Ocean Acidification: A chemical reaction

Ocean Acidification: A chemical reaction

Ocean Acidification: A chemical reaction 1. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves into seawater. CO₂ (gas)→CO₂ ( aq ) 2. It reacts with water to form carbonic acid. CO₂ ( aq ) + H₂O → H₂CO₃ 3. Carbonic acid breaks apart (dissociates) into hydrogen ions and bicarbonate. H₂CO₃ → H⁺ + HCO₃⁻ 4. More H⁺ ions = more acidic ocean (lower pH). ↑ H⁺ → ↓ pH Part 3: Deep Dive into Ocean Acidification