Seasonal and long-term changes in pH in the Dutch coastal zone
Recent observations and modelling studies suggest that biogeochemical changes can mask atmospheric CO 2 -induced pH decreases. Data collected by the Dutch monitoring authorities in different coastal systems (North Sea, Wadden Sea, Ems-Dollard, Eastern Scheldt and Scheldt estuary) since 1975 provide...
Published in: | Biogeosciences |
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Main Authors: | , , , , |
Format: | Article in Journal/Newspaper |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2010
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Subjects: | |
Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-7-3869-2010 https://doaj.org/article/1de21734955743e483ca83fe1c452aa1 |
Summary: | Recent observations and modelling studies suggest that biogeochemical changes can mask atmospheric CO 2 -induced pH decreases. Data collected by the Dutch monitoring authorities in different coastal systems (North Sea, Wadden Sea, Ems-Dollard, Eastern Scheldt and Scheldt estuary) since 1975 provide an excellent opportunity to test whether this is the case in the Dutch coastal zone. The time-series were analysed using Multi-Resolution Analysis (MRA) which resulted in the identification of system-dependent patterns on both seasonal and intra-annual time scales. The observed rates of pH change greatly exceed those expected from enhanced CO 2 uptake, thus suggesting that other biogeochemical processes, possibly related to changes in nutrient loading, can play a dominant role in ocean acidification. |
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