Ocean Acidification Reduces Size of Clams

Figure 24.3

This figure appears in chapter 24 of the Climate Change Impacts in the United States: The Third National Climate Assessment report.

http://nca2014.globalchange.gov/highlights/report-findings/oceans/graphics/ocean-acidification-reduces-size-clams

The 36-day-old clams in the photos are a single species, Mercenaria mercenaria, grown in the laboratory under varying levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the air. CO₂ is absorbed from the air by ocean water, acidifying the water and thus reducing the ability of juvenile clams to grow their shells. As seen in the photos, where CO₂ levels rise progressively from left to right, 36-day-old clams (measured in microns) grown under elevated CO₂ levels are smaller than those grown under lower CO₂ levels. The highest CO₂ level, about 1500 parts per million (ppm; far right), is higher than most projections for the end of this century but could occur locally in some estuaries. (Figure source: Talmage and Gobler 201093174a81-1212-49a4-a2f8-ed8286e05bda).

When citing this figure, please reference Talmage and Gobler 201093174a81-1212-49a4-a2f8-ed8286e05bda.

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This figure was created on July 09, 2013.

This figure was derived from Effects of past, present, and future ocean carbon dioxide concentrations on the growth and survival of larval shellfish .

References :

• Effects of past, present, and future ocean carbon dioxide concentrations on the growth and survival of larval shellfish (93174a81)

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