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Calcium carbonate skeleton formation

Corals build skeletons from calcium and carbonate ions, but lower ocean pH reduces carbonate availability, making it harder for corals to grow their skeletons.

Corals combine calcium and carbonate ions in seawater to make calcium carbonate skeletons. Lower ocean pH means fewer carbonate ions available for corals to build skeletons. (Illustration by Eric S. Taylor, © Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

Related Link: https://www.whoi.edu/oceanus/feature/a-quest-for-resilient-reefs/
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