Adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere causes the concentration of carbonates in the ocean to ________.
A)increase
B)decrease
C)stay the same because of a negative feedback mechanism
D)stay the same because of a positive feedback mechanism

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere increases the amount of CO2 that dissolves in the ocean, forming carbonic acid, which then dissociates into bicarbonate and hydrogen ions. The increase in hydrogen ions leads to a decrease in carbonate ion concentration.

Adding More Carbon Dioxide to the Atmosphere Causes the Concentration