Author Question: What enhances the ocean's buffering capacity? a. The amount of dissolved inorganic carbon present ... (Read 37 times)

krzymel · **on:** Aug 22, 2018

What enhances the ocean's buffering capacity?
a. The amount of dissolved inorganic carbon present
b. The amount of acid already present in the ocean
c. The amount of dissolved organic compounds
d. The amount of calcium

Question 2

What is the average length of time an atom spends in the ocean?
a. Longevity
b. Saturation time
c. Residence time
d. Durability time

choc0chan · **Reply #1 on:** Aug 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The ocean has a higher buffering capacity than rivers and lakes. This is due to the amount of dissolved
inorganic carbon found in the ocean. This makes the ocean less prone to large pH swings when acids
or bases are added whether it be from sewage outfalls or acid rain. Information can be found in the
section The Ocean's Acid-Base Balance Varies with Dissolved Components and Depth.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Residence time explains why the ocean does not become progressively saltier with age. The residence
time of an element can be calculated by dividing the amount of an element in the ocean by the rate at
which the element is added or removed from the ocean. Information can be found in the section
Seawater Consists of Water and Dissolved Sol