Ocean acidification — definition?
Chemical increase in seawater acidity from CO2.
Carbon cycle exchange — role?
Balances carbon transfer between atmosphere and ocean.
Fossil fuel burning — effect?
Raises atmospheric CO2, overloads natural exchange.
CO2 dissolving — process?
CO2 gas transfers into seawater and reacts with water.
Diffusion — mechanism?
Movement from low to high concentration to balance levels.
Carbonic acid — formation?
Formed when CO2 reacts with seawater.
Hydrogen ions — role?
Increase acidity, lower pH when released from H2CO3.
Ocean as sink — function?
Absorbs atmospheric CO2, forms carbonic acid.
pH decline — cause?
More H+ ions from carbonic acid increase acidity.
Diffusion — driven by?
Concentration gradient between air and seawater.
Marine impact — consequence?
Difficulty maintaining calcium carbonate shells and exoskeletons.
H2CO3 dissociation products?
Hydrogen ions (H+) and bicarbonate (HCO3-).
Answer 12 questions on Ocean Acidification and Carbon Cycle.
1. What best describes ocean acidification in the context of the carbon cycle?
2. Why does burning fossil fuels contribute to ocean acidification?
Go over the full study guide for Ocean Acidification and Carbon Cycle.
Read the study guide →Upload your class notes and Revizly writes your flashcards in about a minute.
Flashcard maker