How is carbon stored in surface ocean?

Carbon is stored in the surface ocean primarily through two processes: the dissolution of atmospheric CO2 and the biological pump. When CO2 from the atmosphere enters the ocean, it reacts with water to form carbonic acid, which dissociates into bicarbonate and carbonate ions, effectively storing carbon in dissolved forms. Additionally, phytoplankton absorb CO2 during photosynthesis, converting it into organic matter, which can be further transferred to deeper waters when these organisms die or are consumed, contributing to long-term carbon storage.