Monthly Sliders Show Surface Data for pH, pCO2, H+, Aragonite Saturation from 2018-22
A collection of 240 new maps on the Portal shows monthly surface readings over five years for four parameters that are instrumental for determining acidification levels and events in coastal and ocean waters.
A map showing sites where pCO2 levels were recorded in Mid-Atlantic waters in 2022.
Produced in collaboration with the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Acidification Network (MACAN), the maps show levels of pH, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2), hydrogen concentration (H+), and aragonite saturation recorded at points throughout the region for each month from 2018 through 2022. To access the data, open the Water Quality theme, click on the “Acidification Average Monthly Sliders” dropdown, and activate one of the following:
Upon choosing one of the sliders, users can select the Active tab and click the play button to automatically animate the maps or manually toggle through the months and years. In addition, users click on any point for a popup containing information such as the name of the research institution responsible for the data at that site and links to related websites and documentation.
MACAN has also released infographics showing thresholds for pH and aragonite saturation where various Mid-Atlantic species could experience mortality and/or stunted growth due to acidic conditions. The infographics indicate the general location and life stages of where the different species experience these detrimental effects. The information in these graphics can be especially useful for natural resources managers to reference when considering locations for monitoring, mitigation, and remediation efforts.
The carbonate chemistry measurements were collected by gliders, ship-, and shore-based sampling programs in the Mid-Atlantic using best practices methods for ocean acidification monitoring. Only datasets from programs with three or more years of sampling were used. The data were compiled by former MACAN contractor Teresa Schwemmer.
The Portal also houses several maps that include information for 20,000 locations where the waters are actively being monitored or have been for signs of increasing acidity. These maps can be found by clicking on the “Acidification Monitoring Locations” dropdown in the Water Quality theme.
Learn More on Our Webinar
You can learn more about this data and MACAN’s research and educational outreach on coastal and ocean acidification in a special edition of the Portal’s ‘How Tuesday’ webinar series on Feb. 24 at 12 p.m. The session will feature a presentation by MACAN Co-Coordinator Dr. Janet Reimer. Come with your questions about the maps and share how you may use them for your work.
Click here to register. A Zoom link will be provided upon registration. Questions about the data and webinar may be emailed to portal@midatlanticocean.org.
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