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Biogeochemistry of Nutrients

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Coral Reefs: An Ecosystem in Transition

Abstract

Previous reviews of coral reef biogeochemistry are briefly summarized, as well as biogeochemical reactions and C:N:P pool sizes of water, biota, and sediments. Ranges of gross and net productivity are given for characteristic reef habitats. Rates of nutrient uptake and release are also presented, and a generalized kinetic approach to reef biogeochemistry using mass transfer theory is considered. The implication of mass transfer limitation of biogeochemical reactions is discussed in the wider context of how reefs function. It is important to take a unified approach in normalizing biogeochemical rates so that the quantification of all biogeochemical reactions can be achieved, and a more global understanding of the limits and constraints of coral reef processes and metabolism.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, 1346, Kaneohe, HI, 96744, USA

    Marlin J. Atkinson

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  1. Marlin J. Atkinson
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Correspondence to Marlin J. Atkinson .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , The Mina & Everard Goodman Fac. of Life, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel

    Zvy Dubinsky

  2. , The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 52900, Israel

    Noga Stambler

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Atkinson, M.J. (2011). Biogeochemistry of Nutrients. In: Dubinsky, Z., Stambler, N. (eds) Coral Reefs: An Ecosystem in Transition. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0114-4_13

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