The maps show projected ocean acidification and related impacts on corals by 2020, 2060 and 2100: from better (blue) to worse (orange) conditions for coral skeletal growth.
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Aragonite is a form of calcium carbonate used by organisms such as corals, molluscs and some plankton species to build up skeletal structures and shells. Aragonite saturation levels go down as the ocean water acidifies. A value below 100% indicates undersaturation, meaning that aragonite structures would dissolve. Lowering values imply that it becomes increasingly difficult for the mentioned organisms to survive and grow.
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