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Revaluating ocean warming impacts on global phytoplankton

Author

Listed:
  • Michael J. Behrenfeld

    (Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University)

  • Robert T. O’Malley

    (Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University)

  • Emmanuel S. Boss

    (School of Marine Sciences, 5706 Aubert Hall, University of Maine)

  • Toby K. Westberry

    (Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University)

  • Jason R. Graff

    (Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University)

  • Kimberly H. Halsey

    (220 Nash Hall, Oregon State University)

  • Allen J. Milligan

    (Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University)

  • David A. Siegel

    (University of California)

  • Matthew B. Brown

    (Cordley Hall 2082, Oregon State University)

Abstract

Global satellite observations document expansions of the low-chlorophyll central ocean gyres and an overall inverse relationship between anomalies in sea surface temperature and phytoplankton chlorophyll concentrations. These findings can provide an invaluable glimpse into potential future ocean changes, but only if the story they tell is accurately interpreted. Chlorophyll is not simply a measure of phytoplankton biomass, but also registers changes in intracellular pigmentation arising from light-driven (photoacclimation) and nutrient-driven physiological responses. Here, we show that the photoacclimation response is an important component of temporal chlorophyll variability across the global ocean. This attribution implies that contemporary relationships between chlorophyll changes and ocean warming are not indicative of proportional changes in productivity, as light-driven decreases in chlorophyll can be associated with constant or even increased photosynthesis. Extension of these results to future change, however, requires further evaluation of how the multifaceted stressors of a warmer, higher-CO2 world will impact plankton communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Michael J. Behrenfeld & Robert T. O’Malley & Emmanuel S. Boss & Toby K. Westberry & Jason R. Graff & Kimberly H. Halsey & Allen J. Milligan & David A. Siegel & Matthew B. Brown, 2016. "Revaluating ocean warming impacts on global phytoplankton," Nature Climate Change, Nature, vol. 6(3), pages 323-330, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcli:v:6:y:2016:i:3:d:10.1038_nclimate2838
    DOI: 10.1038/nclimate2838
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    Cited by:

    1. Léo Lacour & Joan Llort & Nathan Briggs & Peter G. Strutton & Philip W. Boyd, 2023. "Seasonality of downward carbon export in the Pacific Southern Ocean revealed by multi-year robotic observations," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Mattei, F. & Scardi, M., 2020. "Embedding ecological knowledge into artificial neural network training: A marine phytoplankton primary production model case study," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 421(C).
    3. Tsydenov, Bair O., 2022. "Modeling biogeochemical processes in a freshwater lake during the spring thermal bar," Ecological Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 465(C).

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