Question

The absorption of human-generated CO2 by the oceans __________.

(A) reduces the carbonate ion concentration in the oceans and threatens calcifying organisms in marine ecosystems
(B) increases the oceans' acidity and lowers pH
(C) increases the hydrogen ion concentration in the oceans but decreases the carbonate ion concentration and threatens the livability of the oceans for calcifying organisms
(D) All of the responses are correct.
(E) increases the oceanic concentration of carbonic acid

Answer 1

Ocean acidification is the process of ocean waters becoming more acidic due to the absorption of human-generated CO2. This phenomenon reduces the carbonate ion concentration in the oceans and threatens calcifying organisms in marine ecosystems. It increases the hydrogen ion concentration, making the oceans more acidic and less livable for calcifying organisms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ocean acidification is the process of ocean waters decreasing in pH due to the absorption of human-generated CO2. As carbon dioxide dissolves in ocean waters, it reacts with water molecules to form hydrogen ions, which increases the hydrogen ion concentration in the oceans. This process also reduces the carbonate ion concentration, threatening calcifying organisms in marine ecosystems. The increase in hydrogen ions and decrease in carbonate ions make the oceans more acidic, lowering the pH and threatening the livability of the oceans for calcifying organisms.