Calcium Carbonate Saturation State

Calcium carbonate saturation state describes how easy or difficult it is for calcium carbonate minerals (like calcite or aragonite) to form or dissolve in water. When the water's saturation state is above one, it’s oversaturated, meaning minerals can readily form or grow. If it’s below one, the water is undersaturated, and minerals tend to dissolve. This balance is crucial for marine life, like corals and shellfish, which rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells and skeletons. Changes in temperature, acidity, or carbon dioxide levels can affect the saturation state, impacting marine ecosystems.