Ocean acidification and marine ecosystems

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary trend observed in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels?

Rising

How does increased atmospheric carbon dioxide impact ocean acidity?

Increases it

Describe the chemical process by which increased atmospheric $CO_2$ leads to increased ocean acidity. Include the relevant chemical equation.

Increased atmospheric $CO_2$ dissolves in the ocean, reacting with water to form carbonic acid. The equation is: $CO_2 + H_2O ightleftharpoons H_2CO_3$

What is the name of the process that results in the formation of calcium carbonate?

<p>Calcification</p> Signup and view all the answers

Hypothesize how the synergistic effects of rising ocean temperatures and increased ocean acidity could impact the rate of calcification in marine organisms, and what long-term consequences this might have for marine ecosystems.

<p>Rising ocean temperatures and increased ocean acidity could synergistically decrease the rate of calcification, hindering the ability of marine organisms to build and maintain their calcium carbonate structures. Long-term, this could lead to weakened structural integrity of coral reefs, reduced biodiversity, and altered marine food webs, potentially causing ecosystem collapse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Rising CO2 Levels

The increase of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading to changes in global systems.

Carbonic Acid

When atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it forms this.

Ocean Acidification

The increase in the ocean's acidity due to the absorption of excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Coral Reefs

Marine ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to rising ocean acidity.

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Calcification

The process of forming calcium carbonate, a key component of shells and coral skeletons.

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Study Notes

Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are rising, significantly impacting global systems like surface temperatures.
Increased atmospheric carbon dioxide leads to more carbon dioxide dissolving in the ocean.
This dissolution produces carbonic acid, increasing ocean acidity.
Rising ocean acidity is predicted to negatively affect marine ecosystems like coral reefs.
Calcification is the process that results in the formation of calcium carbonate.

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Description

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels lead to increased carbon dioxide dissolving in the ocean, producing carbonic acid and rising ocean acidity. Rising ocean acidity is predicted to negatively affect marine ecosystems like coral reefs. Calcification is the process that results in the formation of calcium carbonate.