Application- Chapter 4

Question 1

Threats to coral reefs from increasing concentrations of dissolved carbon dioxide

Answer 1

• over 500 billion tonnes of co2 has been released by humans since start of industrial Rev and has dissolved into sea
• pH level was 8.179 in 18th century now it is 8.069- small changes represents 30% acidification
• marine animals such as reef building corals that deposit calcium carbonate in their Skelton need to absorb carbonate ions from sea water- dissolved co2 makes carbons ion conc even lower
  Makes it difficult for reef building coral to absorb them to make them skeletons