Calcifying plankton: From biomineralization to global change

Area of Science:

• Marine Biogeochemistry
• Oceanography
• Climate Science

Background:

• Oceanic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) cycling is integral to seawater alkalinity and atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) regulation.
• Pelagic CaCO3 production is dominated by three key planktonic groups: coccolithophores, foraminifers, and shelled pteropods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the functional traits differentiating these calcifying plankton groups.
• To assess their distinct roles in the global carbon cycle.
• To evaluate their varying sensitivities to climate change and ocean acidification.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on calcifying plankton functional traits.
• Comparative analysis of trait differences across coccolithophores, foraminifers, and pteropods.
• Synthesis of impacts on biogeochemical cycling under climate change scenarios.

Main Results:

• Significant functional trait variations exist among the three major pelagic CaCO3 producers.
• These differences lead to distinct roles in the carbon cycle and differential sensitivities to environmental change.
• A generalized CaCO3 representation in climate models is insufficient for accurately predicting future ocean dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Understanding past and future CaCO3 cycles necessitates a nuanced approach, differentiating plankton groups by their traits.
• Accurate climate modeling requires incorporating the specific functional characteristics of calcifying plankton.
• Future research should focus on delineating trait diversity within calcifying plankton for improved biogeochemical cycle predictions.