Chemical Reactions in Seawater

Carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater and forms carbonic acid, which is a weak acid that contributes to the acidity of seawater.

The pH of seawater is typically around 8.0, which is slightly alkaline.

Carbonation is the process by which carbon dioxide dissolves in water and forms carbonic acid.

The carbonate buffer system is the primary buffer system in seawater and helps to maintain the pH of seawater within a narrow range.

Precipitation is the process by which calcium carbonate precipitates out of seawater.

Coccolithophores are a type of phytoplankton that produce calcium carbonate shells, which are a major source of calcium carbonate in seawater.

Dissolution is the process by which calcium carbonate dissolves in seawater.

The pH of seawater is the primary factor that controls the solubility of calcium carbonate in seawater.

Acidification is the process by which seawater becomes more acidic.

The burning of fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which dissolves in seawater and forms carbonic acid, leading to ocean acidification.

Ocean acidification can lead to coral bleaching, shellfish die-offs, and reduced biodiversity.

Alkalinization is the process by which seawater becomes more alkaline.

Weathering of rocks, volcanic eruptions, and coral reef growth can all contribute to ocean alkalinization.

Ocean alkalinization does not have any significant negative consequences.

Neutralization is the process by which seawater becomes more neutral.

Chemical weathering, biological processes, and mixing of seawater with freshwater can all contribute to ocean neutralization.

Ocean neutralization does not have any significant negative consequences.