Ocean chemistry change rapid

2010-04-22 21:33

Washington - According to a new study, carbon dioxide being absorbed from the air is causing the chemistry of the oceans to change faster than it has in hundreds of thousands of years.

The National Research Council reports that, as the oceans get more acidic, coral reefs can be damaged. The change also threatens other sea life from fish to shellfish.

While most concern about carbon dioxide and other gases released into the air by industrial processes has focused on rising temperatures, scientists also have become increasingly alarmed by its potential impact on the oceans.

- AP