[Coral-List] What effect will acidification have upon oolitic sand formation?

[Rohde,Jon]

The entire Bahama platform, some 18,000 - 20,000 feet deep, is composed
predominantly of oolitic sands.  The current Bahama banks are maintained
through the continuous production of sand, precipitated from soluble
CaCO3 as it passes over the warmer banks, to balance sand losses into
the surrounding deep ocean and turbidity currents.  With acidification,
the rate of precipitation is retarded.  Does anyone have references to
the extent of reduction in sand production with pH changes?  And the
likely effect of reduced sand production on the shallow banks and
channels of the Bahama platform?

Jon Rohde, MD
Spanish Wells
North Eleuthera
Bahamas
tel 1-242-333-4039