Question

Carbon dioxide entering the ocean from the atmosphere continually. Explain how some of this carbon can become “tied up” in the ocean for hundreds and sometimes millions of years. (Hint: think about deep ocean currents, what forms the carbon turns to when it enters the ocean.)

Answer 1

About 30 percent of the carbon dioxide that people have put into the atmosphere has diffused into the ocean through the direct chemical exchange. Dissolving carbon dioxide in the ocean creates carbonic acid, which increases the acidity of the water. Or rather, a slightly alkaline ocean becomes a little less alkaline. Since 1750, the pH of the ocean’s surface has dropped by 0.1, a 30 percent change in acidity.

Answer 2

The carbon dioxide is circulated from the atmosphere and lithosphere and is a part of the carbon cycle. This carbon is emitted from the industries, factories, volcanic eruptions, and burning up of fossil fuels. In addition to this, they are also released into the atmosphere by living organisms including animals and human beings. Some of the amount of carbon dioxide on earth is absorbed by the trees and plants, whereas the remaining carbon is released into the atmosphere.

This carbon is then transferred to the lithosphere with the help of rain. The rain carries this carbon that reacts with the water in the oceans breaking the water molecules and forms a weak acid, which is commonly known as the Carbonic acid.

This acid helps in dissolving some rocks in the terrestrial areas by the chemical processes and releases ions such as calcium, sodium, magnesium, and potassium. These ions are further carried by the oceans and are added to the seas and oceans.

Moreover, the calcium and bicarbonate ions react forming calcium carbonates and the rocks so formed are known as the carbonate rocks such as limestones. Sometimes, the shells of fossils are also found to be present within these rocks.

Thus, the carbons are stored for hundreds and millions of years in the ocean waters and limestone rocks.