Rapid progression of ocean acidification in the California Current System

Gruber, N; Hauri, C; Lachkar, Z; Loher, D; Frölicher, TL; Plattner, GK

HERO ID

1508947

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2012

Language

English

PMID

22700658

HERO ID 1508947
In Press No
Year 2012
Title Rapid progression of ocean acidification in the California Current System
Authors Gruber, N; Hauri, C; Lachkar, Z; Loher, D; Frölicher, TL; Plattner, GK
Journal Science
Volume 337
Issue 6091
Page Numbers 220-223
Abstract Nearshore waters of the California Current System (California CS) already have a low carbonate saturation state, making them particularly susceptible to ocean acidification. We used eddy-resolving model simulations to study the potential development of ocean acidification in this system up to the year 2050 under the Special Report on Emissions Scenarios A2 and B1 scenarios. In both scenarios, the saturation state of aragonite Ω(arag) is projected to drop rapidly, with much of the nearshore region developing summer-long undersaturation in the top 60 meters within the next 30 years. By 2050, waters with Ω(arag) above 1.5 will have largely disappeared, and more than half of the waters will be undersaturated year-round. Habitats along the sea floor will become exposed to year-round undersaturation within the next 20 to 30 years. These projected events have potentially major implications for the rich and diverse ecosystem that characterizes the California CS.
Doi 10.1126/science.1216773
Pmid 22700658
Wosid WOS:000306323500055
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English