Question

For a model of

the cycling of carbon into
and out of the ocean, which of the
labeled items would you count as
part of the ocean system? Why?

Answer 1

To model the ocean's involvement in the carbon cycle, the top layer of ocean water, marine organisms, and ocean sediments would be included as they are key in cycling carbon through biotic and abiotic processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

To model the cycling of carbon into and out of the ocean, one would count the following components as part of the ocean system:

• The top layer of ocean water that dissolves carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Marine organisms whose respiration and decomposition cycle carbon in and out of the water.
• Ocean sediments, which include the remains of marine organisms that eventually form limestone, a major carbon reservoir.

These components are essential in the exchange of carbon between the ocean and the atmosphere, and they are part of the abiotic and biotic processes that maintain the balance of carbon in the global ecosystem.

Prokaryotic marine organisms and the formation of calcium carbonate from ionic compounds in seawater are additional critical aspects of the oceanic carbon system.