Carbonate system chemistry

The oceans play a vital role in regulating atmospheric CO₂. Currently the oceans absorb about one quarter of CO₂ released by human activities on an annual basis. Without the oceans, CO₂ would be rising much faster in the atmosphere than it currently is. Nevertheless, the accumulation of excess CO₂ in the oceans has potentially adverse implications there, notably an increase in acidity (decrease in pH). During AMT we are working towards quantifying this effect thoughout the Atlantic Ocean, identifying its consequences for life in the oceans and the cycling of the elements.