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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Biogeosciences
Main Authors: P. Provoost, S. van Heuven, K. Soetaert, R. W. P. M. Laane, J. J. Middelburg
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: Copernicus Publications 2010
Subjects:
Ecology
QH540-549.5
Life
QH501-531
Geology
QE1-996.5
Ocean acidification
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.5194/bg-7-3869-2010
https://doaj.org/article/1de21734955743e483ca83fe1c452aa1
Description
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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