Coral reefs as sources of atmospheric CO2. Spatial distribution of PCO2 in Majuro Atoll.

• Kawahata Hodaka

  Marine Geology Department, Geological Survey of Japan Graduate School of Science, Tohoku University

• Suzuki Atsushi

  Marine Geology Department, Geological Survey of Japan

• Goto Koichi

  Kansai Environmental Engineering Center Co., Ltd.

Abstract

The integrated effects of photosynthesis-respiration and precipitation-dissolution of CaCO₃ on the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in seawater (PCO₂) by the carbonate-producing biological activities (e.g., coral reefs, coccolithophorids) have been extensively debated. Here we document PCO₂ values inside and outside the lagoon of Majuro Atoll. The PCO₂ was enhanced by 27 μatm on average within the atoll relative to ocean values. Alkalinity-total CO₂ relationship in the lagoonal water indicates that calcification plays a major role in the net carbon cycle in this reef system while rapid turnover of organic matter results in no significant net air-sea flux. The data show that atoll- and barrier-type of coral reefs potentially work as a source of CO₂.

Journal

• GEOCHEMICAL JOURNAL

  GEOCHEMICAL JOURNAL 33 (5), 295-303, 1999

  GEOCHEMICAL SOCIETY OF JAPAN

Keywords

• Geochemistry and Petrology
• Geophysics

Details

• CRID: 1390282679527479680
• NII Article ID: 130003743384
• NII Article ID: 10008804230
• NII Book ID: AA00654975
• DOI: 10.2343/geochemj.33.295
• ISSN: 18805973
• ISSN: 00167002
• NDL BIB ID: 4871747
• Web Site: https://ndlsearch.ndl.go.jp/books/R000000004-I4871747
• Web Site: http://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/geochemj1966/33/5/33_5_295/_pdf
• Text Lang: en
• Data Source:
  • JaLC
  • NDL
  • Crossref
  • CiNii Articles
• Abstract License Flag: Disallowed