Today oceans are CO2 sinks, and represent the largest active carbon sink on Earth, absorbing more than a quarter of the carbon dioxide that humans put into the air. As we humans burn fossil fuels, increase urbanization and decrease forests on Earth, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels go up while the oceans absorb carbon dioxide to stay in balance. Yet as we experience a rise in average global temperatures, we also experience a rise in ocean temperatures. Hypothesize how this might influence the oceans' carbon concentrations.
Responses
A More CO2 in the atmosphere will lead to even higher temperatures.More CO 2 in the atmosphere will lead to even higher temperatures.
B As ocean water temperature increases, its ability dissolve CO2 decreases.As ocean water temperature increases, its ability dissolve CO 2 decreases.
C As more CO2 dissolves in the ocean water, the oceans will become more acidic.As more CO 2 dissolves in the ocean water, the oceans will become more acidic.
D Global warming will result in ice melt, causing a decrease in water temperatures and an increase in dissolved CO2.Global warming will result in ice melt, causing a decrease in water temperatures and an increase in dissolved CO 2 .