Coral reefs as a source of climate-active aerosols

PeerJ

article

Rebecca L. Jackson¹  Albert J. Gabric¹  Roger Cropp¹ 

[1] School of Environment and Science, Griffith University

关键词: Coral reefs;    Biogenic aerosol;    Dimethylsulfide;    Coral bleaching;   

DOI  :  10.7717/peerj.10023

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Inra

【 摘 要 】

We review the evidence for bio-regulation by coral reefs of local climate through stress-induced emissions of aerosol precursors, such as dimethylsulfide. This is an issue that goes to the core of the coral ecosystem’s ability to maintain homeostasis in the face of increasing climate change impacts and other anthropogenic pressures. We examine this through an analysis of data on aerosol emissions by corals of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. We focus on the relationship with local stressors, such as surface irradiance levels and sea surface temperature, both before and after notable coral bleaching events. We conclude that coral reefs may be able to regulate their exposure to environmental stressors through modification of the optical properties of the atmosphere, however this ability may be impaired as climate change intensifies.

【 授权许可】

CC BY