Question

How would you describe ocean acidification?

Answer 1

Very simply, it is the decrease in pH levels of the ocean caused by greater amounts of carbon dioxide being dissolved in it.

Explanation:

The acidification of the oceans is a direct consequence of greater amounts of carbon dioxide dissolving in it.

Natural seawater is basic, i.e. it has a pH slightly over `7`, which is neutral. The acidification that is occurring is more a reduction of this alkalinity and a movement towards neutral pH, rather than an actual formation of acidic seawater.

The greater quantities of `CO_2` in the atmosphere results in more being dissolved in the oceans. This causes the formation of bicarbonate ions with the resultant release of `H^+` ions that reduce the pH of the seawater.