Environmental Microbiology, Soil Microbiology & Microbial Biogeochemistry

Microbial Biogeochemistry

Coastal upwelling regimes associated with eastern boundary currents is the most biologically productive ecosystems in the ocean. As a result, they play a disproportionately important role in the microbial mediated cycling of marine nutrients. These systems are characterized by strong natural variations in carbon dioxide concentrations, pH, nutrient levels and sea surface temperatures on both seasonal and inter annual timescales. Despite this natural variability, changes resulting from human activities are starting to emerge. Carbon dioxide derived from fossil fuel combustion is adding to the acidity of upwelled low-pH waters. Low-oxygen waters associated with coastal upwelling systems are growing in their extent and intensity as a result of a rise in upper ocean temperatures and productivity.