Ocean acidification of the Greater Caribbean Region 1996-2006

The global oceans serve as the largest sustained natural sink for increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations. As this CO2 is absorbed by seawater, it not only reacts causing a reduction in seawater pH (or acidification) but also decreases the carbonate mineral saturation state (Omega), which plays an important role in calcification for many marine organisms. Ocean acidification could affect some of the most fundamental biological processes of the sea in coming decades. Observations obtained in situ from Volunteer Observing Ships and the multiple geochemical surveys have been extended using satellite remote sensing and modeled environmental parameters to derive estimates of sea-surface alkalinity (A(T)) and carbon dioxide partial pressure (pCO(2,sw)). Pairing estimates of A(T) and pCO(2,sw) have permitted characterisation of the changes in sea-surface Omega, which have transpired over the past decade throughout the Greater Carribean Region as a consequence of ocean acidification. The results reveal considerable spatial and temporal variability throughout the region. Despite this variability, we observe a strong decrease in aragonite saturation state (Omega(arg)) at a rate of approximately -0.012 +/- 0.001 Omega(arg) yr(-1) (r(2) = 0.97, P < 0.001).