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Global coral reef ecosystems exhibit declining calcification and increasing primary productivity

Earth Sciences

Global coral reef ecosystems exhibit declining calcification and increasing primary productivity

K. L. Davis, A. P. Colefax, et al.

Discover the alarming spatiotemporal trends of global coral reef calcification in this compelling study by Kay L. Davis, Andrew P. Colefax, James P. Tucker, Brendan P. Kelaher, and Isaac R. Santos. Uncover how depth and benthic calcifier cover influence declining calcification rates and the impending threat of worldwide net dissolution by 2054.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
Long-term coral reef resilience depends on maintaining positive calcification rates. This study analyzes global spatiotemporal trends and drivers of coral reef calcification using a meta-analysis of ecosystem-scale case studies. Global ecosystem calcification, estimated from changes in seawater carbonate chemistry, was primarily driven by depth and benthic calcifier cover. Declining calcification (4.3 ± 1.9% per year) and increasing organic productivity (3.0 ± 0.8 mmol m−2 d−1 per year) since 1970 were observed. This metabolic shift could lead to worldwide net dissolution around 2054.
Publisher
Communications Earth & Environment
Published On
Jun 10, 2021
Authors
Kay L. Davis, Andrew P. Colefax, James P. Tucker, Brendan P. Kelaher, Isaac R. Santos
Tags
coral reef
calcification
benthic calcifiers
global trends
seawater chemistry
organic productivity
resilience

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