Anthropogenic factors such as industrial activity (burning of fossil fuels) can impact the carbon cycle (carbon cycling) and result in greater exports of CO2 being released into the atmosphere (Roebuck, B., 2015). Release of CO2 into the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean. The absorption of CO2 makes the ocean more acidic due to a series of chemical reactions (Roebuck, B., 2015).

When CO2 reacts with seawater, hydrogen ions are released that reduce the amount of carbonate ions in the ocean (Roebuck, B., 2015). The addition of the hydrogen ions into the ocean makes the ocean’s pH levels more acidic. This has a variety of negative effects for oceanic organisms (Roebuck, B., 2015).

Deforestation is another disturbance that can results in oceans acifiying. The decrease in plants and trees means there are less repositories to take in CO2, which consequently results in more CO2 in the atmosphere (The Nature Conservancy)

In addition, the trees that are cut down can either be burned or left to decay, and the CO2 that they store will be released into the atmosphere (Osterloff)

Ocean upwelling occurs when deep ocean water is brought to the surface. The deep waters are colder and more acidic, and bring more nutrients to the surface, as well as more CO2. This natural phenomenon exacerbates the issue of human activity and ocean acidification (Zadavska et al., 2002)