P2B 07Ocean's Role in Carbon Cycle and Climate Change

What role do oceans play in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels?

• Oceans release CO2 into the atmosphere, increasing greenhouse gas levels.

• Oceans absorb approximately 25% of the CO2 released by human activities, acting as a carbon sink and mitigating climate change.

• Oceans have no significant impact on atmospheric CO2 levels.

• Oceans only affect CO2 levels in coastal areas, not globally.

How much CO2 do oceans absorb from human activities?

• About 10%

• About 25%

• About 50%

• About 75%

How do ocean currents affect carbon distribution?

• Ocean currents have no effect on carbon distribution.

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

• Ocean currents only affect temperature, not carbon distribution.

• Ocean currents primarily move plastic waste, not carbon.

What threats do coral reefs face?

• Ocean acidification, rising temperatures, and pollution

• Overfishing and habitat destruction

• Invasive species and coastal development

• Natural disasters and sedimentation

How do phytoplankton contribute to carbon storage?

• They release CO2 into the atmosphere during respiration.

• They absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter. When they die, they sink and form carbon-rich sediments.

• They consume organic matter from the ocean floor, releasing carbon back into the water.

• They have no significant impact on carbon storage in the ocean.

How does ocean acidification impact marine organisms?

• It enhances the growth of all marine species.

• It harms species that build calcium carbonate shells, such as corals and shellfish, affecting their shell formation and causing coral bleaching.

• It has no significant effect on marine life.

• It increases the temperature of ocean waters, benefiting marine organisms.

How do marine organisms like corals and shellfish store carbon?

• They absorb CO2 from the water and release oxygen.

• They use CO2 to build hard shells and structures made from calcium carbonate, sequestering carbon.

• They convert CO2 into glucose through photosynthesis.

• They excrete CO2 as a waste product.

Why are coral reefs vital ecosystems?

• They are primarily used for fishing only.

• They provide nurseries for young fish, support fisheries, protect coastlines from erosion, and are important for tourism.

• They are mainly important for freshwater supply.

• They serve as habitats for terrestrial animals.

What is ocean acidification and its cause?

• Ocean acidification is the increase in ocean temperature due to climate change.

• Ocean acidification occurs when CO2 is absorbed by seawater, forming carbonic acid and lowering the pH.

• Ocean acidification is the process of ocean currents becoming stronger and more turbulent.

• Ocean acidification is caused by the increase of plastic waste in the oceans.

How do rising ocean temperatures affect the ocean's role as a carbon sink?

• Rising temperatures increase the ocean's ability to absorb CO2.

• Colder water absorbs more CO2 than warmer water, so rising temperatures reduce the ocean's ability to absorb CO2.

• Rising temperatures have no effect on the ocean's ability to absorb CO2.

• Warmer water absorbs more CO2 than colder water.