Scientists have confirmed that the appearance of sand dunes and beaches is about to change due to rising emissions Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
The results were published in Climatic Change Journal.
A study conducted by the University of Venice in collaboration with the National Research Council (CNR-IAS) of Oristano analyzed the chain reaction of effects on the marine environment caused by the increase of CO2. They estimated that between 2018 and 2100 the accumulation of sediments at the base of Mediterranean dune systems could fall by 31 percent, with the erosion of the beaches that in turn increase the possibilities of flooding.
"Far from riverside openings, dunes and beaches systems can be formed, in whole or in part, by carbonate sediments produced by marine ecosystems, for example, underwater prairies of Posidonia oceanica," said lead investigator Simone Simeone.
"The sediments can be dissolved by the increasing acidity of the seas, according to recent studies, at the end of the century, the marine pH can fall by 0.4 units. What is causing the acidification of the oceans, as is known, the increasing levels of Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, "added Simone.
The investigation also revealed that the effects of this phenomenon can distort the sedimentary balance of a beach dune system.
"The significant amount of sediments that form the beach dune system is formed by the remains of vulnerable organisms for the effects of acidification. The decrease in pH could significantly affect the prevalence of these organisms in marine ecosystems and, consequently, reduce the carbonate sediment, "Simeone still mentioned.
Another lead investigator, Emanuela Molinaroli, concluded that sedimentary equilibrium could be interrupted.
"Some beaches that are growing progressively or stable environments can turn into erosion contours. In addition, this research shows that the effect of acidification on the beach dune system, combined with the expected increase in sea level, will result in a new withdrawal from the coast as well as an increase in the adverse effects of flooding, "added Molinaroli.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and it is automatically generated from a syndicated source).
