The oceans already hold nearly 40,000 Gt of carbon. So why do we worry about the effects of adding a little more in the form of CO2, as we might do if we decided to capture CO2 and store it in the oceans?

Question

Vincent Curtis

Geography

7 September, 19:21

The oceans already hold nearly 40,000 Gt of carbon. So why do we worry about the effects of adding a little more in the form of CO2, as we might do if we decided to capture CO2 and store it in the oceans?

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Answers (1)

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Alvaro Price · Answer 1

Forms of carbon differ in the oceans.

Explanation:

Two different primary types of carbon exist in the oceans.

Carbonates - organisms in the ocean absorb carbon dioxide and produce carbonates CO₃²⁻. Calcium and magnesium ions combine with carbonates to form calcium carbonate that make up the bulk of corals and seashells plus magnesium carbonate. Dissolved Carbon dioxide

When atmospheric CO₂ dissolves directly into the seawater, carbonic acid is produced, that reduces the pH of seawater.

One of the earth's precious diverse ecosystems comprises of coral reefs. Coral reefs' body is made up of calcium carbonate. However, calcium carbonate acts as a buffer. That's why, as pH decreases, the dissolution of calcium carbonate (corals structure and seashells) increases. It results in a massive extinction of coral ecosystem.

Hence, we should not disturb the balance of nature.