Citation:

ngeo2854

Name: Competitive fitness of a predominant pelagic calcifier impaired by ocean acidification
Published: 2016-11-23

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Published: 2016-11-23 • DOI registered: 2017-06-14

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Abstract:

Coccolithophores -single-celled calcifying phytoplankton- are an important group of marine primary producers and the dominant builders of calcium carbonate globally. Coccolithophores form extensive blooms and increase the density and sinking speed of organic matter via calcium carbonate ballasting. Thereby, they play a key role in the marine carbon cycle. Coccolithophore physiological responses to experimental ocean acidification have ranged from moderate stimulation to substantial decline in growth and calcification rates, combined with enhanced malformation of their calcite platelets. Here we report on a mesocosm experiment conducted in a Norwegian fjord in which we exposed a natural plankton community to a wide range of CO2-induced ocean acidification, to test whether these physiological responses affect the ecological success of coccolithophore populations. Under high-CO2 treatments, Emiliania huxleyi, the most abundant and productive coccolithophore species, declined in population size during the pre-bloom period and lost the ability to form blooms. As a result, particle sinking velocities declined by up to 30% and sedimented organic matter was reduced by up to 25% relative to controls. There were also strong reductions in seawater concentrations of the climate-active compound dimethylsulfide in CO2-enriched mesocosms. We conclude that ocean acidification can lower calcifying phytoplankton productivity, potentially creating a positive feedback to the climate system.

Project(s):

Biological Impacts of Ocean Acidification (BIOACID)

Coverage:

Latitude: 60.264500 * Longitude: 5.205500

Date/Time Start: 2011-05-05T00:00:00 * Date/Time End: 2011-06-12T00:00:00

License:

Licensing unknown: Please contact principal investigator/authors to gain access and request licensing terms (UNKNOWN)

Size:

2 datasets

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Datasets listed in this publication series

Schulz, KG (2016): KOSMOS Bergen 2011 mesocosm study: Emiliania huxleyi, chlorophyll a and pCO2. https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.867749
Boxhammer, T (2016): KOSMOS Norway 2011 mesocosm study: vertical particulate inorganic and organic carbon flux (sediment trap data). https://doi.org/10.1594/PANGAEA.867982