Unique Nature of Pure Water
What is the chemical formula of water?
H2O
What is the average salinity of ocean water?
35 ppt
What is the most abundant ion found in sea water?
Chloride
What human activity is the primary contributor to ocean acidification?
Burning of fossil fuels
What process do plants use to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere?
Photosynthesis
How does hydrogen bonding affect waters boiling point?
Has a higher boiling point
How is the density of sea water and pure water different?
Sea water is denser
What chemical reaction produces carbonic acid when carbon dioxide dissolves in sea water?
CO2 and H2O
What is the chemical equation that represents the formation of carbonic acid in sea water due to increased CO2?
CO2 + H2O ⇌ H2CO3
What is the term for the release of carbon back into the atmosphere from the respiration of living organisms?
Respiration
Why is water the universal solvent?
Can dissolve mostly everything
What affects temperature and salinity of sea water?
Density
How does the pH level of sea water typically range?
7.5-8.5
How does ocean acidification primarily affect calcifying organisms?
By reducing their ability to produce calcium carbonate
In what form does carbon exist in the deep ocean?
Dissolved inorganic carbon
What unique property allows water to expand when it freezes?
Hydrogen bonding
Why does sea water have a higher boiling compared to pure water
Dissolved Salts
What major nutrient found in sea water is essential for phytoplankton growth?
Nitrate
What is the estimated decrease in surface ocean pH?
0.1 units
What role do oceans play in the carbon cycle regarding carbon sequestration?
Absorbing and storing carbon dioxide
What term describes the high heat capacity of water?
Specific heat
How does turbidity in sea water affect light penetration and photosynthesis in marine environments?
Reduced light penetration
How does the presence of dissolved oxygen in sea water impact marine life?
Affects the survival of aerobic organisms
What long-term ecological impact can ocean acidification have on marine food webs?
The disruption of species interactions and biodiversity loss
How has human activity altered the natural carbon cycle?
By increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and altering carbon storage in ecosystems