# Ocean acidification limits temperature-induced poleward expansion of coral habitats around Japan

Author(s) Yara, Y., Vogt, M., Fujii, M., Yamano, H., Hauri, C., Steinacher, M., Gruber, N., Yamanaka, Y.
Publication Type Journal Items, Publication Status: Published
Full Text

## Detailed Information

Title Ocean acidification limits temperature-induced poleward expansion of coral habitats around Japan
Author(s) Yara, Y.
Vogt, M.
Fujii, M.
Yamano, H.
Hauri, C.
Steinacher, M.
Gruber, N.
Yamanaka, Y.
Journal or Series Title Biogeosciences
Volume Number 9
Issue Number 12
Start Page 4955
End Page 4968
ISSN 1726-4170
1726-4189
Publisher Copernicus Gesellschaft
Publication Date 2012-12
Abstract Using results from four coupled global carbon cycle-climate models combined with in situ observations, we estimate the effects of future global warming and ocean acidification on potential habitats for tropical/subtropical and temperate coral communities in the seas around Japan. The suitability of coral habitats is classified on the basis of the currently observed regional ranges for temperature and saturation states with regard to aragonite (Omega(arag)). We find that, under the "business as usual" SRES A2 scenario, coral habitats are projected to expand northward by several hundred kilometers by the end of this century. At the same time, coral habitats are projected to become sandwiched between regions where the frequency of coral bleaching will increase, and regions where Omega(arag) will become too low to support sufficiently high calcification rates. As a result, the habitat suitable for tropical/subtropical corals around Japan may be reduced by half by the 2020s to 2030s, and is projected to disappear by the 2030s to 2040s. The habitat suitable for the temperate coral communities is also projected to decrease, although at a less pronounced rate, due to the higher tolerance of temperate corals for low Omega(arag). Our study has two important caveats: first, it does not consider the potential adaptation of the coral communities, which would permit them to colonize habitats that are outside their current range. Second, it also does not consider whether or not coral communities can migrate quickly enough to actually occupy newly emerging habitats. As such, our results serve as a baseline for the assessment of the future evolution of coral habitats, but the consideration of important biological and ecological factors and feedbacks will be required to make more accurate projections.
DOI 10.5194/bg-9-4955-2012
Document Type Article
Publication Status Published
Language English
Assigned Organisational Unit(s) 03731
Organisational Unit(s)
NEBIS System Number 006289717
Source Database ID WOS-000312668100004
Description File Name MIME Type Size
No details could be found
 There are no links available for this record.
 This record has not been viewed during this period

@article{Yr2012,
author = "Yara, Y. and Vogt, M. and Fujii, M. and Yamano, H. and Hauri, C. and Steinacher, M. and Gruber, N. and Yamanaka, Y.",
title = "{O}cean acidification limits temperature-induced poleward expansion of coral habitats around {J}apan",
journal = "Biogeosciences",
year = 2012,
volume = "9",
number = "12",
pages = "4955--4968",
month = dec,
}


E-Citations record created: Mon, 28 Jan 2013, 09:01:00 CET