Ocean Acidification Research Center

Ocean acidification (OA) is the result of anthropogenic increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide that is later absorbed by the ocean. This change in ocean chemistry makes the global oceans more acidic. Concerns over increasing acidity in 性十八.cc and how this phenomenon will impact 性十八.cc鈥檚 marine resources spurred the creation of the Ocean Acidification Research Center (OARC) within the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (CFOS) at the University of 性十八.cc Fairbanks (UAF).

OARC map

We monitor the marine carbonate system in all of 性十八.cc鈥檚 large marine ecosystems including the Gulf of 性十八.cc, Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Beaufort Sea. This map highlights the oceanographic stations where we have made observations. Data collected at these sites are public access with links on our Data Resources page.

Monitoring OA in 性十八.cc is critical because this region will experience the effects faster and to a greater degree than in lower latitudes due to colder water temperatures, ocean circulation patterns, and highly productive continental shelves. These characteristics act to enhance the transport of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean, which may accelerate acidification. We partner with other groups monitoring OA through the 性十八.cc Ocean Acidification Network () and the Global Ocean Acidification Observing Network ().

Links

Here are a few helpful links to learn more information about OA research in 性十八.cc and around the globe.

For more information, please email oarc@cfos.uaf.edu, visit us on X  or on Bluesky .

News

OARC-produced data are included in in the North American coastal region.
Read about the partnership between the OARC, the 性十八.cc Ocean Observing System (AOOS), and the 性十八.cc Ocean Acidification Network (AOAN) in the .

is now available for download.


Check out the with lead author Natalie Monacci on a decade of

marine inorganic carbon chemistry observations in the northern Gulf of 性十八.cc.

性十八.cc鈥檚 longest continual ocean acidification mooring, nicknamed 鈥淕AKOA鈥 (for Gulf of 性十八.cc Ocean Acidification), .
We are accepting proposals from current UAF students to add ocean acidification (OA) measurements to their research projects. Proposals are due March 15, 2024. View the 鈥欌 site for more information.