Towards a time-temperature-transformation diagram for biogenic aragonite

Project Member(s): Dowd, A., Camp, E., Cortie, M.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Synchrotron Research Program (Australian Synchrotron Beamline)
Australian Synchrotron Research Program (Australian Synchrotron Beamline)

Start year: 2023

Summary: Although aragonite is secreted by many groups of invertebrates, it is metastable relative to calcite under ambient conditions. Biogenic aragonite is even less stable than mineral aragonite although the reasons are not fully understood. Here we compare the aragonite-calcite transformation in coral skeletons from optimum environments with that of identical species living in extreme mangrove environments. We hypothesise that the different water temperature and chemistry will result in a difference in the stability of the aragonite. If proven, this would indicate some change in microstructure, which may have relevance in a time of warming and more acid sea water.

FOR Codes: Structure and dynamics of materials, Structural properties of condensed matter, Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology), Expanding knowledge in the biological sciences, Expanding knowledge in the environmental sciences, Expanding knowledge in the chemical sciences

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.