Question
9: Complete the paragraph to help explain how pH has changed over time.
The pH level of the ocean has
over time. Since atmospheric
is
the amount of CO, that the water takes in
as well. When
there is more CO, in ocean water, this changes ocean chemistry. The ending chemical reaction in the
ocean results in an increase in
ions, which will result in a pH decrease, thus caus
ing the ocean to become more
If humans continue to emir CO, at the amount we do right now, what does that mean for the futur
Vow, I don't know abour you, but I'm completely in shock about all of this! Ocean acidification
y wader how we change it?
Answer
The pH level of the ocean has decreased over time. Since atmospheric CO2 is absorbed by the water, the amount of CO2 in ocean water has increased as well. When there is more CO2 in ocean water, this changes ocean chemistry. The ending chemical reaction in the ocean results in an increase in hydrogen ions, which will result in a pH decrease, thus causing the ocean to become more acidic. If humans continue to emit CO2 at the amount we do right now, it means that the future of the ocean is at risk of becoming even more acidic. We need to take action to reduce our CO2 emissions to prevent further ocean acidification.