How would you describe ocean acidification?

Answer 1

Very simply, it is the decrease in pH levels of the ocean caused by greater amounts of carbon dioxide being dissolved in it.

The acidification of the oceans is a direct consequence of greater amounts of carbon dioxide dissolving in it.

Natural seawater is basic, i.e. it has a pH slightly over #7#, which is neutral. The acidification that is occurring is more a reduction of this alkalinity and a movement towards neutral pH, rather than an actual formation of acidic seawater.

The greater quantities of #CO_2# in the atmosphere results in more being dissolved in the oceans. This causes the formation of bicarbonate ions with the resultant release of #H^+# ions that reduce the pH of the seawater.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email

Answer 2

Jose Arroyo

Ocean acidification is a process whereby the pH of seawater decreases due to the absorption of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. This leads to an increase in the concentration of hydrogen ions, making the water more acidic. The primary cause of ocean acidification is the burning of fossil fuels, which releases CO2 into the atmosphere. As CO2 dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the water. Ocean acidification has significant impacts on marine ecosystems, including the potential harm to calcifying organisms such as corals, shellfish, and plankton, as well as disruptions to marine food webs and biodiversity.

Sign up to view the whole answer

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Sign up with email

Answer from HIX Tutor

When evaluating a one-sided limit, you need to be careful when a quantity is approaching zero since its sign is different depending on which way it is approaching zero from. Let us look at some examples.