Westonci.ca is the ultimate Q&A platform, offering detailed and reliable answers from a knowledgeable community. Get precise and detailed answers to your questions from a knowledgeable community of experts on our Q&A platform. Get immediate and reliable solutions to your questions from a community of experienced professionals on our platform.

As carbon dioxide concentrated in our atmosphere rise ocean PH?

Sagot :

The rising concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere is a major driver of ocean acidification. The ocean absorbs about a quarter of the CO2 released through human activities like burning fossil fuels. As CO2 dissolves in seawater, it creates carbonic acid, which makes the ocean more acidic.

Here's a simplified breakdown of the process:

CO2 dissolves in seawater

CO2 + H2O -> H2CO3 (carbonic acid)

H2CO3 dissociates into H+ (hydrogen ions) and HCO3- (bicarbonate ions)

The increased concentration of H+ ions lowers the pH of the ocean, making it more acidic. This can have negative consequences for marine life, especially organisms that build shells and skeletons from calcium carbonate.