Explore the Ocean Acidification Simulator
See how dissolved CO₂ lowers ocean pH and threatens shell-forming animals. Free, no signup, runs in your browser.
- Free to use
- No signup
- Nothing to install
- Runs in your browser
Illustration. Open the tool for the real thing.
See it in action
The Ocean Acidification Simulator with sample data entered and the result showing.
What is the Ocean Acidification Simulator?
See how dissolved CO₂ lowers ocean pH and threatens shell-forming animals. It runs in your browser, so a change to a setting or a drag on an object shows up at once.
Ocean acidification threatens coral reefs, shellfish farming and fisheries that feed millions of people.
3 steps to your result
Open the tool and follow along. Nothing to install.
What you get
CO₂ dissolves in seawater to form carbonic acid, releasing H⁺.
More H⁺ means lower pH and fewer carbonate ions.
Shell and coral builders need carbonate ions to make calcium carbonate.
Compare 280 and 800 ppm.
Watch the shells.
Read Ω.
Used for
Pick one to see how it fits.
Real-World Chemistry learners
Students, teachers and citizens interested in environmental science, climate and water, who want to see the chemistry behind the headlines.
Try it freeTeachers
For teachers: project the Ocean Acidification Simulator on the board, let students predict the result, then run it together and test this: Watch the shells. For students: change one thing at a time and write down what changes.
Try it freeHow it compares
A plain look at this tool next to the usual alternative.
| This simulation | Textbook diagram | |
|---|---|---|
| Interactive | Drag, tap and change settings | Fixed picture |
| Install | Nothing to install | Not needed |
| Cost | Free to use | Depends on the book |
Questions people ask
Why does CO₂ make the ocean more acidic?
CO₂ + H₂O forms carbonic acid, which releases hydrogen ions and lowers the pH.
How does this harm shell-building animals?
The extra hydrogen ions react with carbonate ions, leaving fewer for animals to build shells, which can even dissolve.
Is the Ocean Acidification Simulator free to use?
Yes. The Ocean Acidification Simulator is free, needs no signup or download and runs in your web browser. It is part of the Real-World Chemistry group of AZRS simulations.
Does the Ocean Acidification Simulator work on a phone or tablet?
Yes. The Ocean Acidification Simulator takes touch input as well as mouse input, so you can use its 2 adjustable settings with a finger. A larger screen makes the controls and graphs easier to read.
How do I use the Ocean Acidification Simulator?
1. In the Ocean Acidification Simulator, use the controls to change Atmospheric CO₂ (ppm), CO₂ growth rate (ppm/yr). The simulation reacts instantly. 2. In the Ocean Acidification Simulator, press "▶ Run years", "Reset run", "⏭ Fast-forward to 2100 (business-as-usual)" to start, reset or change what is happening. 3. Start with this experiment: Compare 280 and 800 ppm. Drag any glowing handle, object or slider with your mouse or finger and the Ocean Acidification Simulator responds in real time. 4. Change one setting at a time and watch which readout moves, then compare it with this idea: CO₂ dissolves in seawater to form carbonic acid, releasing H⁺.
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Try the Ocean Acidification Simulator now
See how dissolved CO₂ lowers ocean pH and threatens shell-forming animals. Free to use.
Try it free