Climate Change
As many already know, climate change is a hot topic of today’s society. Climate change indicates a transformation of Earth’s climate patterns, specifically regarding the rise in atmospheric temperatures. There is specific evidence of this increase in atmospheric temperature from many studies such as Mauna Loa. Rising temperatures are directly affecting sea turtles as they quickly approach extinction. As discussed, the sea turtle spends its life, both in the water and on land
for nesting purposes. Because of this, the sea turtle is at extremely high risks of devastation due to climate change regarding nesting, as well as in general. Consequently, the magnetic field used to track down sites for nesting will be completely destroyed as sea level rises as it is hidden within the sand. The beaches that these turtles know and rely on will disappear one by one. Not only will the beaches disappear, but at the present time, the issue of gender is a rising concern due to sand temperatures. As temperature rises, the temperature of water as well as the water that is compressing the sand will rise. Described in more depth in the reproduction page, temperature of sand, essentially determines the gender of sea
turtles. Cooler sand typically makes for a male, while warmer sand tends to produce females. Nevertheless, this topic creates an enormous problem regarding genetic diversity in the population. Despite the overpopulation of females, some nests are experiencing complete failure because of the warm sand or excessive rain. Climate change not only affects temperature in the atmosphere, but storm surge as well. Increased storm warnings create surplus of rain. With this overflow of rain atop the sand where the eggs have been buried, not enough oxygen is able to get through the pores. With little to no oxygen the eggs suffocate and die.
Another concept referred to as ocean acidification is directly related to turtle nesting beaches as well. Ocean acidification occurs when the ocean absorbs carbon dioxide. This is a normal process; however, the amounts of carbon being absorbed have increased substantially in recent years. When the carbon is absorbed it forms a bicarbonate acid, therefore making the ocean more acidic. This acidity affects the consistency of the sand within the nesting beaches. Nesting sand is often composed of minuscule shell particles. The shells which originally reside in the ocean, are deteriorating from the excess acidity in the ocean. A shell is normally comprised of a calcium carbonate, but cannot bind to the bicarbonate particles now flourishing within the sea. This alteration of nesting beach sand has the potential to negatively influence sea turtle’s ability to effectively lay eggs, leading to an even more reduced population.
