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Ocean chemistry

Ocean chemisty, also known as marine chemistry, is influenced by turbidity currents, sediments, PH levels, atmoshperic constituents, metamorphic activity, and ecology. The field of chemical oceanography studies the chemistry of marine environments including the influences of different variables.

The impact of increased carbon dioxide levels in the Earth's atmosphere on ocean chemistry from anthropogenic factors is an important area of study related to global warming and climate change. Researchers are studying how anthropogenic factors will impact and influence ocean chemistry and the related ecology of marine environments over the short and long term.

A planetary scientist using data from the Cassini spacecraft has been researching the marine chemistry of Saturn's moon Enceladus using geochemical models to look at changes through time. The presece of salts may indicate a liquid ocean within the moon, raising the possiblity of the existence of life, "or at least for the chemical precursors for organic life".

Scientists have expressed concern over increased carbon dioxide levels being absorbed into the oceans and causing acidification. The phenomenon has been implicated by scientists studying declining oyster populations on the pacific coast of the United States. One proposal suggests dumping massive amounts of lime, a base, to reverse the acidification and "increase the sea's ability to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere".

Special marine environments are created around Black smokers and Cold seeps.

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