What happens when carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in seawater?

Question

Ocean levels rise.

Oceans are better able to support most sea life.

Ocean waters become more acidic.

O Ocean temperatures rise.

Answer 1

This process leads to ocean waters becoming more acidic. Carbon dioxide dissolving in seawater forms carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the water. This can have negative impacts on marine life, particularly on organisms such as corals and shellfish that rely on calcium carbonate for building their shells and skeletons. Increased ocean acidification is a serious concern for the health of marine ecosystems.