Question

Carbon dioxide diffuses into the ocean carbon cycle via the air-sea surface exchange. Molecules of CO2 enter the ocean by diffusing into the surface waters and dissolving. The amount of CO2 that diffuses and dissolves in the surface water depends on several variables. Scientists have noted that sea more CO2 diffuses and dissolves in colder sea surface water and less CO2 diffuses and dissolves in warmer water. Let's assume the predictions of scientists predicting a warming climate are true. Can you predict the outcome if average ocean temperatures increase as well? Include the effects on appropriate components of the biosphere as well as the hydrosphere.

Answer 1

The increase in average ocean temperatures due to global warming will result in less carbon dioxide absorption by the ocean, leading to higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere and increased ocean acidity. This can have significant effects on the hydrosphere and biosphere.

Step-by-step explanation:

The increase in average ocean temperatures due to global warming will have several effects on the carbon cycle and the ecosystem. First, warmer sea surface water will cause less carbon dioxide (CO2) to diffuse and dissolve, leading to a decrease in the amount of CO2 absorbed by the ocean.

This will result in higher levels of CO2 in the atmosphere, contributing to the greenhouse effect and further exacerbating global warming. Additionally, the decrease in CO2 absorption by the ocean can lead to increased acidity of the ocean water, which can harm marine organisms and disrupt the marine food webs.

Overall, the warming of ocean temperatures can have significant impacts on both the hydrosphere and biosphere.

Answer 2

Warmer oceans would mean less dissolved CO2 as well as other gases such as oxygen in the global ocean. Lower CO2 would result in a decrease in photosynthesis of autotrophs living in the oceans.