Carbon dioxide absorption

Definition

Carbon dioxide absorption is the process by which carbon dioxide (CO₂) is taken up by natural systems, particularly by oceans and aquatic ecosystems. This process is crucial for regulating atmospheric CO₂ levels, as it helps mitigate the effects of climate change by sequestering carbon in marine environments. The absorption of CO₂ also leads to significant changes in ocean chemistry, impacting marine life and ecosystems.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Oceans absorb about 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere, acting as a significant carbon sink.
2. As CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which can lower the pH of ocean waters, leading to ocean acidification.
3. The absorption of CO₂ affects marine life, particularly organisms like corals and shellfish that rely on calcium carbonate for their structures, making it harder for them to grow and survive.
4. Increased CO₂ absorption can disrupt marine food webs by affecting primary producers like phytoplankton that are vital for ocean ecosystems.
5. The rate of carbon dioxide absorption in oceans can vary with factors such as temperature, salinity, and biological activity, influencing overall ocean health.

Review Questions

• How does carbon dioxide absorption contribute to ocean acidification, and what are its implications for marine ecosystems?
  • Carbon dioxide absorption leads to ocean acidification as CO₂ dissolves in seawater and forms carbonic acid, which lowers the pH of the water. This change in acidity can have serious implications for marine ecosystems, particularly affecting calcifying organisms like corals and shellfish that struggle to maintain their calcium carbonate structures. As these organisms face challenges in growth and survival, it can disrupt entire marine food webs, impacting species diversity and abundance.
• Evaluate the role of oceans as carbon sinks and discuss the potential long-term consequences if this ability diminishes.
  • Oceans play a crucial role as carbon sinks by absorbing significant amounts of atmospheric CO₂. If this ability diminishes due to climate change or other environmental stressors, it could lead to higher levels of CO₂ in the atmosphere, exacerbating global warming and climate change effects. This decrease in carbon absorption would not only threaten marine ecosystems but could also impact terrestrial environments by increasing atmospheric greenhouse gases and altering weather patterns.
• Synthesize information on how changes in ocean chemistry due to carbon dioxide absorption may affect global climate patterns.
  • Changes in ocean chemistry resulting from carbon dioxide absorption can significantly influence global climate patterns through various feedback mechanisms. As oceans become more acidic, they can lose their capacity to store heat and regulate climate effectively. Moreover, alterations in marine ecosystems can affect carbon cycling processes, potentially reducing the oceans' ability to sequester CO₂. This disruption could lead to accelerated global warming effects, impacting weather systems, sea level rise, and biodiversity on a planetary scale.

Related terms

Ocean Acidification: The process by which the pH level of ocean water decreases due to increased levels of carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere, leading to harmful effects on marine organisms.

Photosynthesis: The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert carbon dioxide and sunlight into energy, producing oxygen as a byproduct.

Carbon Sink: Natural systems that absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release, such as forests and oceans, playing a vital role in climate regulation.