GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Because of human-driven increased levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, there is more CO2 dissolving into the ocean. The ocean’s average pH is now around 8.1, which is basic (or alkaline), but as the ocean continues to absorb more CO2, the pH decreases and the ocean becomes more acidic.

Detailed explanation-2: -Carbon dioxide influences the pH of blood by reacting with water to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which can dissociate to form a hydrogen ion (H+) and a hydrogen carbonate ion (HCO3-). Increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide in the blood therefore results in more H+ ions and a lower pH.

Detailed explanation-3: -As mentioned, when carbon dioxide is dissolved in water, the release of hydrogen ions in carbonic acid is what lowers the pH. As CO2 levels increase around Earth, the amount of dissolved CO2 also increases, which increases the amount of carbonic acid, therefore decreasing the pH.

Detailed explanation-4: -Explain how an increase in the amount of dissolved CO2 in ocean water results in a decrease in the pH of ocean water. When carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean, it forms an acid (carbonic acid or H2CO3).

Detailed explanation-5: -Dissolved carbon dioxide is acidic, rainwater that is saturated with this gas is naturally acidic-usually about pH 5.6.