Metabolism, Calcification and Carbon Production

Gladfelter, E.H.; Kinsey, D.W.

Seminar B: a discussion of the temporal and spatial patterns of carbon production at two levels: systems or communities and organism. Coral reefs not only have one of the highest primary (organic) production rates among natural ecosystems, but they are also the major site of calcium carbonate deposition in the world. On a global scale, coral reefs serve as an important buffer in the earth’s CO2 cycle. On a regional scale, they frequently are located in areas of dense human population. They not only serve an often vital role in local economies, but they are also threatened by a diverse assortment of human activities. The integrity of the coral reef ecosystem is dependent on the structure and function of its component communities, and they in turn are composed of populations of organisms. The major metabolic processes affecting the carbon cycle are photosynthesis, calcification and respiration. The first two, in turn, are controlled by nutrient supply and light. In this seminar, we will discuss temporal and spatial patterns of carbon production at two levels: systems or communities (Kinsey) and organism (Gladfelter). Each section is self-contained, with its own separate bibliography. A brief general summary appears at the end. These are not fully comprehensive literature reviews. Instead, we aim to concentrate on a few concepts and approaches to research which we feel will help to increase our understanding of the metabolic processes occurring on coral reefs.