Author Question: Why is the amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater much less than the theoretical maximum ... (Read 62 times)

Capo · **on:** Aug 22, 2018

Why is the amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in seawater much less than the theoretical maximum
saturation level?
a. Carbon dioxide is very soluble in water.
b. Carbon dioxide is able to form a weak acid when combined with seawater.
c. Carbon dioxide is quickly used by photosynthetic organisms.
d. Carbon dioxide moves quickly from the atmosphere to the ocean

Question 2

What happens to pH levels in regions where there is more carbon dioxide present?
a. Carbon dioxide does not heavily impact pH levels.
b. The pH levels increase in these regions.
c. The pH levels decrease in these regions.
d. The seawater is able to buffer enough that there is no change.

Liddy · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: C
Carbon dioxide chemically combines with water quite quickly which creates carbonic acid, but the low
level in comparison to the theoretical maximum saturation level is due to photosynthetic organisms
using it quickly. Information can be found in the section Gases Dissolve in Seawater.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The pH level in the ocean can be altered in the ocean with changes in carbon dioxide. Higher levels of
carbon dioxide which often occurs at middle depths in the ocean causes the water to be less alkaline.
Information can be found in the section The Ocean's Acid-Base Balance Varies with Dissolved
Components and Depth