How does carbon dioxide affect ocean water

Answer 1

Carbon dioxide affects ocean water in several ways:

1. Ocean acidification: When carbon dioxide dissolves in water, it forms carbonic acid which lowers the pH of the water, making it more acidic. This can have harmful effects on marine life, such as disrupting the equilibrium of calcium carbonate shells and skeletons of organisms like corals and shellfish.

2. Dissolved oxygen levels: Elevated levels of carbon dioxide can reduce the amount of oxygen available in ocean water, which can negatively impact marine organisms that rely on oxygen for survival, such as fish and other aquatic species.

3. Temperature regulation: Carbon dioxide can also contribute to global warming, which in turn can increase ocean temperatures. This can disrupt marine ecosystems and lead to coral bleaching, habitat loss, and changes in the distribution of marine species.

Overall, the increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere due to human activities is having a significant impact on ocean water and marine ecosystems. It is important to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change to protect the health of our oceans.