Ocean Acidification: The declining pH (increased acidification) of the oceans due to increased CO2 emissions globally.

Acidification is the process of being converted into an acid of or becoming acid. The process by which water bodies, such as rivers and lakes, and other natural features become affected by excess acid can also be described as acidification.

It is not certain what the effect ocean acidification has on dolphins, though it is suspected that it could lead to them being deafened. It could also lead to them having a shortage of food, as all marine life especially fish are effected by ocean acidification.

Ocean acidification is happening because of the increased level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere resulting from the burning of fossil fuels. About half of the CO2 added to the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean. While the chemistry of the ocean is complex the increased level of CO2 results in a lowering of the pH of the water. This in turn increases the rate at which calcium carbonate dissolves in sea water and constitutes a threat to organisms which produce shells such as corals.

Peter S. Murdoch has written:

'Stream acidification in the Catskill Mountains of New York' -- subject(s): Acid deposition, Acid rain, Environmental aspects, Environmental aspects of Acid deposition, Environmental aspects of Acid rain, Pollution, Water, Water acidification

'Chemical budgets and stream-chemistry dynamics of a headwater stream in the Catskill Mountains of New York, 1984-85 October 1, 1983 through September 30, 1985' -- subject(s): Streamflow, Water quality, Acid precipitation (Meteorology), Water chemistry