Question

Coral reefs are bleaching and some organisms with shells are showing signs that they are being dissolved by the sea water. Which factor is causing this negative impact?(1 point)
Responses

excess dissolved oxygen
excess dissolved oxygen

decreased CO2 levels
decreased CO2 levels

increasing pH
increasing pH

ocean acidification

Answer 1

ocean acidification

Rising atmospheric CO2 dissolves into seawater, forming carbonic acid which lowers pH and reduces carbonate ion availability, causing coral bleaching and dissolving calcium carbonate shells.