What effect does the absorption of carbon dioxide have on the hydrosphere?

Answer 1

Decrease in pH and upsetting biotic component of ecosystems

The hydrosphere is the largest carbon-sink in the global carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide dissolves in water in a series of reversible reactions to create first carbonic acid, and then the hydrogen carbonate and carbonate ions.

These ions are necessary sources of carbon for plant life and shelled organisms - however as the amount of carbon increases in the water, so does the concentration of hydrogen ions. The acidification of the hydrosphere causes the shells of organisms to dissolve, placing a large stress on their population and wreaking havoc on the various ecosystems as these creatures decrease in numbers.

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Answer 2

Mila Bautista

The absorption of carbon dioxide by the hydrosphere leads to ocean acidification, which can have detrimental effects on marine life, including the disruption of calcium carbonate shell formation in organisms such as coral reefs and shellfish. Additionally, increased carbon dioxide absorption can contribute to changes in ocean temperature and circulation patterns, impacting marine ecosystems and biodiversity.

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Answer 3

Jonathan Avila

The absorption of carbon dioxide in the hydrosphere can lead to ocean acidification, which has detrimental effects on marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons. It can disrupt the balance of carbonate ions, affecting the ability of marine organisms to build and maintain their structures. Additionally, increased carbon dioxide absorption can alter seawater chemistry and impact marine ecosystems, including coral reefs and other sensitive habitats.

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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.