Explain blue carbon and compare carbon storage capacities among mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses.

• A. Blue carbon is carbon stored in coastal ecosystems; mangroves typically store large amounts in soils, followed by salt marshes and seagrasses, with variation by site.
• B. Blue carbon is carbon stored in the deep ocean sediments.
• C. Blue carbon refers only to carbon in the atmosphere; mangroves store the least amount of carbon.
• D. All three store equal amounts of carbon regardless of site.

Answer: (A)