What is the calcium carbonate compensation depth? Briefly explain why calcareous oozes are not found below this depth
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The calcium carbonate compensation depth (CCD) is the depth at which the rate of calcareous sediments that are supplied to the seabed equals the rate at which those sediments dissolve. Although foraminifera and coccolithophores live in nearly all surface ocean water, calcareous ooze does not accumulate everywhere on the ocean floor. Shells dissolve by seawater at great depths because the water there is slightly more acidic. This is the result of increased carbon dioxide in the seawater at depth in comparison with surface waters. This acidity, combined with increased solubility of calcium carbonate in cold water under pressure, dissolves shells more rapidly. Therefore, below the CCD, the tiny skeletons of calcium carbonate dissolve on the seafloor, so no calcareous oozes accumulate. Calcareous oozes cover about 48% of the surface of deep-ocean basins.
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What will be an ideal response?
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Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)
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