AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Ocean Acidification

What this deck covers

This deck focuses on Ocean Acidification, giving you a quick way to review the definitions, rules, and examples that matter most for AP Environmental Science.

How to use these flashcards

Work through these flashcards in short sessions. Try to answer each prompt before flipping the card, then revisit any cards you miss until the explanation feels automatic.

Flashcard 1: What is the chemical formula for carbonic acid?

Answer: $\text{H}_2\text{CO}_3$. Carbonic acid forms when CO₂ dissolves in seawater.

Flashcard 2: How does ocean acidification affect marine life?

Answer: It reduces availability of carbonate ions for shell formation. Lower pH decreases carbonate availability for shell-building organisms.

Flashcard 3: What chemical reaction occurs when $CO_2$ is absorbed by seawater?

Answer: $\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3$. $CO_2$ dissolves in water to form carbonic acid.

Flashcard 4: What is the effect of increased $\text{H}^+$ ions on ocean pH?

Answer: Lowers pH, making water more acidic. More hydrogen ions decrease pH on the logarithmic scale.

Flashcard 5: How does ocean acidification influence fish behavior?

Answer: Alters sensory perception and behavior. Higher acidity disrupts fish nervous system function.

Flashcard 6: What is the formula for the bicarbonate ion?

Answer: $\text{HCO}_3^-$. Bicarbonate ion is a major component of ocean chemistry.

Flashcard 7: Identify a method to monitor ocean acidification.

Answer: Measuring pH and carbonate ion concentrations. These measurements track ocean acidification progress.

Flashcard 8: Identify the primary cause of ocean acidification.

Answer: Increased atmospheric CO₂ from human activities. Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ that dissolves in oceans.

Flashcard 9: What is the effect of ocean acidification on pH levels?

Answer: Decreases ocean pH levels. More hydrogen ions make ocean water more acidic.

Flashcard 10: Which process increases ocean water's CO₂ absorption capacity?

Answer: Cold water circulation and mixing. Cold water dissolves more CO₂ than warm water.

Flashcard 11: What is the effect of increased $\text{H}^+$ ions on ocean pH?

Answer: Lowers pH, making water more acidic. More hydrogen ions decrease pH on the logarithmic scale.

Flashcard 12: What is ocean acidification?

Answer: Decrease in pH of ocean water due to absorption of CO₂. Ocean water becomes less basic as it absorbs atmospheric CO₂.

Flashcard 13: What is the chemical formula for a hydrogen ion?

Answer: $\text{H}^+$. Hydrogen ions determine acidity levels in solutions.

Flashcard 14: What is a potential impact of ocean acidification on tourism?

Answer: Damage to coral reefs affects recreational activities. Coral reef degradation reduces diving and snorkeling tourism.

Flashcard 15: Identify a mineral affected by ocean acidification.

Answer: Calcium carbonate ($\text{CaCO}_3$). Calcium carbonate dissolves more easily in acidic water.

Flashcard 16: What is one ecological impact of ocean acidification?

Answer: Disruption of marine food webs. Loss of calcifying organisms disrupts marine ecosystems.

Flashcard 17: Which oceanic organisms are most affected by acidification?

Answer: Coral reefs, mollusks, and some plankton. These organisms build calcium carbonate shells and skeletons.

Flashcard 18: Which feedback loop exacerbates ocean acidification?

Answer: Warmer oceans release more CO₂, lowering pH. Warming reduces CO₂ solubility, creating positive feedback.

Flashcard 19: Identify the primary cause of ocean acidification.

Answer: Increased atmospheric CO₂ from human activities. Burning fossil fuels releases CO₂ that dissolves in oceans.

Flashcard 20: Identify a method to monitor ocean acidification.

Answer: Measuring pH and carbonate ion concentrations. These measurements track ocean acidification progress.

Flashcard 21: What is the chemical formula for a carbonate ion?

Answer: $\text{CO}_3^{2-}$. Carbonate ions are essential for marine organism calcification.

Flashcard 22: What is the typical pH of acidified ocean water?

Answer: Less than 8.1. Acidified water has lower pH than normal ocean conditions.

Flashcard 23: Identify an economic impact of ocean acidification.

Answer: Threat to fisheries and aquaculture industries. Declining marine ecosystems reduce seafood availability and income.

Flashcard 24: What is the pH range of normal ocean water?

Answer: Approximately 8.1 to 8.3. Ocean water is naturally basic, well above neutral pH 7.

Flashcard 25: How does ocean acidification affect coral reefs?

Answer: Weakens coral skeletons, hindering growth. Lower pH reduces carbonate for coral skeleton formation.

Flashcard 26: What is the formula for the bicarbonate ion?

Answer: $\text{HCO}_3^-$. Bicarbonate ion is a major component of ocean chemistry.

Flashcard 27: Which gas is primarily responsible for ocean acidification?

Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO₂). CO₂ absorption forms acids that lower ocean pH.

Flashcard 28: State the impact of reduced carbonate ions on calcifying organisms.

Answer: Weaker shells and skeletons. Less carbonate means calcifying organisms struggle to build structures.

Flashcard 29: What chemical reaction occurs when CO₂ is absorbed by seawater?

Answer: $\text{CO}_2 + \text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow \text{H}_2\text{CO}_3$. CO₂ dissolves in water to form carbonic acid.

Flashcard 30: Which chemical reaction removes carbonate ions from seawater?

Answer: $\text{Ca}^{2+} + \text{CO}_3^{2-} \rightarrow \text{CaCO}_3$. Calcium and carbonate combine to form shells and skeletons.