Acidification Forecasts

Quick Summary

Acidification occurs when the amount of CO₂ dissolved in the water changes, thus changing the water pH. Acidification of estuaries and the coastal ocean can have detrimental effects on shellfish, such as oysters, by impacting their growth and survival. The impacts of acidification may be more prominent in lower salinity waters, particularly those impacted by eutrophication. Eutrophication leads to excessive growth of algae and a corresponding increase in respiration (decay of the algae). The increased respiration decreases the pH through the production of CO₂. This means the Chesapeake Bay may be especially vulnerable to acidification. Water CO₂ concentrations are also increasing globally as the concentration of CO₂ in the atmosphere increases, resulting in a global-scale decrease in pH.

pH Line Plots

pH can be viewed through time at select locations to understand the seasonal and weekly changes in pH in the Chesapeake Bay. Overlaying the modeled pH on top of long-term averages from observed data shows how the forecasted pH compares to the historical average. Grey lines show one standard deviation above and below the average.

pH - Surface Maps

Alkalinity - Surface Maps

Aragonite Saturation State (Omega) - Surface Maps

Note: As part of an active research project, the aragonite saturation state (omega) from the forecast model is currently being improved. Please interpret with caution.

pH - Bottom Maps

Alkalinity - Bottom Maps

Aragonite Saturation State (Omega) - Bottom Maps