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Biology

Uncertain future for ocean algae

Warming of the upper ocean may stimulate plankton metabolism, enhancing photosynthesis. This effect has received little attention, but new research suggests that it could be important enough to spur a net increase in global ocean productivity.

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Figure 1: Potential changes in surface-ocean photosynthesis and microbial-loop activity with future ocean warming.

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Correspondence to Michael Behrenfeld.

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Behrenfeld, M. Uncertain future for ocean algae. Nature Clim Change 1, 33–34 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/nclimate1069

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