A video micro-lecture that explains carbonate buffering in the ocean. It includes discussions on the changes in the chemical composition of the ocean caused by a higher concentration of dissolved CO2, ocean acidification and the resulting effect on ocean biota.
Students will learn how oceans behave as carbon sinks by absorbing atmospheric CO2, and how ocean pH levels are maintained owing to the buffering capacity of seawater. They will also learn how increased levels of atmospheric CO2 and the resultant higher CO2 concentration in seawater, an excess of free hydrogen (H+) ions leads to ocean acidification and sequestration of more carbonate (CO32-) ions to keep the system in equilibrium.
A scientific illustration of ocean acidification depicting the consumption of carbonate ions and how that impedes calcification. Created for Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory’s Carbon Program. Credit: http://www.cev.washington.edu/file/Ocean_Acidification_Process
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