Inics 18. which of the following statements does not accurately describe the role of carbon in the earth's ocean and atmosphere? a. once carbon is absorbed in ocean water, there's no mechanism by which it can return to the atmosphere. b. carbon in ocean water can be used by marine life to build calcium carbonate shells. c. increases in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere result in greater absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean and the subsequent acidification of ocean water. d. carbon dioxide in the shallowest ocean waters can readily return to the atmosphere. er. edu