Response of Florida Shelf Ecosystems to Climate Change

Mapping and Data Integration

Shelf Sediments

Florida Shelf sediment map was developed from bottom-sample records available from usSEABED.

West Florida shelf bottom and sub-bottom are being characterized using existing sediment type datasets. Previously collected data from usSeabed and acquired data sets will be used to map the transition of heterozoan and photozoan sediments on the west Florida shelf. These data will be compared to data collected in a field-based effort to explore latitudinal changes in carbonate producing organisms.

Acquired field data are being processed and merged into a spatial database. Maps depicting distribution of marine pH, pCO₂, and DIC are being generated. Results of laboratory experiments, combined with field and existing data, will assist in the estimation of sediment budgets, in quantifying the impact of ocean acidification on Florida’s marine habitat and biota, and in the development of ecological change models.