How much CO2 from the atmosphere is estimated to be absorbed by oceans?

The estimation that approximately 25% of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is absorbed by the oceans is based on extensive research regarding the carbon cycle and oceanic carbon sinks. The oceans play a crucial role in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels through a process known as gas exchange, where CO2 dissolves in ocean water. This process is influenced by various factors, including temperature, pressure, and the concentration gradient of CO2 between the atmosphere and the ocean.

The seawater absorbs CO2, which also contributes to the ocean's acidity and has further implications for marine life, particularly organisms that rely on calcium carbonate for their shells and skeletons. Understanding the proportion of CO2 absorbed by the oceans helps scientists grasp the impacts of climate change, as increased levels of CO2 lead to ocean acidification, affecting ecosystems and biodiversity.

The other estimates are significantly higher and do not align with current scientific consensus on how much atmospheric CO2 is absorbed by the oceans. Thus, around 25% is the most widely accepted figure reflecting the contribution of oceans to mitigating the effects of increased atmospheric CO2.