Coral Reef Landscape Responses to Ocean Acidification

Principal Investigator: Marc Slattery, University of Mississippi The consequences of ocean acidification may be the most serious threat facing coral reef ecosystems in the coming decades. Increased atmospheric CO2 crossing the air-sea interface has resulted in about a 30% increase in ocean acidity over pre-industrial era levels. Once CO2 is absorbed by the ocean, a cascade of chemical reactions makes it more difficult for marine organisms to build carbonate shells, calcify, and maintain various physiological processes. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of ocean acidification can help predict future impacts and provide potential mitigation strategies.

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Science & Technology

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