Submarine springs along the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula are giving scientists a preview of how coral reefs will react to ocean acidification.

The low pH (high acidity) of the water around the springs creates conditions similar to those likely to be seen when the oceans absorb more carbon dioxide.

Some of the corals studied were able to calcify and grow at very low pH. Unfortunately, the corals that can survive ocean acidification are not the type that make up the framework of coral reefs.