Potential climate signals from the deep-sea gorgonian coral Primnoa resedaeformis

摘要: The deep-sea gorgonian coral Primnoa resedaeformis has an arborescent skeleton composed of both calcite and a horn-like structural protein called gorgonin. We have investigated potential climate records in corals from Alaska, the eastern seaboard Canada United States, Southern Ocean (Pacific sector) seamount. Temperatures at these sites range 4 to ∼10 °C. δ18O values show strong evidence for isotopic disequilibrium. Extraction paleotemperatures is therefore not straightforward. Sr/Ca data, analyzed by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), suggest that temperature might be control on resedaeformis, but growth-related kinetic effects could also important. Based previous 14C, δ13C δ15N measurements, it been suggested particulate organic matter (POM) surface important carbon source polyps gorgonin fraction skeleton. similar regional differences POM. Polyps contemporaneous correlate strongly δ15N. influence nutrient composition productivity variations POM may recorded layers. These very long lifespans (several centuries). exists, therefore, obtain extended productivity, deep ocean chemistry value climatologists fisheries managers.