Scientists use a variety of tools, from gliders to ships, to measure seawater carbonate chemistry across different spatial and temporal scales.

Total Alkalinity (TA) measures seawater's ability to neutralize acids by accepting hydrogen ions (H⁺), primarily through carbonate ions (HCO₃⁻ and CO₃²⁻) that balance positive charges from other dissolved ions.

pH measures how acidic or alkaline a solution is based on its hydrogen ion (H⁺) concentration. More H⁺ ions mean higher acidity; fewer H⁺ ions indicate a more basic (alkaline) solution.

Dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) includes four carbon species formed when CO₂ dissolves in water: aqueous CO₂, carbonic acid (H₂CO₃), bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻), and carbonate (CO₃²⁻).

Saturation state (Ω) serves as a measure of whether calcium carbonate mineral forms are more likely to dissolve or precipitate under current seawater conditions.