Award Abstract # 1041070
Collaborative Research - Ocean Acidification Category 1: Interactive Effects of Temperature, Nutrients, and Ocean Acidification on Coral Physiology and Calcification

NSF Org: EF
Emerging Frontiers
Recipient: UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
Initial Amendment Date: September 7, 2010
Latest Amendment Date: July 15, 2011
Award Number: 1041070
Award Instrument: Continuing Grant
Program Manager: inna sokolova
EF
 Emerging Frontiers
BIO
 Directorate for Biological Sciences
Start Date: September 1, 2010
End Date: September 30, 2014 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $333,822.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $333,822.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2010 = $172,531.00
FY 2011 = $133,806.00
History of Investigator:
  • Wei-Jun Cai (Principal Investigator)
    wcai@udel.edu
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: University of Georgia Research Foundation Inc
310 E CAMPUS RD RM 409
ATHENS
GA  US  30602-1589
(706)542-5939
Sponsor Congressional District: 10
Primary Place of Performance: University of Georgia
623 BOYD GRADUATE RESEARCH CTR
ATHENS
GA  US  30602-0001
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
10
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): NMJHD63STRC5
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): CRI-Ocean Acidification
Primary Program Source: 01001011DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
01001112DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
Program Reference Code(s): 1228, 9178, 9179
Program Element Code(s): 800100
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.074

ABSTRACT

Atmospheric and sea surface CO2 concentrations are expected to continue to increase substantially over the coming decades resulting in warmer and more acidic oceans, which will greatly stress the health of coral reefs. In addition, ocean margins where most corals live will also see continued increases in human-produced nutrient inputs. While there has recently been a considerable focus on how ocean acidification (due to higher CO2 alone) could negatively impact the growth of reef-building corals due to the projected loss in calcification, the combined impacts of CO2, temperature, and nutrients on coral physiology and calcification are poorly understood. This project will investigate the possible synergistic and antagonistic effects of elevated temperature, CO2, and nutrients on the physiology and internal calcifying chemistry of several species of corals in a laboratory setting. Research tools will include the assessment of coral energy reserves and metabolic demand, symbiotic algal physiology and molecular diversity, coral calcification, and direct measurement of the internal coral pH and carbonate concentration via microprobes. The results from this project have the potential to supply broad scientific impacts regarding how (or if) reef-building corals will survive future climate change scenarios, and will help establish several parameter ranges that could be used to strengthen ocean acidification and coral reef growth models. Likewise, broader impacts toward further education will include the professional development of two postdoctoral scholars, two PhD graduate students, and several undergraduate students. This project will also enhance scientific and technological understanding by several public outreach efforts, including participation and research education in the Young Ocean Explorers program at the Batelle Discovery Center in Ohio, the annual Coast Day public open house at the University of Delaware, as well as advisement in the National Ocean Science Bowl in Georgia.

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