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Oceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a process called carbon sequestration. Marine plants, such as phytoplankton, also capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Additionally, when carbon dioxide dissolves in ocean water, it forms carbonic acid, which then reacts with minerals in the water to create bicarbonate ions, effectively storing the carbon.
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SteveOceans absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere through a process called carbon sequestration. Marine plants, such as phytoplankton, also capture carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Additionally, when carbon dioxide dissolves in ocean water, it forms carbonic acid, which then reacts with minerals in the water to create bicarbonate ions, effectively storing the carbon.
As the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide increases above its long-term average level, the surface water of the oceans begins to absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby partly countering the addition of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. This is demonstrated by the rising acidity of sea water, since dissolved carbon dioxide becomes carbonic acid.
However, there is very little interchange of water between the warm surface layer and the deep ocean, so very little of this carbon dioxide is dispersed into deeper water. Scientists say that the anthropogenic increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide level could be absorbed by the ocean, but only over a period of several thousand years.
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What happens when carbon dioxide levels decrease in the atmosphere?
When carbon dioxide levels decrease in the atmosphere, it can lead to a cooling effect. This is because carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. A decrease in carbon dioxide levels could potentially impact climate patterns, biodiversity, and ocean acidity.
What might decrease global atmospheric carbon dioxide?
There is no known way that humans can economically remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; all we can really do is reduce our emissions of carbon dioxide and slow down the rate at which atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are increasing. The surface waters of the ocean do absorb some carbon dioxide from the atmosphere as atmospheric carbon dioxide level increase, but there is little interchange betwen the warm upper ocean and the deep layers. However over a period of several thousand years, there is sufficient interchange to absorb large volumes of carbon dioxide, allowing the atmospheric concentration to return more or less to normal. Afforestation. Planting trees will remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
What will happen to the amount of CO2 if the pH decreases?
The concentration of carbon dioxide decrease.
What would most decrease the amount or carbon dioxide in the air?
Planting more trees and preserving forests would be the most effective way to decrease the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, as trees absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Additionally, reducing fossil fuel consumption and transitioning to renewable energy sources can help decrease carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere.
What is an increase in the atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide is the biggest contributor?
An increase in the atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide is the biggest contributor to global warming.
