Oxygen and Carbon Flashcards

This set of flashcards covers essential concepts related to the chemistry of oxygen and carbon in the ocean, including species identification, chemical reactions, environmental impacts, and key scientific principles.

What are the carbon species found in the ocean?

The carbon species in the ocean include CO2, H2CO3 (carbonic acid), HCO3− (bicarbonate), and CO3^2− (carbonate).

What controls the patterns of oxygen in the ocean?

The patterns of oxygen are controlled by both biological processes (like photosynthesis and respiration) and chemical processes.

How does CO2 react when it enters seawater?

CO2 reacts with seawater to form carbonic acid (H2CO3), which subsequently dissociates into bicarbonate (HCO3−) and carbonate (CO3^2−).

What is the relationship between the carbonate cycle and pH?

The carbonate cycle influences pH levels in the ocean; higher levels of carbonic acid can lower pH, making the water more acidic.

What are the depth profiles of pH, oxygen, and DIC in the ocean?

The depth profiles show that pH typically decreases with depth, while oxygen levels also change due to respiration rates and DIC (Dissolved Inorganic Carbon) levels increase.

What is ocean acidification?

Ocean acidification refers to the decrease in pH levels in ocean waters due to increased CO2 absorption from the atmosphere.

How does ocean acidification affect marine organisms?

Ocean acidification can harm marine organisms, particularly those with calcium carbonate shells or skeletons, making it difficult for them to grow and survive.

What is Henry’s law?

Henry's law states that the amount of gas that dissolves in a liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of that gas above the liquid.

What is Apparent Oxygen Utilization?

Apparent Oxygen Utilization (AOU) is a measure of the amount of oxygen consumed by respiration in the water column.

Define total alkalinity (TA).

Total alkalinity (TA) is the measure of the capacity of water to neutralize acids, primarily due to the presence of bicarbonate and carbonate ions.

Explain how changes in pH affect DIC and TA.

A decrease in pH typically leads to an increase in DIC (because more CO2 is dissolved) and can alter the balance of bicarbonate and carbonate ions.