P2B 07The Oceans as a Store of Carbon & Ocean Acidification

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What role do oceans play in the carbon cycle?

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Oceans act as a critical carbon sink, absorbing about 25% of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, which helps mitigate climate change.

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What is ocean acidification and its primary cause?

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Ocean acidification is the process where absorbed CO2 forms carbonic acid in seawater, lowering its pH. It is primarily caused by increased atmospheric CO2 from burning fossil fuels.

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How does ocean acidification affect marine life?

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It has detrimental effects on organisms with calcium carbonate shells and structures, such as corals and shellfish, leading to issues like coral bleaching.

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What are the three primary mechanisms of carbon storage in the ocean?

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1. Direct absorption of CO2 by ocean water. 2. Photosynthesis by phytoplankton, converting CO2 into organic matter. 3. Creation of calcium carbonate structures by marine organisms.

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How does rising ocean temperature affect carbon absorption?

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Colder water absorbs more CO2 than warmer water. Rising temperatures reduce the ocean's capacity to absorb CO2.

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What is the impact of ocean acidification on coral reefs?

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Coral reefs are threatened by acidification and warming, leading to coral bleaching, which impacts fisheries, coastal protection, and tourism.

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What is deep ocean carbon storage?

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Carbon is stored in the deep ocean as organic matter that sinks to the ocean floor and is sequestered for thousands of years.

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How do ocean currents affect carbon distribution?

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Ocean currents distribute dissolved carbon throughout the ocean, influencing regional ecosystems.