Ocean Acidification

Part A

What is the main reason that the oceans are becoming more acidic?

	the dumping of garbage and sewage into the oceans
	absorption by the oceans of carbon dioxide generated by burning fossil fuels
	large crude oil spills in the oceans
	fertilizer runoff in major rivers flowing into the oceans

Correct

Part B

How much carbon dioxide from the atmosphere is absorbed by the oceans on a daily basis?

Correct

Part C

What is the chemical reaction responsible for the oceans becoming more acidic?

	carbon dioxide reacts with seawater, forming sulfuric acid
	carbon dioxide reacts with seawater, forming nitric acid
	methane reacts with seawater, forming carbon dioxide
	carbon dioxide reacts with seawater, forming carbonic acid

Correct

Part D

How are oyster larvae affected by ocean acidification?

	Oyster larvae are killed by carbon dioxide in acidified ocean waters.
	Acidified ocean waters are too cloudy for photosynthesis to occur under water.
	Oyster larvae cannot grow shells in acidified ocean waters.
	Acidified ocean waters favor fish that eat oyster larvae.

Correct

Part E

Which of the following are consequences of ocean acidification? Select all that apply.

	Corals and coral reefs are not able to form their hard skeletons.
	Animals in the oceans cannot get enough oxygen.
	Clams, mussels, lobsters, and shrimp are not able to form strong enough shells.
	Ocean temperatures are dropping.