What happens when carbonate ion concentration in seawater decreases?

The rate of calcification increases, and it takes less time for the reef coral to grow.
The rate of calcification decreases, and it takes longer for the reef coral to grow.
The rate of calcification decreases, and it takes less time for the reef coral to grow.
The rate of calcification increases, and it takes longer for the reef coral to grow.

1 answer

When the carbonate ion concentration in seawater decreases, the rate of calcification typically decreases, making it more difficult for reef corals to grow. This is because carbonate ions are crucial for the formation of calcium carbonate, which corals use to build their skeletons. Therefore, the correct outcome is:

The rate of calcification decreases, and it takes longer for the reef coral to grow.