In the context of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the process that acts as a carbon sink is:
A. Formation of carbonates in the ocean
Explanation:
1. When carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere dissolves in the ocean, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid.
2. Over time, this carbonic acid further reacts with minerals in the water to form carbonate minerals like calcium carbonate (CaCO3).
3. The formation of these carbonates effectively removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as a carbon sink.
4. This process plays a role in the carbon cycle by storing carbon in the ocean, helping to mitigate the buildup of CO2 in the atmosphere.
Therefore, the formation of carbonates in the ocean is a natural process that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, acting as a carbon sink.
