Read the extract about sea water below and answer the questions that follow - NSC Marine Sciences - Question 3 - 2024 - Paper 1

CO2 does not disassociate in water due to its molecular structure, which is non-polar. This characteristic limits its ability to interact with polar water molecules, preventing a complete ionization.

CO2 is considered a greenhouse gas. This classification arises from its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere, thereby contributing to the greenhouse effect and influencing global temperatures.

The relationship between CO2 and global temperatures is direct. An increase in atmospheric CO2 leads to more heat being trapped by the Earth, as the gas absorbs and re-emits infrared radiation. As CO2 concentrations rise, average global temperatures also tend to increase, resulting in climate change and related phenomena.

Increased levels of CO2 in ocean water lead to ocean acidification, which can negatively impact sea urchins. The lower pH levels reduce the availability of carbonate ions necessary for sea urchins to build their calcium carbonate shells. Consequently, this can weaken their shells and hinder their growth and survival rates.

In my opinion, an increased proportion of CO2 in the ocean may be somewhat beneficial to algae. Algae utilize CO2 during photosynthesis, which could potentially enhance their growth rates. However, this growth may come at a cost due to ocean acidification, which can harm the overall marine ecosystem. If algal blooms become excessive, they could deplete oxygen levels and create dead zones, thus disrupting marine life.