Dynamic energy budget modeling reveals the potential of future growth and calcification for the coccolithophore Emiliania huxleyi in an acidified ocean. (15th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Muller, Erik B.; Nisbet, Roger M.
• Is Part Of: Global change biology. Volume 20:Number 6(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 2031
• Page End: 2038
• Publication Date: 2014-04-15
• Subjects: Climatic changes -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Troposphere -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Biodiversity conservation -- Periodicals; Eutrophication -- Periodicals; 551.5
• DOI: 10.1111/gcb.12547
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-1013

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="gcb12547-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>Ocean acidification is likely to impact the calcification potential of marine organisms. In part due to the covarying nature of the ocean carbonate system components, including pH and CO₂ and CO₃²⁻ levels, it remains largely unclear how each of these components may affect calcification rates quantitatively. We develop a process‐based bioenergetic model that explains how several components of the ocean carbonate system collectively affect growth and calcification rates in <italic>E</italic><italic>miliania huxleyi</italic>, which plays a major role in marine primary production and biogeochemical carbon cycling. The model predicts that under the IPCC A2 emission scenario, its growth and calcification potential will have decreased by the end of the century, although those reductions are relatively modest. We anticipate that our model will be relevant for many other marine calcifying organisms, and that it can be used to improve our understanding of the impact of climate change on marine systems.</p> </abstract>