Question

ocean water and the air constantly exchange gases. co₂ can enter ocean water directly from the atmosphere. after dissolving in water, co₂ may either be absorbed by organisms or sink deeper into the ocean. carbon in the deep ocean may be stored as sediments on the seafloor.

over time, carbon in the deep ocean is cycled back to the surface as the water circulates. co₂ at the ocean’s surface can move back into the air. but taken altogether, ocean activities are a net carbon sink.

select the true statements.

• co₂ from the atmosphere is absorbed by both ocean water and plants.
• all of the co₂ at the ocean’s surface sinks deeper into the ocean.
• overall, the ocean absorbs more carbon than it releases.
• co₂ is constantly exchanged between the atmosphere and the ocean.

Explanation:

• The first statement is true as plants also absorb \(CO_2\) (common knowledge in environmental science).
• The second statement is false because the text says \(CO_2\) at the ocean's surface can move back into the air.
• The third statement is true as the text states "ocean activities are a net carbon sink" (meaning more absorption than release).
• The fourth statement is true as the first sentence says "Ocean water and the air constantly exchange gases".

Answer:

• \(CO_2\) from the atmosphere is absorbed by both ocean water and plants.
• Overall, the ocean absorbs more carbon than it releases.
• \(CO_2\) is constantly exchanged between the atmosphere and the ocean.