Question

1. what is the primary component of seawater?
2. name two major ions found in seawater.
3. what process occurs when carbon dioxide is absorbed by the ocean?
4. how does ocean acidification affect shellfish?
5. what do phytoplankton use carbon dioxide for?
6. what can excessive nutrients in the ocean lead to?
7. what is a major consequence of oil spills in the ocean?
8. which region in the united states has been affected by ocean acidification, particularly regarding oysters?
9. how do researchers help mitigate the effects of ocean acidification on shellfish?
10. why is it important to understand ocean chemistry?

Explanation:

1. The primary component of seawater is water (H₂O).
2. Two major ions in seawater are sodium (Na⁺) and chloride (Cl⁻).
3. When carbon - dioxide is absorbed by the ocean, a chemical reaction occurs forming carbonic acid (H₂CO₃).
4. Ocean acidification affects shellfish by reducing the availability of carbonate ions, which are necessary for shell - building.
5. Phytoplankton use carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
6. Excessive nutrients in the ocean can lead to algal blooms.
7. A major consequence of oil spills in the ocean is harm to marine life and ecosystems.
8. The Pacific Northwest region in the United States has been affected by ocean acidification regarding oysters.
9. Researchers may help mitigate the effects of ocean acidification on shellfish by breeding more resilient strains or by modifying water chemistry in hatcheries.
10. Understanding ocean chemistry is important because it helps us predict and mitigate the impacts of processes like ocean acidification on marine ecosystems and the global climate.

Answer:

1. Water (H₂O)
2. Sodium (Na⁺), Chloride (Cl⁻)
3. A chemical reaction forming carbonic acid (H₂CO₃)
4. Reduces the availability of carbonate ions for shell - building
5. Photosynthesis
6. Algal blooms
7. Harm to marine life and ecosystems
8. Pacific Northwest
9. Breeding more resilient strains or modifying water chemistry in hatcheries
10. To predict and mitigate impacts on marine ecosystems and the global climate