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Carbon is stored in the surface ocean primarily through two processes: the dissolution of atmospheric CO2 and the biological pump. When CO2 from the atmosphere enters the ocean, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate and carbonate ions, effectively storing carbon in dissolved forms. Additionally, phytoplankton absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter, which can be further transferred to deeper waters when these organisms die or are consumed, contributing to long-term carbon storage.

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1mo ago

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How does carbon move to atmosphere to ocean?

Carbon moves from the atmosphere to the ocean through a process called carbon sequestration. This can happen through physical processes such as diffusion or ocean mixing, as well as biological processes like photosynthesis by phytoplankton. Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolves in the ocean's surface waters, where it can then be stored for long periods of time.


Where is carbon stored in the oceans?

Carbon is stored in the oceans in various forms, including dissolved inorganic carbon (such as carbon dioxide), dissolved organic carbon, and particulate organic carbon. It is also stored in living organisms like phytoplankton and zooplankton, as well as in sediments at the ocean floor.


In what type of compound is carbon stored in the ocean?

carboate (co32-) and carbon dioxide (co2)


Why is carbon dioxide able to be stored more effectively in ocean water than in fresh water?

Carbon dioxide is able to be stored more effectively in ocean water than in fresh water because the salt accumulates in ocean water.


What organisms in the ocean store the most carbon?

Phytoplankton and marine algae are the primary organisms in the ocean that store the most carbon through the process of photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic carbon, which can be stored in their cells or sink to the ocean floor when they die.


Where is carbon stored for long period of time?

Carbon is stored for long periods of time in three main reservoirs: the ocean, soil, and rocks. These reservoirs hold large amounts of carbon through processes like carbon sequestration in ocean sediments, organic matter decomposition in soil, and mineralization of carbon in rocks. This helps regulate the carbon cycle and maintain a balance in the Earth's atmosphere.


When carbon enters the deep ocean how long dies it stay there?

When carbon enters the deep ocean, it can remain there for hundreds to thousands of years. This long residence time is due to the ocean's layered structure, where deep waters are less accessible to mixing with surface waters. The carbon is part of the ocean's carbon cycle, contributing to the long-term storage of carbon in the deep sea. Ultimately, processes such as upwelling and ocean circulation can eventually return this carbon to the surface, but this can take a significant amount of time.


How much carbon does the surface of the ocean absorb from the atmosphere each year?

The surface of the ocean absorbs about 2.6 gigatons of carbon from the atmosphere every year. This process helps to regulate the Earth's carbon cycle and mitigate the effects of climate change.


How can carbon get from the atmosphere to the hydrosphere?

carbon dioxide dissolves in cold ocean surface water. The colder the water, the more CO2 can be dissolved.


What is a primary source of stored thermal energy in oceans?

The primary source of stored thermal energy in oceans is solar radiation. Solar energy is absorbed by the ocean surface, heating up the water mass. This heat is then transferred and stored throughout the ocean layers.


What are they 3 ways carbon dioxide reaches surface ocean?

Carbon dioxide reaches the surface ocean primarily through three processes: first, atmospheric diffusion, where CO2 from the air dissolves into the ocean's surface layer; second, biological activity, such as photosynthesis by phytoplankton, which consumes CO2 and incorporates it into organic matter; and third, riverine and runoff inputs, where CO2 is transported from terrestrial environments into the ocean via rivers. These processes collectively contribute to the ocean's role as a significant carbon sink.


What is locked up' carbon?

Locked-up carbon refers to carbon that is stored or sequestered in forests, soil, ocean sediments, or other natural systems, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. This stored carbon helps to mitigate the impacts of climate change by preventing it from contributing to the greenhouse effect.