Increased Carbon Dioxide in the Atmosphere

Question

Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere
A) Will result in a reduction of pH in ocean waters
B) Will result in releases of carbon dioxide from surface ocean waters
C) Will result in natural precipitation of nonorganic calcium carbonate in the surface waters
D) All of the above

Accepted Answer

Increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to more CO2 being absorbed by ocean waters, forming carbonic acid and thus lowering the pH of ocean waters, a process known as ocean acidification. Choices B and C are not direct consequences of increased atmospheric CO2.