Marine carbonate system

The marine carbonate system refers to the balance of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbonates, and bicarbonates in ocean water. This system plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's climate and ocean chemistry. When CO2 from the atmosphere dissolves in seawater, it reacts to form carbonic acid, which then splits into bicarbonate and carbonate ions. These reactions influence ocean acidity and are vital for marine life, particularly organisms that build shells, like corals and mollusks. The system is essential for understanding climate change impacts on oceans and ecosystems.