Ocean acidification is defined as rising levels of acid in ocean waters due to the ocean's absorption of ____ from the atmosphere.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ocean acidification is caused by the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. As CO2 dissolves in seawater, it reacts with water molecules and forms carbonic acid, thus increasing the acidity of the ocean. This can have negative impacts on marine species that rely on shells or skeletons made of calcium carbonate, as their structures can dissolve in more acidic waters.

Ocean Acidification Is Defined as Rising Levels of Acid in Ocean