ECO PRO continued
forming carbonic acid and causing ocean acidification. The rest enters the ocean's bi- ological carbon cycle through photosynthesis by marine phy- toplankton. This cycle is signif- icant for divers concerned with the health of coral reefs. As seawater becomes more acidic, it reduces the availability of carbonate ions, which are es- sential for corals and other ma- rine life to build their calcium carbonate skeletons. Under- standing this feedback loop is critical for anyone dedicated to reef conservation. Just as carbon moves through the ocean, so do nitro- gen and phosphorus – two el-
sizing organisms, mainly plankton. Cold water retains more oxygen than warm water, which is why polar seas can support such rich ecosystems. For divers, low oxygen levels can impact the behavior of marine life and the health of entire aquatic ecosystems. In hypoxic areas (low oxygen levels), animals may become sluggish or leave the area altogether. Conversely, oxygen-rich up- wellings can create biological hotspots with incredible bio- diversity – and diving oppor- tunities. An often-overlooked chemical layer exists at the
ements crucial to marine food webs. Nitrogen cycles between different forms, including nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and ni- trogen gas, primarily through the action of bacteria. Phos- phorus, often from eroded rock or runoff, cycles more slowly. For divers, these nutrients are essential because their excess – usually from agricultural and wastewater runoff – can lead to eutrophication. This leads to algal blooms, lowers oxygen levels, and creates dead zones. If you’ve ever dived in murky, algae-filled water near the shore, you’ve seen the adverse effects of nutrient overload, formally termed eu- trophication. Chemistry affects your diving experience even more di- rectly than just the chemicals it contains because water’s den- sity depends on both temperature and salinity. These factors create distinct layers in the ocean. Divers often encounter a thermocline – a sudden drop in temperature with depth – but they may also encounter haloclines (salinity changes) or pycnoclines (density variations). This is common when div- ing the cenotes of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. These layers can impact visibility, buoyancy, and navigation. For example, a sudden thermocline can cause shimmering visual distor- tion, while a halocline in a cenote might blur the boundary between freshwater and saltwater like oil on water. The oxygen dissolved in seawater is, of course, essential to life in the ocean. It enters the sea from the atmosphere. As you may have heard, most of this comes from photosynt-
ocean’s surface, where air interacts with the water. Here, gases are exchanged with the atmosphere. This layer – home to Dive into Dr. Alex Brylske’s Book: BENEATH THE BLUE PLANET
“An in-depth resource to indulge our passion for scuba diving.” – Wayne B. Brown, Owner & CEO, Aggressor Adventures
A fascinating look at our oceans, marine biology & more! Great for classrooms and every dive retailer’s library!
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