Global carbon cycle (communication arising): Metabolic balance of the open sea

Details Global carbon cycle (communication arising): Metabolic balance of the open sea Global carbon cycle (communication arising): Metabolic balance of the open sea

Nov 2003

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2003natur.426...32k&link_type=abstract

Nature, Volume 426, Issue 6962, pp. 32 (2003).

Mathematics

Logic

30

Scientific paper

The rise of oxygenic photosynthesis nearly three billion years ago led to the accumulation of free oxygen and to the subsequent diversification of life on Earth; today, nearly half of all oxygen production derives from the photosynthetic activities of marine phytoplankton. The conclusion that the open sea -- and therefore much of our planet's surface -- is in a net heterotrophic metabolic state is enigmatic and is a first-order question in the global carbon cycle, as discussed by del Giorgio and Duarte. Our findings suggest that autotrophy in the open sea is episodic and decoupled from the more constant heterotrophic processes. Consequently, the metabolic balance of the open sea depends on proper space and timescale integration to achieve an ecological understanding of life in the sea.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Global carbon cycle (communication arising): Metabolic balance of the open sea does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Global carbon cycle (communication arising): Metabolic balance of the open sea, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Global carbon cycle (communication arising): Metabolic balance of the open sea will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1766879