Final answer:
The oceans absorb approximately 25 percent of the anthropogenic carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the impact of increased emissions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question of how much anthropogenic carbon dioxide is absorbed by the oceans is b. 25 percent of the anthropogenic CO2 that is released into the atmosphere.
Carbon dioxide (CO2) enters Earth's atmosphere largely through the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. Deforestation and other human activities also contribute to the rise in atmospheric CO2 levels. Empirical data indicates that approximately half of the carbon dioxide released from burning fossil fuels remains in the atmosphere, while the rest is absorbed by natural 'sinks' including the oceans and plant matter. While the precise absorption rates can vary, a substantial portion is taken up by the oceans, which act to partially mitigate the impact of increased CO2 emissions.
Understanding the global carbon cycle is crucial as it highlights the role of the oceans and vegetation in absorbing CO2. The oceans absorb CO2 through a series of chemical and physical processes that eventually lead to the formation of bicarbonate ions. This natural process helps to regulate the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere but is limited by factors such as the surface area of the oceans and the rate at which gases dissolve.