CO2 absorption by coral reefs 1999.11.15

As a result of observations by professors from the University of Tokyo on Ishigaki Island, Okinawa Prefecture, we found that the CO2 absorption and release of coral reefs fluctuates during the season and day and night. On a daily basis, the photosynthesis of phytoplankton that coexist with corals absorbs CO2 by day, and the discharge by breathing is predominant at night. In the season, the release was noticeable in the summer, and the winter was absorbed more often. Over the years, coral reefs tend to absorb CO2.