Enhanced acidification of global coral reefs driven by regional biogeochemical feedbacks. Issue 15 (5th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cyronak, Tyler; Schulz, Kai G.; Santos, Isaac R.; Eyre, Bradley D.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 41:Issue 15(2014:Aug.)
• Page Start: 5538
• Page End: 5546
• Publication Date: 2014-08-05
• Subjects: Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2014GL060849
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Physical uptake of anthropogenic CO₂ is the dominant driver of ocean acidification (OA) in the open ocean. Due to expected decreases in calcification and increased dissolution of CaCO₃ framework, coral reefs are thought to be highly susceptible to OA. However, biogeochemical processes can influence the <italic>p</italic>CO₂ and pH of coastal ecosystems on diel and seasonal time scales, potentially modifying the long‐term effects of increasing atmospheric CO₂. By compiling data from the literature and removing the effects of short‐term variability, we show that the average <italic>p</italic>CO₂ of coral reefs throughout the globe has increased ~3.5‐fold faster than in the open ocean over the past 20 years. This rapid increase in <italic>p</italic>CO₂ has the potential to enhance the acidification and predicted effects of OA on coral reef ecosystems. A simple model demonstrates that potential drivers of elevated <italic>p</italic>CO₂ include additional anthropogenic disturbances beyond increasing global atmospheric CO₂ such as enhanced nutrient and organic matter inputs.</p> </abstract>