Ocean acidification involves a change in seawater pH primarily caused by increased atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolving into ocean water. One way to predict how rising carbon dioxide levels in the air will affect ocean acidity is to make a computational model.

Question

Which information is needed to develop a computational model and which would be results? Move the information for the model into the boxes. Not all information may be used.

Data

Results

future ocean ph

past/present ocean pH

future ocean temperatures

projected atmospheric temperatures

past atmospheric carbon dioxide levels

projected atmospheric carbon dioxide levels

past/present ocean carbon dioxide levels

Answer 1

To develop a computational model for predicting how rising carbon dioxide levels in the air will affect ocean acidity, the necessary information would primarily relate to both past and projected atmospheric and oceanic carbon dioxide levels, as well as pH levels.

Here’s how the information would be classified:

Data

• Past atmospheric carbon dioxide levels
• Future ocean temperatures
• Projected atmospheric carbon dioxide levels
• Past/present ocean carbon dioxide levels

Results

• Future ocean pH
• Past/present ocean pH

Not all of the information listed may be needed for the model, but the essentials for predicting ocean acidity changes are included above.