1.The Central Role and Threats of Coral Reefs Coral reefs play a central role in ocean and atmospheric systems by helping to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. However, as carbon dioxide leads to ocean acidification, the calcification ability of corals is compromised, and their structures become weaker, posing long-term threats to ecological and economic systems. 2.Effects of Temperature and Acidification on Coral Bleaching Rising sea temperatures are the primary cause of coral bleaching, during which corals lose their symbiotic algae, leading to a decline in their survival capacity. Additionally, ocean acidification exacerbates the reduction of coral skeletal density, making them more vulnerable to external environmental pressures and severely impacting surrounding fisheries. 3.Significance of Strontium-Calcium Ratio and Oxygen Isotopes as Climate Indicators The strontium-calcium ratio (Sr/Ca) and oxygen isotopes (δ18O) in coral skeletons are important proxies for studying past ocean temperatures and climate conditions. These geochemical indicators help scientists reconstruct paleoclimates and analyze historical variations in temperature and precipitation, providing valuable references for future climate predictions. 4.Boron Isotopes as Proxies for Ocean Acidification Boron isotopes (δ11B) reflect changes in ocean pH and are used as an acidification indicator in studies of ancient marine environments. The variation in boron isotopes is influenced by seawater pH and temperature, providing reliable data for researching ancient ocean acidification. However, temperature fluctuations can also affect measurement results, necessitating careful consideration of this factor in applications. 5.Coral's Self-Regulatory Ability Although corals can self-regulate to some extent through physiological mechanisms to cope with environmental stress, their ability to self-repair will fail when temperature and acidification exceed certain thresholds, leading to ecosystem collapse. Thus, protecting and restoring coral reefs is crucial. 6.Conclusion This activity aims to raise public awareness of ocean acidification, climate change, and the importance of coral reef conservation, showcasing the scientific value of corals in paleoclimate reconstruction and emphasizing their significance for contemporary marine conservation. Through these scientific studies, we can better understand the impacts of climate change on the ocean and develop appropriate conservation measures.

Implemented by College of Science
Date: 2024/10/21