Increasing ocean acidification has been attributed to
A)higher evaporation rates associated with climate change.
B)changes in thermohaline circulation associated with the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.
C)freshwater inputs from melting ice.
D)coastal erosion caused by changes in stream flow and increased precipitation.
E)ocean absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ocean acidification is primarily caused by the absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide, which reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid, leading to a decrease in ocean pH. A decrease in ocean pH can have significant impacts on marine organisms, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells, as their shells can dissolve in more acidic water.

Increasing Ocean Acidification Has Been Attributed to