Key terms

Key terms

Key terms Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) refers to the total amount of inorganic carbon dissolved in water. The main forms of DIC are carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), bicarbonate (HCO 3 -), and carbonate (CO3 2- ). The partial pressure of CO 2 (p CO 2 ) in seawater reflects the amount of dissolved CO 2 . As the ocean absorbs more CO 2 , p CO 2 increases. Part 3: Deep Dive into Ocean Acidification