Carbon dioxide dissolves in water according to the equations:

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have increased about 20% over the last century. Given that Earth’s oceans are exposed to atmospheric carbon dioxide, what effect might the increased CO₂ be having on the pH of the world’s oceans? What effect might this change be having on the limestone structures (primarily CaCO₃) of coral reefs and marine shells?

Transcribed Image Text:

CO₂(g) + H₂O(1) + H₂O(1) H₂CO3(aq) H₂CO3(aq) HCO3-(aq) + H3O+(aq)