Introduction to Ocean
Acidification

Introduction to Acidification's Effects on Coral

Key Physiological Characteristics of Coral

Chemistry of Coral Calcification

How is Coral Calcification Affected by Acidification?

Acidification's Effects on Other Calcifying Organisms

Introduction to Acidification's Effects on Coral

There is a delicate balance of growth and erosion in coral reef structures (Erez et al., 2011).  Precipitation of calcium carbonate and calcification by the coral aid growth, whereas mechanical erosion, dissolution processes and bio-erosion caused by grazers lead to erosion (Hutchings, 2000, Erez et al., 2011).  Erez et al. state, “when the rates of dissolution and erosion become higher than the rates of precipitation, the entire coral ecosystem…will eventually be reduced to piles of rubble while its magnificent and high diversity fauna will vanish” (2011).

Acidification is projected to lower calcium carbonate availability to the point that coral will no longer be able to sustain calcification rates capable of compensating for erosion, and thus reefs will collapse (Erez et al. 2011).  This collapse may come as early as mid-century; A 2009 study by Silverman et al. using mathematical models determined that an approximate doubling of CO2 (to 560 ppm) would cause worldwide reef dissolution.  Under some projections, atmospheric CO2 will reach 560 by 2050 (Cooley, et al, 2009).