Caribbean-wide decline in carbonate production threatens coral reef growth.
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Perry CT
PROVIDER: S-EPMC3660652 | biostudies-literature | 2013
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Caribbean-wide decline in carbonate production threatens coral reef growth.
Perry Chris T CT Murphy Gary N GN Kench Paul S PS Smithers Scott G SG Edinger Evan N EN Steneck Robert S RS Mumby Peter J PJ
Nature communications 20130101
Global-scale deteriorations in coral reef health have caused major shifts in species composition. One projected consequence is a lowering of reef carbonate production rates, potentially impairing reef growth, compromising ecosystem functionality and ultimately leading to net reef erosion. Here, using measures of gross and net carbonate production and erosion from 19 Caribbean reefs, we show that contemporary carbonate production rates are now substantially below historical (mid- to late-Holocene ...[more]
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