Séminaire
Coccolithophores are one of the most abundant eukaryotic phytoplankton in the oceans and are distinguished by their ability to build calcitic platelets (coccoliths). Of the numerous species, Emiliania huxleyi is considered one of the major calcifiers in the pelagic ocean. There is growing concern that increasing levels of CO2 in the atmosphere and the subsequent acidification of the ocean may disrupt the production of coccoliths. Any change in the global distribution and abundance of E. huxleyi relative to non-calcifying groups of phytoplankton (e.g. diatoms) will have important effects on the biogeochemical cycling of carbon and climatic feedbacks. Different lines of evidence suggest E. huxleyi is increasingly expanding its range into the polar oceans. These observations contribute to the debate on the climatic effects on natural coccolithophore populations.
Diana.Ruiz-Pino@locean-ipsl.upmc.fr