chain, and much more. They are a resource that has been given to us to use and benefit from, but it is also a resource that must be protected. It is the source of life for the planet, and drastic changes in the composition of the oceans could be harmful to life as we know it. Ocean acidification is a problem that has emerged over the last decade, but is becoming increasingly concerning to many scientists (1). In this essay I will try to draw your attention to some of the possible and observed impacts of global ocean acidification, present some of the probable causes and suggest possible solutions to the problem. The essay will also address the possibility that the evidence could be interpreted differently so as not to implicate humans as the primary cause responsible for the destruction observed in the acidified waters. Defining Ocean Acidification Ocean acidification occurs when carbon dioxide is absorbed in the water of the oceans. This causes a chain of chemical reactions that lead to the formation of carbonic acid in the water. (2) Additionally, many animals in the oceans use calcium carbonate ions to build their shells, however, in the process of forming carbonic acid, these ions are destroyed creating a calcium carbonate deficiency and preventing these animals from forming the their vital and protective support. shells. (1) The reaction occurs when carbon dioxide, which is heavier than air, sinks into large clouds above the oceans and is absorbed into the... center of the paper... gains recognition from both environmental organizations and governments, but also by individuals who must be aware of the impact of their actions and energy consumption. Whether it is a new form of energy or an old refined form, continued research and work must be done to ensure that we are good stewards of the land we have been given to live on. Works Cited http://www.pmel. noaa.gov/co2/story/What+is+Ocean+Acidification%3Fhttp://ocean.nationalgeographic.com/ocean/critical-issues-ocean-acidification/One Ocean Documentaryhttp://oceanacidification.noaa.gov/WhatsNew. aspxhttp://www.pnas.org.libaccess.lib.mcmaster.ca/content/105/45/17442.fullhttp://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/deadzone.htmlhttp://www.scientificamerican.com/ article/noaa-scientists-embark-voyage-asses-ocean-acidification/http://icesjms.oxfordjournals.org/content/68/6/1019.abstract