Phytoplankton, Calcareous Nanoplankton - The Coccolithophores

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingEntry for encyclopedia/dictionary

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Coccolithophores are small unicellular marine algae which form small scales made of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) to adorn their cells, making them key to the production of CaCO3 and its export from the upper ocean to deep-sea sediments. Since their appearance 200 million years ago they have diversified in cell architecture and ecology to an incredible degree, making them key components of both modern and past plankton communities and biogeochemical cycles. As a group, the coccolithophores have weathered previous climatic events, and continue to face challenges in a modern ocean which is rapidly warming and acidifying.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEncyclopedia of Ocean Sciences
EditorsJ. Kirk Cochran, Henry J. Bokuniewicz, Patricia L. Yager
PublisherElsevier B.V.
Pages606-612
Number of pages7
Volume1
Edition3rd
ISBN (Print)9780128130827
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Publication series

NameReference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences

Keywords

  • Calcification
  • Calcium carbonate
  • Carbon cycle
  • Coccolith
  • Coccolithophores
  • Coccosphere
  • Light
  • Mixotrophy
  • Nitrogen-fixation
  • Nutrients

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Phytoplankton, Calcareous Nanoplankton - The Coccolithophores'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this