Question

How does the ocean affect the rate of accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere?

Answer 1

Hi Dequez,
The ocean serves as a regulator, absorbing surplus CO2 from the atmosphere. This CO2 raises the acidity of the oceans, which can cause problems. Here is a great article on the carbon cycle describing a process called the "biological pump" which transfers CO2 from the ocean surface to deeper waters. http://harvardmagazine.com/2002/11/the-ocean-carbon-cycle.html

Answer 2

The dissolved CO2 is also filtered out of the water by various forms of plankton and by the many fashions of seaweed and kelp.