MEPS 373:249-256 (2008) - doi:10.3354/meps07867
Contribution to the Theme Section ‘Effects of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems’
Possible effects of ocean acidification on coral reef biogeochemistry: topics for research
Marlin J. Atkinson1,*, Pascale Cuet2
*Email: mja@hawaii.edu
ABSTRACT: This paper is a short review of recent literature on how ocean acidification may influence coral reef organisms and coral reef communities. We argue that it is unclear as to how, and to what extent, ocean acidification will influence calcium carbonate calcification and dissolution, and affect changes in community structure of present-day coral reefs. It is critical to evaluate the extent to which the metabolism of present-day reefs is influenced by mineral saturation states, and to determine a threshold saturation state at which coral communities cease to function as reefs.
KEY WORDS: Ocean acidification · Climate change · Coral reefs · Biogeochemistry
Full text in pdf format | Cite this article as: Atkinson MJ, Cuet P
(2008) Possible effects of ocean acidification on coral reef biogeochemistry: topics for research. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 373:249-256 Export citation: Endnote - Reference Manager Mail this link |
