Carbonate Systems

Carbonate systems refer to the chemical interactions involving carbonate ions (CO₃²⁻) in natural environments like oceans, lakes, and soils. These systems play a key role in regulating pH and buffering acidity, helping to maintain stable conditions for marine life and ecosystems. They involve processes such as the dissolution of carbonate minerals (like limestone), the formation of bicarbonates (HCO₃⁻), and the release or absorption of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Understanding carbonate systems is essential for studying climate change, ocean chemistry, and carbon cycling, as they influence how carbon dioxide is stored or released in the environment.