What is 'Ocean Acidification' primarily caused by?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide forming carbonic acid in seawater
- Step 1: Marine waters absorb nearly a third of all anthropogenic carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by human activities.
- Step 2: Dissolved carbon dioxide reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid (), which dissociates to release free hydrogen ions (), lowering ocean pH and reducing the saturation state of carbonate ions needed by calcifying organisms.
Answer
Absorption of excess atmospheric carbon dioxide forming carbonic acid in seawater.
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