UW News

Mary Margaret Stoll


November 13, 2025

Carbon-rich waters are becoming even more acidic as atmospheric CO2 levels rise

Bright orange corals growing on dark rocks in the ocean.

The Northeastern Pacific Ocean is becoming more acidic faster than other oceans as the water absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and natural processes feed carbon dioxide up from the deep. The rate of CO2 accumulation is outpacing atmospheric rises and driving acidity to new extremes.