Flashcard Global warming and ocean acidification

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What is global warming?

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Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.

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What is ocean acidification?

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Ocean acidification is the process by which the ocean becomes more acidic due to increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, leading to higher concentrations of carbonic acid in seawater.

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How does increased carbon dioxide affect seawater acidity?

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Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolves in seawater, forming carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the ocean, making it more acidic.

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What is pH?

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pH is a scale used to measure the acidity or basicity of a solution, ranging from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic), with 7 being neutral.

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What pH level indicates a strong acid?

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A strong acid typically has a pH level of 1 to 3.

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What pH level indicates a strong base?

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A strong base typically has a pH level of 11 to 14.

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What is the current approximate pH of ocean water?

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The current approximate pH of ocean water has dropped from about 8.1 to about 8.05.

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What are the effects of ocean acidification on marine life?

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Ocean acidification can harm marine life, particularly organisms with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, such as corals and shellfish, making it harder for them to grow and survive.

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What is the relationship between global warming and ocean acidification?

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Global warming and ocean acidification are interconnected; increased carbon dioxide emissions contribute to both phenomena, affecting climate and marine ecosystems.

Front

What is the strongest acid among the following: pH 1, pH 5, pH 13, pH 8?

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pH 1 is the strongest acid.