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Ocean acidification causes structural deformities in juvenile coral skeletons
Taryn Foster1, James L Falter1, Malcolm T McCulloch1
1UWA School of Earth and Environment, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.; UWA Oceans Institute, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.; ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies, University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia 6009, Australia.
Science Advances
|March 19, 2016
Summary
Ocean acidification due to rising carbon dioxide (CO2) impairs coral skeleton formation. Newly settled corals exhibit deformed and porous structures, threatening reef recovery.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Oceanography
- Climate Change Science
Background:
- Rising atmospheric CO2 leads to ocean warming and acidification.
- Coral calcification rates are crucial for reef ecosystem health and replenishment.
- Previous studies indicated reduced skeletal weight in coral recruits under elevated CO2, but structural integrity remained unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural changes in coral skeletons during initial deposition under ocean acidification.
- To assess the impact of elevated partial pressure of CO2 (Pco2) and temperature on coral recruit skeletal development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-resolution three-dimensional x-ray microscopy to examine coral recruit skeletons.
- Simulated future ocean conditions with elevated Pco2 (~900 μatm, pH ~7.7) and increased temperature (+3°C).
Main Results:
- Ocean acidification significantly reduced mineral deposition in coral recruits.
- Skeletal structures of recruits exposed to acidification were deformed and porous.
- Elevated temperature had minimal impact, partially mitigating acidification effects.
Conclusions:
- Ocean acidification poses a significant risk to coral recruits by compromising their skeletal development.
- Structural deformities hinder the ability of new recruits to build skeletons effectively.
- Predicted 2100 ocean conditions (RCP 8.5) present a severe threat to coral recruitment and reef viability.
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