What role do oceans play in the carbon cycle?

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Oceans play a crucial role in the carbon cycle primarily by storing large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). They act as a major carbon sink, absorbing approximately a quarter of the CO2 emitted by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels. This process helps regulate the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere, thereby mitigating the impact of climate change. The dissolved carbon dioxide in ocean waters can react to form carbonic acid, contributing to the acidity of ocean water and affecting marine ecosystems, but it also plays a vital role in the overall storage and transport of carbon on Earth.

Additionally, oceans contribute to the cycling of carbon through biological processes, where marine organisms like phytoplankton use CO2 during photosynthesis to produce oxygen. However, the primary focus here is the storage capability of the oceans, making them key players in maintaining the balance of the global carbon cycle. Other options relate to different aspects of the ecological and atmospheric roles of oceans but do not capture the significance of their capacity to absorb carbon dioxide effectively.

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