Final answer:
The importance of studying the ocean carbon cycle lies in the fact that the ocean releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, and this understanding can aid in addressing climate change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best explanation for the importance of studying the ocean carbon cycle is option C: The ocean releases one quarter of the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This is crucial because carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that plays a significant role in climate change. Understanding how the ocean contributes to the carbon cycle can help us develop strategies to mitigate climate change and protect the environment.
Furthermore, option A is also true as the oceans do have a significant impact on the levels of atmospheric gases, including carbon dioxide. By studying the ocean carbon cycle, scientists can gain insights into how the ocean absorbs, stores, and releases carbon, which in turn affects the atmospheric composition.
Option B is incorrect as studying the ocean carbon cycle is not a new field of ocean science. It has been a topic of research for many years and continues to be a focus of study due to its importance in understanding climate change and global carbon cycles.
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