Ask AI: write a paragraph about the carbon cycle at the beach

The carbon cycle at the beach is a fascinating intertwining of land, sea, and air, where carbon moves through different forms and reservoirs. At the beach, carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean, where it dissolves and contributes to the formation of bicarbonate and carbonate ions. These ions can then be utilized by marine organisms like corals and shellfish to build their calcium carbonate shells and skeletons, effectively sequestering carbon. Additionally, sandy beaches and coastal vegetation, such as seagrasses and mangroves, play crucial roles in the carbon cycle by photosynthesizing, capturing atmospheric CO2, and storing organic carbon in their biomass and sediment. Over time, some of this carbon ends up being buried in coastal sediments, acting as a long-term carbon sink. Human activities, such as fossil fuel combustion, can disrupt this delicate balance by increasing atmospheric CO2 levels, impacting ocean acidity and the overall efficiency of carbon cycling along coastal ecosystems.