Increased Atmospheric CO₂ Concentrations Might Have What Effect on Sea

Question

Increased atmospheric CO₂ concentrations might have what effect on sea water?
A)Sea water will become more acidic, and bicarbonate concentrations will decrease.
B)Sea water will become more alkaline, and carbonate concentrations will decrease.
C)There will be no change in the pH of sea water, because carbonate will turn to bicarbonate.
D)Sea water will become more acidic, and carbonate concentrations will decrease.
E)Sea water will become more acidic, and carbonate concentrations will increase.

Accepted Answer

Increased atmospheric CO₂ concentrations lead to increased CO₂ absorption by seawater, leading to a decrease in pH and an increase in acidity. This increase in acidity will lead to a decrease in available carbonate ions, leading to a decrease in carbonate concentrations. Therefore, sea water will become more acidic, and carbonate concentrations will decrease.