When carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere dissolves in seawater, the primary effect is that ocean waters become more acidic. This process leads to increased acidification of the oceans, which can have detrimental impacts on marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons, like corals and some shellfish.
To summarize:
- Ocean levels rise: This is primarily a result of melting ice caps and thermal expansion due to warming, not directly from CO2 dissolution.
- Ocean temperatures rise: While this is connected to climate change, it is not a direct consequence of CO2 dissolving in water.
- Ocean waters become more acidic: Correct. Increased CO2 leads to the formation of carbonic acid, lowering the pH of the ocean.
- Oceans are better able to support most sea life: This is generally not true, as increased acidity can harm many marine organisms and ecosystems.
So, the correct answer is that ocean waters become more acidic.