Abyssal food limitation, ecosystem structure and climate change.
The abyssal seafloor covers more than 50% of the Earth and is postulated to be both a reservoir of biodiversity and a source of important ecosystem services. We show that ecosystem structure and function in the abyss are strongly modulated by the quantity and quality of detrital food material sinking from the surface ocean. Climate change and human activities (e.g. successful ocean fertilization) will alter patterns of sinking food flux to the deep ocean, substantially impacting the structure, function and biodiversity of abyssal ecosystems. Abyssal ecosystem response thus must be considered in assessments of the environmental impacts of global warming and ocean fertilization.
Smith
Craig R
CR
Department of Oceanography, University of Hawaii, 1000 Pope Road, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA. craigsmi@hawaii.edu
De Leo
Fabio C
FC
Bernardino
Angelo F
AF
Sweetman
Andrew K
AK
Arbizu
Pedro Martinez
PM
D000818:Animals; D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D017753:Ecosystem; D017752:Greenhouse Effect; D009792:Oceans and Seas; D013997:Time Factors