ESS101C
Prof.
Jin-Yi Yu
Changes in Ocean Chemistry
qOne of the major factors that
determines CO2 levels in surface water of the world oceans is the amount of
carbonate ion CO3-2.
qThese ions are produced when
corrosive bottom water dissolve CaCO3 on the seafloor.
qWhen these
ions are later returned to surface waters by ocean circulation, they can combine chemically with CO2
and produce the bicarbonate ion HCO3-.
qTherefore,
increasing the amount of CO3-2 ions dissolved by and carried
in deep water
can have the effect of reducing CO2 concentrations in surface water.
Combine
CO3-2 + CO2 è HCO3-
from deep-ocean circulation
in surface waters
