carbonate system
The carbonate system refers to the chemical balance of carbon dioxide (CO2), bicarbonate (HCO3-), and carbonate (CO3^2-) in water, particularly oceans. When CO2 from the atmosphere dissolves in seawater, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which then dissociates into bicarbonate and carbonate ions. This system is crucial for regulating ocean acidity and supporting marine life, as many organisms rely on carbonate for their shells and skeletons. Changes in this balance, influenced by climate change and increased CO2 emissions, can significantly impact marine ecosystems and global carbon cycles.
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The carbonate system refers to the chemical interactions involving carbon dioxide (CO2), carbonates (like calcium carbonate), and bicarbonates in water, especially in oceans and freshwater. This system plays a crucial role in regulating pH and supporting marine life. When CO2 dissolves in water, it forms bicarbonate and carbonate ions, which help buffer the water's acidity. Changes in this balance, often due to human activities like carbon emissions, can impact ecosystems, lead to ocean acidification, and affect organisms like corals and shellfish that rely on carbonate for their shells and skeletons.