Hi! I am Karen, want to learn with me?

Garbage Gyres

Littering is one way we impact climate change.  All trash in streams and rivers ends up in the ocean. Trash then breaks down and becomes microplastics, which gathers in garbage gyres. When heated, they release greenhouse gases which collect and trap excess heat from the sun, increasing global warming.

Oops!

Ocean Acidification

Global warming is caused by increased concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere.  It increases ocean surface temperatures and causes ocean acidification.  Ocean acidification slowly eat away at minerals used by shell fish, coral reefs, and other marine life use to build shells and skeletons.

They will be naked!

Invasive Species

Warming ocean temperatures allow invasive species like sea stars and lion fish to spread. Invasive animals throw the areas ecosystem out of order, impact their food chain, and even drive biodiversity levels down causing the area to be more sensitive to climate change. 

It stowed away on my can!

Coral Bleaching

Warming ocean temperature and ocean acidification impact coral reefs. Coral bleaching is more common then ever due to climate change. it is extremely sensitive to its environment, making it an indicator for when something changes. Corals also acts as homes and shelter for marine life, encouraging biodiversity in areas.

Corals protect coastlines from waves and hurricanes!

Tsunami

Oh no!

Greenhouse gases also lead to melting ice, higher water levels, and an increase in volcanic activity, all of which cause tsunamis! Tsunamis are destructive to humans and the environment. Coral reefs are destroyed and flooding moves chemicals from farms and factories into the ocean.

Red Tides

Looks cool, but my eyes are itchy and I can't breath!

Warming ocean temperatures and run off from farms cause out breaks of algae called red tides.  While red tides looks cool, the algae takes over and takes away sunlight marine plants need to survive. Certain types of algae can even poison fish and cause shellfish poisonous for humans to eat!

Dead Zones

When algae from red tides die and start decomposing, they can create dead zones. Dead zones are areas where the decomposition process consumes most of the oxygen, leading to fish leaving the area or staying and suffocating to death.  Dead zones can also be caused by chemicals leaked into the water from farms and factories.

It stinks and I can't fish for food!

Over Fishing

Decreasing fish numbers through red tides and overfishing impacts climate change. The ocean in the largest regulator of climate due to the fish and marine creatures that use carbon to live. By overfishing, we lessen the oceans capacity to pull CO2 emissions from the atmosphere.

Not the fish!

Hurricanes

A huge Hurricane! 

The temperature of the ocean and atmosphere are increasing with climate change. With warmer temperatures, hurricane wind speeds are faster. Stronger hurricanes increase the potential for higher surges, and rising ocean temperatures are causing sea level to rise. This dangerous

combination leads to higher storm surges and more damages then ever. 

El Nino and La Nina

A warmer ocean increases evaporation, leading to more water in the atmosphere. A warmer atmosphere holds more water, which increases rain. More rain means more heat is released and stronger winds. This has caused El Niño and La Niña to increase in occurrence, intensity, and duration. El Niño and La Niña influence weather patterns throughout the United States, so when they change it effects everyone. 

That will effect farmers!