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Title: Submarine groundwater discharge alters coral reef ecosystem metabolism
Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) influences near-shore coral reef ecosystems worldwide. SGD biogeochemistry is distinct, typically with higher nutrients, lower pH, cooler temperature and lower salinity than receiving waters. SGD can also be a conduit for anthropogenic nutrients and other pollutants. Using Bayesian structural equation modelling, we investigate pathways and feedbacks by which SGD influences coral reef ecosystem metabolism at two Hawai'i sites with distinct aquifer chemistry. The thermal and biogeochemical environment created by SGD changed net ecosystem production (NEP) and net ecosystem calcification (NEC). NEP showed a nonlinear relationship with SGD-enhanced nutrients: high fluxes of moderately enriched SGD (Wailupe low tide) and low fluxes of highly enriched SGD (Kūpikipiki'ō high tide) increased NEP, but high fluxes of highly enriched SGD (Kūpikipiki'ō low tide) decreased NEP, indicating a shift toward microbial respiration. pH fluctuated with NEP, driving changes in the net growth of calcifiers (NEC). SGD enhances biological feedbacks: changes in SGD from land use and climate change will have consequences for calcification of coral reef communities, and thereby shoreline protection.  more » « less
Award ID(s):
1924281 1923877
PAR ID:
10281521
Author(s) / Creator(s):
; ;
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Volume:
287
Issue:
1941
ISSN:
0962-8452
Page Range / eLocation ID:
20202743
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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