It is reported that there is an ongoing decrease in the pH value of ocean water because of global warming. It happens due to :
[amp_mcq option1=”larger uptake of CO₂ by ocean water” option2=”lesser uptake of CO₂ by ocean water” option3=”larger uptake of atmospheric nitrogen by ocean water” option4=”lesser uptake of atmospheric nitrogen by ocean water” correct=”option1″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2015
The correct answer is A. The decrease in ocean pH (ocean acidification) is primarily caused by the ocean absorbing increasing amounts of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is linked to global warming.
Global warming is largely caused by increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, particularly CO₂, resulting from human activities. The ocean acts as a significant sink for atmospheric CO₂, absorbing about a quarter of the anthropogenic emissions. When CO₂ dissolves in seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid (H₂CO₃). Carbonic acid then dissociates, releasing hydrogen ions (H⁺), which lowers the pH of the water, making it more acidic. Increased CO₂ in the atmosphere due to factors causing global warming leads to increased CO₂ uptake by the ocean, driving this acidification process.