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Other nasty surprises

Reef bleaching aftermath
- Some of the extra carbon dioxide is being absorbed by the sea. This reduces the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and slows down climate change. But there is a catch. Carbon dioxide in water makes a weak acid. Experiments have shown that when the seawater becomes more acidic, the coral reef structure starts to loose some of its strength. In a more acidic sea, will coral reefs start falling apart?
- The amount of oxygen water holds decreases at higher temperatures. Will this also have an impact on coral reefs?
- Without the coral reefs there is no home for the thousands of other organisms that totally depend on this ecosystem.