Here's why:
* Atmospheric CO2 dissolves in water: The atmosphere contains a significant amount of CO2. When this CO2 comes into contact with the ocean surface, it dissolves into the water.
* Ocean acidification: The dissolved CO2 reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which then releases hydrogen ions (H+). This process increases the acidity of the ocean, a phenomenon known as ocean acidification.
* Other atmospheric gases: While CO2 is the most prominent, other atmospheric gases like oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) also dissolve in seawater, but to a lesser extent.
Therefore, the primary substance in seawater derived from the atmosphere is dissolved CO2, playing a crucial role in ocean chemistry and impacting marine life.
